Rock Monsters Romania

By Eduard Istrate

I think this is one of the best shows I have ever attended. While I usually start my articles with some sort of eccentric description or analogy, I need to make it clear that this concert is truly one of the best I have ever seen. The Groovy Bastards opened for The Kryptonite Sparks, but saying they were just an opening act is a huge insult to their electrifying performance. This is why I think it’s appropriate to divide this article into two sections: one about The Groovy Bastards and one about The Kryptonite Sparks. So, let’s begin.

The Groovy Bastards

This performance filled me with so much energy and joy I can justifiably say these feelings were shoved down my throat. It felt like they were enjoying themselves so much I couldn’t help but do the same. The band is composed of truly brilliant musicians with just the right amount of edgy punk attitude. Obviously, they rocked Quantic.

I have no idea how Ioana, the lead singer, can talk so casually to a crowd that big. Even if you have no amount of stage fright in your body, I supposed everybody changes their attitude when they are being stared at by so many strangers. But I guess I was wrong. She talked to the audience as if she were hanging out with someone at a bar. Ioana owned the crowd.

As I was saying earlier, they are not only talented musicians, but they also have an attitude perfect for stage performance. Only someone with a little bit of quirkiness can think of having a dueling solo with an electric guitar and a kazoo. Yes, a kazoo. 

The moment that stood out for me the most was when they interpreted a song named “23:22” from their newly released album “Charades.” The song is basically about an old neighbor complaining about the loud music the band is playing. The drummer played the role of the old neighbor, and it was hilarious. To quote Motorhead, if you think the “only way to feel the noise is when it’s good and loud”, you might relate to this song quite a bit. I know I did.

While I could go on and on about why The Groovy Bastards were so great, we still have another band to get to. To conclude this section, I strongly suggest you go see them live as soon as you possibly can. Also, their new album Charades is out, so you should listen to it. I really enjoyed it.

Now, on with the main act.

The Kryptonite Sparks

After The Groovy Bastards walked off the stage, I was really doubting that their performance could be matched. I thought that this would be one of those moments where one band totally eclipses the other. Again, I was wrong. Their performance has been stuck in my mind for the longest time. Saying the concert was filled with emotion is an understatement. I loved every second of it.

The band gave everything they got. Both physically and mentally. At the end of the show, you could see how exhausted they were. In spite of this, they somehow managed to keep the show going at maximum intensity for the whole set. When you see someone being this invested in what they do, it is usually a sign that they are amazing at their craft. And they are.

From the very danceable “Ești” to the way-too-tearful “În Vis,” the concert was a rollercoaster of emotions. When they were having fun,you were having fun. If they want to make you cry, you will have no choice in the matter. They are masters of expressing emotion and also seem like very likable guys, which I think helps the audience feel closer to them. Also, they gave the crowd a bottle of whiskey to share. That might have helped too.

After rocking out on the stage with the fans, they finally revealed their new single “La tine acasă”. The music video is very interesting, but I am going to be honest and admit I don’t really understand it. I really suggest you watch it. But I did enjoy the song!

With a true iconic rockstar moment, the lead singer and guitarist concluded the show by taking his strings off of his guitar and throwing them to the crowd. Just thinking of that ending gives me chills to this day. Răzvan Diaconu’s stage presence is totally insane. Everything he does is so natural and cool you kind of gain confidence just by observing him. In this aspect, he is a very inspiring person.

I am now going to take a moment to address something about both bands. Whoever decided The Groovy Bastards should open for The Kryptonite Sparks deserves some sort of award. Only a huge amount of chemistry could make a show this memorable. They are very alike in the sense that they invest all of their energy into putting up the best show they possibly can. I will definitely see them live again. Each band individually, or maybe together again. Who knows?

And a big THANK YOU to all of the artists involved. Your effort to make an amazing performance pays off by giving people experiences they will never forget. At least I know I won’t. I hope to see you again soon!