Finland has a knack for exporting unlikely cultural treasures. Refined oil, filmmaker Aki Kaurismäki, a prime minister who briefly broke the internet, and of course the enduring rock n’ roll vampires of The 69 Eyes. On this cold Paris night (technically Vauréal, but let's not nitpick) the children of the night answered the call, braving the chill to gather in the dark, and were rewarded accordingly.
The band delivered a set that balanced hard rock muscle with new wave sheen, often recalling the sleazy elegance of early eighties Billy Idol. The songs were catchy, gloomy, knowingly tongue in cheek and above all fun, driven by a seasoned rock n’ roll attitude that never feels forced. Jyrki 69’s voice remains perfectly suited to the role, low, brooding and effortlessly cool, a gothic presence as much as an instrument. Highlights included "If You Love Me the Morning After" from 2012’s X and the immortal "Lost Boys" from 2004’s Devils, proof that The 69 Eyes have built a catalogue designed to outlast trends, daylight and good taste alike.
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