Rock Monsters Romania

Back in 2019, I had my first encounter with a small band from Pitești called Nuanțe. They were opening the album release show for “Extrovertit Selectiv” by Jack of all Trades. Unfortunately, I could not arrive at the concert, but I started listening to their music. At that time, they had only ”Două minute” released as an album. 

In 2022, I also saw them live for the first time at The Pub Universității with Jack of all Trades and liked the atmosphere a lot, so when Gabi Arsene, the drummer of the band, told me that they were back in Bucharest, I immediately thought, “Yeah, let’s do it again!” So last Thursday, on the 19th of October, I was heading to The Pub for a new concert. Since the last concert I’ve been to, they have also released another album called “Cântece Mute”.

Even though the doors were open for less than half an hour, the tables at the front of the stage were nearly full. My first thought was that it was nice to see that even small bands are appreciated in Bucharest. Later, I discovered that most of the people in the crowd came from Pitești, but my point still stands, albeit in a slightly different context, making it more heartwarming.

The show kicked off a little past 8:30 PM with “Cu mâinile goale,” a song that started energetically but ended on a mellow note. This contrasted with Nuanțe’s set, which commenced with a sentimental tone and gradually transformed into an upbeat, dance-infused performance. Throughout their set, they showcased their most popular songs, featuring remarkable solos. Notably, Edi’s bass intro in “Două minute” stood out. I also observed an enhancement in Andu’s guitar solos, and Gabi’s drumming was truly outstanding.

I enjoyed the intimate atmosphere of the concert, where the band shared stories about their songs before performing them, cracked jokes, and reminisced about previous concerts. I also appreciated Edi Bolbea’s bass, adorned with a large sticker featuring the legendary FC Argeș striker Nicolae Dobrin. It was heartwarming to see their support for the local team, even during a challenging period for football in Argeș County.

They also brought a special guest to the stage, Vladimir Gheorghiu, which was a complete surprise for me. I only knew him as an amazing photographer, but his performance was truly great. Just wow.

Other special moments included when the band sang “Galben” along with the audience, and during the encore’s closing with “Roi de fluturi.” This song, in particular, was more of a collective effort with the crowd singing along, and it sounded absolutely amazing.

In conclusion, the concert provided an ideal atmosphere to unwind after a long Thursday, ushering in the anticipation of Friday, or “Weekend Jr.” as some of my friends called it. The overall experience left a desire for a swift return, especially if the event takes place at The Pub. The combination of good music, an intimate atmosphere, unexpected highlights like special guest appearances, and the enthusiastic engagement of the audience made for a memorable evening. If the band performs in your city, it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss.

Review and photos by Radu Mihai