Fredagar på Sibbe: Barlast

Barlast is a playful laboratory of musical communication and expression. The Finnish ensemble’s music is a blend of Nordic folk music, contemporary music, jazz and art rock, made possible only by the diverse backgrounds of the band members:

When not performing with Barlast, band leader and double bass player Philip Holm makes experimental music on old machines turned into instruments. Percussionist and flautist Minna Koskenlahti has studied the connections between boxing and drumming and is an in-demand musician in both traditional and avant-garde music projects. Woodwind player Santte Salonen composes musical fantasies and orchestral pieces and leads their party metal folk band Ritva Nero. Guitar wizard Heikki Hänninen leads the Americana band Buko Shane and his deep love for American music in its many forms brings influences of anything from Eric Dolphy to Townes van Zandt and Frank Zappa to Swans.

The result is a sum greater than its parts. Barlast’s music has been described as a spectral wonder – a fusion that might sound difficult on paper but is in fact easy and captivating to listen to.

Since its foundation in 2016, Barlast has released four albums and performed in clubs, festivals and showcase festivals around Europe and Japan. In 2025, the group is releasing its fifth album, which incorporates AI algorithms trained by the band to imitate traditional Finnish-Swedish singing and herding calls.

Tickets 25€/15€, doors 18.00.