03.11.2018 Firkin

Turbinenhalle, Oberhausen (Germany)

(Pentax K-5 with Tamron SP AF 17-50mm 2.8 XR Di II LD Asp IF)

It was incredibly crowded and that already on the parking lot. That was why it took so long at the entrance and the concert of the support act Firkin began kindly 15 minutes later than scheduled. I first absolutely did not know that there should be a support act because in the internet as well as on my ticket there was nothing mentioned about that. But what was presented then was really fascinating.
Until the end I wouldn't dream of thinking of having a Hungarian band in front of me because of they came across as "Irish". And it all started very quiet. The set started with sounds only of flute and violin and only shortly after all members of the band entered the stage. After that a wild ride through Irish folk/punk music began that enthralled and did not release one. Hereto not only singer Andor Kovács-Nemes (called Andy) contributed who swirled wildly across the stage wearing his Guinness shirt. Not less lively were violinist Lili Virág and flutist Péter János harmonizing perfectly. For the needed hardness the rest of the band took care: Balázs Kárpáti on guitar, Péter Szuna on bass and last but not least Róbert Juhász on drums.
The band already exists for 10 years now after all and in spring they released their current album "We Are The Ones" of which the snappy track "Those Irish Punk Girls" was played. The atmosphere at the jam-packed Turbinenhalle was already before the concert had started terrific but now emotions were boiling over for the first time. Especially also due to the fact that the crowd was alternately encouraged by the musicians. There was no time to take a breath during the short set and so it went from one thrilling track to the other. Only shortly before the end of the gig Andy insisted on testing the audience whether they still knew the name of the main act of that evening which was responded loudly.
There was nothing left to say to this act except that they left me speechless. So much energy and such an overwhelming atmosphere I did never expect. The only drop of bitterness at that evening: For the first time ever I was allowed to go into the stage pit and directly during the first song the lens barrel thread kicked the bucket. I was still able to zoom but only very heavyhanded and partially only by manually pulling out the lens barrel. Shit happens! Anyhow, it was worth it and luckily the pictures were still quite good. Excited I was looking for Saltatio Mortis full of anticipation what will come after this fulminant opening. The guys and the girl will also stop next year at Germany during their tour and I can only advice anybody to have a look at them!