Rock Monsters Romania

The MMB Showcase has consistently served as a starting point for artists looking to reach new heights.

In 2022, the biggest standout was Piqued Jacks, who made it all the way to represent San Marino in the Eurovision semi-finals. Another notable band was Woodstock Barbie from Hungary, which had an impressive European tour, which included shows in Romania and provided an opportunity for Romanian bands and artists. E-an-na, Zimbru, IOVA, and HVNDS delivered incredible performances–IOVA’s song even made its way to the Tomorrowland Festival this year!

While 2022 was a hit, the 2023 edition of the Showcase, which unfolded from the 5th to the 7th of September in the Expirat Club, felt even better. But which star or future star shone the most?

DAY 1

The first day was a dynamic blend of intense energy and heartfelt songs. I arrived shortly after OIEE‘s electric dance set had begun, and it was clear that this project had an abundance of joy. They had the entire Expirat’s backyard dancing to the tunes, making it the first set that left me wanting more. It was the perfect way to kick off the event.

Sofia Zadar took the stage next, and I was eager to witness their live performance after missing their show at Summer Well. Their experimental pop with electronic elements, paired with the Florence-inspired clothing, sent shivers down my spine. It was a type of performance I had never seen in Romania before. The fact that the concert was held indoors allowed the lights and sound to create a mesmerising atmosphere.

Next on stage was Musspell, a Romanian band hailing from Cluj. I had never heard of them before MMB, so their performance took me by surprise. It truly touched my heart. Defining their performance by a single musical genre is a challenge – they blend different styles of pop, rock and a bit of electro. The simplicity of their songs and their natural stage presence was nothing short of amazing, transporting me to a natural setting with birdsong and the rustling of the wind. It’s hard to believe that I was actually in the heart of Bucharest, amidst a sizable crowd, listening to their songs. Musspell is a band worth keeping an eye on!

KLAWO was up next, and their performance revealed just how many people could pack onto Expirat’s indoor stage. Hailing from Gdańsk, this band stole the show. Their style reminded me a bit of Let 3’s performance at Eurovision 2023, but the energy and the unexpected combination of musical instruments gave off a distinct East European flavour. Even though they are just starting out, it’s clear they’ll make a big impact on the internet scene very soon. Dobra robota!

The night concluded with an eccentric performance by K not K, although this time it didn’t capture my attention as much, probably because it was not a genre I usually listen to.

DAY 2

Regrettably, I couldn’t attend the second day of the showcase. However, I asked my friend who was there to sum it up:

“It was a nice night that ended with a very good performance by Mihail in a nearly full Expirat. It was nice to see Francis (Francis On My Mind) live finally, and I liked the attitude of the band from Bulgaria (Time Jugglers), they are pretty good.”

DAY 3

The first two days of the event must have been tiring for everyone involved, but that didn’t stop the public from showing up for the last night of the Showcase to enjoy music and drinks.

I missed Prima Dragoste‘s performance due to the terrible traffic in Bucharest—just a typical day in this city, right? But I arrived in time to catch Rodney Branigan‘s double-guitar performance. He struck me as a potential entertainer who could shine on a talent show with his impressive combination of musical and acrobatic skills.

Marina & The Kats, a 4-piece band from Austria, were up next. I didn’t know much about them except that they had an abundance of drums, which I noticed during their rehearsals. Their performance was impressive. Their unique blend of indie and swing instantly transported me to the past. It was, without a doubt, the best non-Romanian band performance I’ve witnessed this year. They executed everything flawlessly and effortlessly. I can’t wait to see them again as soon as possible.

Lia Hide was up next, featuring a familiar pop vibe with Balkan influences. However, I couldn’t help but feel that her slot in the program didn’t do her justice. 

Amy Montgomery graced the stage next with a powerful and iconic rock performance, exuding pure energy. Her look and movements reminded me of Lena Scissorhands from Infected Rain, making it evident that she possessed talent, passion, and considerable stage experience. Her voice was not only powerful but also versatile, which made me believe she could tackle any music genre. It was an extraordinary performance leading up to the grand finale.

The last performer of the night was none other than Dora Gaitanovici. It was my first time seeing her with her band, having only witnessed her in an acoustic and electric set with E-an-na back in March. Her entire performance felt like a dream, and being in the front row made it even more surreal. Dora’s powerful voice and impeccable notes left me stunned, and I could see how much she had improved since spring. Hard work pays off. The band, featuring Irina, Codruț, Denis, Dante and Dani, was absolutely terrific, everyone was perfectly in sync, and connected to each other. Dora’s show exceeded my expectations, and if I were to rank it, it would be up there with major concerts I’ve attended, such as Metallica and Arctic Monkeys. 

The MMB Showcase once again delivered an incredible experience. Dora Gaitanovici and Marina & The Kats truly shone, and I had the opportunity to discover intriguing acts like Musspell and Sofia Zadar, which I saw live for the first time. I’m eagerly anticipating next year’s edition, as applications are already open until February 5th!

Text and photos by Radu Mihai