Rock Monsters Romania

Spring means the festival period is back, and this year it’s stronger than ever. And what better way to start it than with Europavox Bucharest? For the fourth consecutive year, Control was the host in the heart of the pulsating city of Bucharest.

Amazed by Oana Filip’s passionate article from Scena9 about last year’s edition in Zagreb, and still gutted that I missed last year’s edition in Bucharest where D.E.N.I.S. stole the show, I was ready for a special night.

Reception

Was it a festival or a conference? Both, to be honest, and this was also the feeling among the organizers.

The reception was a bold start to the night, where the organizers presented the results of the past years. It was nice to see people from Gen, Ştiri and Gen Zette there, alongside notable names from the music industry, including the project coordinators of Women in Music Romania. I strongly believe that Romanian music and press can only grow if people from the industry support each other.

But now… let’s talk about the bands!

Kadjavsi (RO)

First of all, I feel ashamed that I did not know about them earlier.

With a unique combination of electro-rock and violin that reminded me of the Dora Gaitanovici band (I know the style is completely different), they surprised me. The vocals were amazing and gave me chills. I absolutely loved their style and energy, which transported me to the feeling of the first band on a Summer Well Saturday—always a banger.

It’s definitely a project you should keep an eye on. They have great potential, especially considering their Western European style, which suited this festival perfectly.

MEULE (FR)

I entered the Berlin Hall after a short break. On the stage, there were two sets of drums, an alien-like synth board, and a guitar with uncut strings. At first, it reminded me of Marina & The Kats when I saw them at the MMB 2023 Showcase. But nothing could have prepared me for what was coming.

With the attitude of world rock stars, they took everyone by complete surprise. And oh, how good those drummers were—they were the best I have ever seen at any show! The feeling was probably boosted by the amazing concept.

Before I knew what had happened, the set was over. It felt like a second and left me completely amazed. I would love to see them back on stage in Bucharest as soon as possible, and I feel like Romanian bands could learn a thing or two from them.

Quel spectacle incroyable, merci beaucoup ! À bientôt!

Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys (DE)

I thought the highlight of the night had already passed at this point, but then Lucy was next, and everyone was hyped, so I knew it was going to be great.

Her vocals, her movements, her transitions, and her serene calmness were nearly hypnotic. She was what I had expected from Florence at Summer Well back in 2023, but much better.

I felt like her performance was the only one where the audience was left breathless; you couldn’t hear any voices or noise. Everyone was captivated, and the only people moving were those capturing the moment.

Lucy stole the show, but I have to give credit to the band, who sounded incredible live, while the lights set the mood perfectly, as if it were a vinyl record playing, not a live band.

If they are back in Romania soon and you like music (the genre does not matter), I feel like they are a must-see, especially under the lights of Control.

Pip Blom (NL)

Fatigue was setting in for everyone in Berlin Hall when the band stepped on stage. The crowd was thinning, and it was noticeable.

I loved the band’s stage graphics before the show; it gave me vibes of ABBA, Queen, and bands from Manchester or Liverpool that I usually see at Summer Well every year, reminding me of two bands I listen to frequently: Red Rum Club and Hayes&Y.

The band was good, but they didn’t bring something special like the first ones did. I enjoyed their vibe and attitude, but the music felt somewhat basic. Despite this, I would likely go see them again and give them another chance to impress me, especially in a concert instead of a festival and perhaps earlier than nearly midnight.

At the end of the day, it was an amazing experience to see four bands from four different genres and countries live, with the Europavox spirit in full force. But that wasn’t all, as Day 2 was approaching with full force!

Text and photos by Radu Mihai