Rock Monsters Romania

WARNING: This review will introduce you to amazing bands and songs that may captivate you and leave you obsessed with them.

It was a pleasant April afternoon, shortly after Easter, when I decided that it was the perfect time for a concert. (To be honest, in my opinion, anytime is a good time for a concert.)

This time, it was a special concept, a mini-series of concerts that promoted alternative rock bands. I missed the first concert but decided that the second one was a must-see, especially because The Pub is the perfect venue for such combinations. This time featured Heartbreak Cinema, a band that had recently released the first album with the members, and Jack of all Trades, an alternative band that has grown close to our hearts in recent years.

I was slightly disappointed to see that only a few people attended the concert, but I suppose they might still be recovering from their Easter Romanian traditional feasts.

The first band was Heartbreak Cinema, and even though the sound quality was lacking, which was clearly not their fault, it was evident that they have a promising future with the right guidance. Maria, Radu, and their style remind me of IC3PEAK, and I believe they share the same growth potential.

Their set started in full force with “Plot Twist,” one of the band’s most popular songs. However, they had to take a short break immediately afterward due to a sound issue. I believe this is quite common in the underground music scene; you work with what you have.

I loved the live interpretation of “Sin,” but I liked “I KILL EVERYTHING I TOUCH” even more. With an intro that reminded me of Metallica’s “One,” the song is truly a masterpiece filled with chaotic energy that was perfectly showcased live by Maria going wild on the stage.

The combination of EDM, Rock, and other styles is something that will catapult the band to popularity in no time, so be sure to check them out now.

After a short break, Jack of all Trades hopped on the stage, ready to put on a show that combined a diverse range of musical genres. I believe these guys are the perfect band for a laid-back night in town at a concert when you want to have some fun. From more “serious” songs like “Vanitatea” or “Numitor comun” to their hit “Joacă-te Fifa,” I feel like it’s an experience that takes you through a spectrum of emotions and music genres all in one set.

One thing I love about the band is the vibes. They are the perfect example that you can have fun and produce great songs simultaneously. I also appreciate their collaborations and had a good laugh when they brought up Bogdan Tănăsescu from Rana on stage with the introduction “Piteşti gave us Adi Mutu and Bogdan Tănăsescu.”

All in all, despite sound problems at the beginning, the concert was fantastic, and I would love to see them engage in a collaboration in the future.

A piece of advice for you? If you see that these bands will have a show in your city, don’t hesitate; you certainly won’t regret it.

Review and photos by Radu Mihai