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Ulver + Mamiffer - 4/21/2011 - Nosturi - Helsinki

More than one year has passed since that amazing evening here in Nosturi in occasion of Ulver’s first tour ever. There was some magic in that night which will make me remember it as one of the best shows I’ve seen in these past years.
Once again, Helsinki is the end of the line for the travels over Europe of the Norwegian band, even if this time there’s room for one show only. The gig is not sold out as there are still tickets at the entrance, but the venue is nonetheless packed as in the great occasions. At least when it comes to the headliner. It’s in fact a real shame that when it’s Mamiffer’s turn to hit the stage, the place is still half-empty.
The atmospheres recreated by the American trio, lead by the pianist Faith Coloccia, and by the now more present Aaron Turner (ISIS anyone?) are really something worth seeing, no kidding. I had heard really positive opinions about Mamiffer, but as I always prefer to make my own, I was really impressed. For roughly half-hour Nosturi darkened into a gloomy scenery, surrounded by the silence of the audience concentrated on the show, and then in between just the music. Nothing else. And it works painfully well.
“Mare Decendrii”, their latest album, is obviously the protagonist in this captivating performance, but when after four songs their gig ends, is the biggest disappointment of the evening. I really think many people will have checked them out better after watching this show. For who missed them, do it now!

I came here today at this Ulver concert, as I mentioned, with the memory of a great live. I have to confess that I haven’t got to like the new “Wars Of The Roses” much, after listening to it a few times, and so when I read the setlist of this tour, it was a bit of a disappointment. The whole record is played in it’s entirety, and even if it has its good moments there is still much better in the band’s wide discography.
I was then at least prepared to it, and after all I knew also that the show in itself would have been worth it regardless of the songs. It was indeed the case. But still I missed the presence of Pamelia Kurstin and her theremin, used in “Shadows Of The Sun”. That was a great addition, and one of the elements that made me love the songs from the previous record played live.
Starting from “February MMX”, the band receives still great applauses from a crowd completely into this intriguing combination of music and visuals in the background, some taken from last year, mixed with new ones. It’s immediately clear how Daniel O’Sullivan has become one with the latest sound of the band, and a great influence on it (See for example “England” or the long monologue of “Stone Angels”), and this has softened their music quite a bit.
Enchanted by this atmosphere part of the audience is once again literally moved (I remember people crying at this, and even more at the previous show!), especially when the final “Hallways Of Always” comes. Here you can really see the difference between the new material and the older hits. I really hope I will see Ulver again soon, but hopefully with a more thoughtful set, as the gig was no match compared to last year. However it was still amazing!


Setlist Ulver:
01) February MMX
02) England
03) September IV
04) Providence
05) Norwegian Gothic
06) Island
07) Stone Angels
08) Hallways Of Always


Photos:
Ulver


Mamiffer


Report a cura di Marco Manzi