The Finnish act and song was chosen on 28th February through the national final "Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu". A winner was declared after jury and televoting points were added together with a weighting of 25% and 75% respectively. Going to Vienna is the duet of violinist Linda Lampenius and singer Pete Parkkonen with the song "Liekinheitin" (Flamethrower)
The focus starts on Pete who is dimly lit and dressed in black. He is sat near a window-cum-confession booth through which Linda can be seen. As the first violin solo comes in, the lighting becomes brighter with reds and oranges. Linda is dressed in a flowing silver dress, knee high boots and is heavy on the wind machine. Pete's sections are filmed with the prop but as Linda move closer, the window is set on fire and finishes in a final tableau with Linda standing over Pete with chairs also on fire. Like many recent entries, this is wholly in Finnish and recounts a dangerous love, switching between hot and cold. Most of the movement is done by the camera work which cuts between the duo and the last 50 seconds is done in one shot. The song has a Nordic, Melodifestivalen feel to the concept and delivery, with a fierce ending a la JJ or Erik Vikman.
The audience takes little time to start clapping and when Linda does her solo the crowd whoops into even more appreciation. The staging is eye-catching but it would be nice to see more of Pete out of the dim lighting. Non-Finnish speakers can feel the tension and drama on stage but there is a sense that the minutiae in the lyrics is going over your head. The backing track is powerful but the sung tune is less memorable. This is a well put together and professional entry which will go down well with all.
ARTIST - Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen
SONG – Liekinheitin
WRITING/PRODUCTION CREDITS – Lauri Halavaara, Vilma Alina Lähteenmäki, Linda Lampenius, Pete Parkkonen, Antti Riihimäki
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