Negative, background music for a sunny afternoon
A sunny day was showing off its best sides when Negative took the stage. During their set I came to realize that you really shouldn’t try too hard, cos that’s what they did.
Music like theirs sounds best when it’s listened to from afar, like a radio blasting in the distance. The correct way to use music is to have a drink and a chat with friends. Other than that it’s hard to find proper reasons to hear Negative live. Basically they’ve got everything that’s needed, but are left lacking in the energy department.
If you knew their songs, you had no trouble enjoying yourself. The people farther back were left cold. The hit songs Love Is Right Now and Moments Of Our Life got a positive response. For me the high point of their gig was somewhere in the middle, when some apparently new & unrecorded song differed from its surroundings enough to be noticed.
Their guitar player was rather good, should you enjoy guitar solos. And you’ve gotta give credit to Jonne, the lead singer, for trying to keep the audience entertained. Their slower numbers created peaceful aural oases in midst of the faster songs.
Text: Terhi Lilja
Pictures: Minna Väliheimo