Rock Monsters Romania

Carturesti Carusel has always had a special place in my heart and is also probably one of the most special places for every booklover that lives in Bucharest. But what if you combine this with an acoustic concert?

Well, I finally got my answer on March 15 when E-an-na performed a special acoustic concert with the assistance of Overground Music. I believe this moment will remain a milestone for concerts held in this incredible venue.

To be honest, I did not know what to expect from the show as it was the first time seeing the acoustic set of E-an-na live. I entered Cartureşti around six o’clock (in the evening of course) and the first thought was “I expected more people”. But that feeling was present for only a few minutes as more and more and more people came through the front door. When the concert started at half past six, the bookstore was packed with people on the ground-floor and the first two floors. It was a mesmerizing view.

How did the concert feel from the first second? Like a dream. The atmosphere was so warm and pure, and you could see the happiness and emotions in Roxana’s, Andrei’s and Ioana’s eyes, as well as in the audience.

I loved hearing new versions of the songs from “M.L.R”, especially “Toropeală”. At this point I can’t even keep the pace with the number of versions the band has for each of their songs.

The show also featured a special guest. Dora Gaitanovici, the third-place winner of Eurovision Romania 2022 and probably the brightest star among Romania’s new generation of rock stars, joined them on the “stage” for two special moments. The first one was when they performed “Apele Înghețate” from E-an-na’s album “Nesfârşite”, which was released in 2019. From the beginning, I was impressed by the chemistry between them. It looked like they had known each other for years, even though they had their first rehearsal just a day before. It was clear that before my eyes was immense talent.

The second song I was talking about was “Malere”. Yes, “Malere”, the song from Eurovision 2022. In a special warm atmosphere where everyone was clapping their hands, another version of the song was born, probably the best one yet in my opinion.

The show, which I had hoped would last forever, ended with a small compilation of “old” E-an-na songs such as “Codru” or “Jiana.” Those few minutes reminded me of how I discovered them back in 2018 and made me feel nostalgic but happy to have had the opportunity to see them live in such a magical concert.

Even though their electric show was less than 24 hours away, all the members from E-an-na and also Dora took their time with every fan that wanted to have a picture with them, wanted an autograph or just to talk with them. Aside their music, this is probably what makes the band even more special: their kindness.

An amazing evening had come to an end, but chaos and pure energy were expected the day after at Expirat, where they were set to perform their electric show in front of a full house…

Article by Radu Mihai

Photos by Patricia Manole and Radu Mihai