Text and photos by Ionela Pleșan
Welcome to 2024, and now that we’re done with the formalities, let’s get back to what matters, and that’s the bands you should be following this year:
VANDAAL
Vandaal, of course, I’ll add them to this list. They were one of my discoveries in 2023, and I’m really curious to see what they’ll do in 2024. My journey with this band started on a weekend when I had nothing to do. I saw there was an Underworld concert, and from there, it’s history. They have such great energy, and they blend stoner and cool grunge. I especially love the bass lines and drums, but Hash’s vocals and Larry’s guitar don’t disappoint either. I like them because it seems they’ve built a community around them. I’ve been to a few Vandaal concerts in 2023, and I always see familiar faces. That’s something really cool for a band. At the end of 2023, Alexandru Hărătău announced his departure from the band, but if you still want to see Hără playing, go to Djuvara’s concerts; I heard they’re great live. I’m curious to see who the Vandaal guys will bring on drums, what’s next for them in 2024, and which concerts I’ll catch. So, see you in 2024 at Vandaal’s concerts.
E-AN-NA
Another band I’m curious about in 2024 is E-an-na. Yes, maybe they’re not as mainstream, and they have a quite large audience, but I’ve been listening to them since 2016–2017. I’ve seen them grow, and I’ve grown with them, celebrating every milestone they reach. They’re my weak spot, if you will. There’s a part of me that enjoys folk metal besides metalcore or punk. I’m curious about what 2024 holds for them, how many concerts I’ll attend, and how much I’ll talk about them with my friends. So, keep an eye on E-an-na, go to their concerts, and see you there, in the front row, screaming every verse.
PS: I wouldn’t mind hearing the old song ‘Cei Căzuți’ live, thanks.
CRISTINA LUPU
Cristina Lupu is pure emotion. She strikes me as the type of person who is very fragile and feels everything with maximum intensity. I love people who talk about their experiences and feelings, and I’m usually drawn to such individuals. I think that’s why I like Cristina Lupu so much. She is sincere, a girl with a guitar, and that’s it. I look forward to hearing more songs from Cristina in 2024 and seeing if she explores other themes besides love
PRIVATE VERGANZA
Private Verganza is the band of youngsters I discovered opening for Pistol Cu Capse’s concert at Fabrica last year. They had a short slot, but they impressed me with their energy and the passion for playing they have. Not to mention, the bass and drums sound really good. They seem like the kind of band that makes music for pleasure, as a hobby after school or university, and you can see and feel this. I also like their audience; it seems very fresh, with people just discovering underground music or, on the contrary, listening exclusively to this genre. So, keep your eyes on Private Verganza.
TAXAWAL
Taxaval is the band that intrigued me the most in 2023. They’re also youngsters, with a sound more mature than Private Verganza, if you ask me, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t sound good. I caught them at Filaret 16, but only for about 2 songs before the police were called due to the sound. It was the best concert I’ve ever been to. I felt like the ultimate punker. I’ve never been to a concert that ended abruptly for such reasons. I recommend listening to these guys; I wish to see them in the new lineup, but go to Filaret 16 as well. It’s the kind of place where you feel very familiar, and the people are really cool.
E.M.I.L.
E.M.I.L. is worth following in 2024 because they are about to release their new album, and oh, how I’ve been waiting for it. I can’t wait to listen to it and see their evolution, but I’m even more excited for the album launch concert. I’m in the mood for an E.M.I.L. concert where I can move in the mosh pit, scream lyrics, and hear ‘Pisica’ live. Please sing ‘Pisica,’ thank you.
TAKING BACK AUGUST
Taking Back August is one of my favorite metalcore bands from Romania. In 2024, they’re releasing their second album. I’m curious about the direction they’ll take, how much it will resemble or differ from the first album, what influences will be present, and each member’s involvement in creating the album. If you haven’t been to a Taking Back August concert yet, you’ve missed a lot. From mosh pits, growls to a lively bass. I recommend going to see them, listening to their breakdowns, and listening to their music. Plus, I’m looking forward to the collaboration between TBA and Nicu de la Căzănești, the featuring the guys talked about at the Bandbook release.
See you on February 8 at the album launch!
FITTONIA
I’m eagerly awaiting an album from Fittonia and more concerts. These guys are a bizarre and cool combination of metalcore with glam, but also with a typical Transylvanian sense of humor. They move like I’ve never seen any band move. The bassist has a guitarist’s attitude, and they even have keyboards. It’s very intriguing for a band that approaches this genre combined with a lot of other styles. Each instrument sounds different, but they meet in the middle, creating something super cool. I recommend listening to them and following them on social media to brighten your days!
They released an album in 2023 that doesn’t really connect with what they’ve done before. It’s much more punk, exploring other styles, and with the current lineup, I think it’s the best so far. I’ve been listening to Eyedrops for years; they’re one of my favorite bands, and I was very happy to see them slowly becoming punk. I’m very curious about what 2024 has in store for them.
I really want to hear an album from Delta pe Obraz. They’re so dear to me, and they have perfect chemistry on stage. I’ve listened to them acoustic, electric, and silently at a silent concert, and I always go to their concerts with great pleasure. I’m curious about the themes they’ll tackle on the album. If they’ll be as sad as the themes in their other songs or if they’ll explore a different style. All I know is that I want more poetry written by Gheorghe Gușan on Delta pe Obraz’s instrumental.
PISTOL CU CAPSE
Pistol cu Capse is set to release their new album in 2024, and I’m eager to listen to it as soon as possible. I grew up with PCC in front of the TV. I want to know what themes they’ll address in the new album, the contributions of each member, and to attend another Pistol cu Capse concert and have fun as if there’s no tomorrow.
Who to follow in 2024 if you’re interested in the underground scene?
Irina Marinescu from Rock FM, who has Rock the Underground segment every Tuesday on the radio, where she talks about all the concerts of the respective week and shares her experiences at the underground concerts she attends.
Razvan Patachi from CriticEyez, who promotes underground concerts, and from whom you have the chance to discover new bands and maybe find your new obsession in 2024.
Bogdan Munteanu, aka Munteanu, if you don’t know where to go for concerts. You can always find events on Bogdan’s pages.
Andrea Stanciu for the coolest concert photos. See what you missed, or maybe what you should attend next.
BandBook, is the new artist booking agency. They have a diverse portfolio with very different artists who, at the platform’s launch during the 2023 showcase, did not disappoint at all. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us in 2024.
In conclusion, 2024 promises to be a year full of concerts, new appearances, music to listen to, bands to follow, and people to keep an eye on.
Till next time, see you at different concerts and start listening to these bands today on every streaming platform.
See you soon!
Rock Monsters Romania 
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