Rock Monsters Romania

Text and photos by Ana-Maria Corjos

Luna Amară offered us a concert to remember on May 17th, 2024, as their fans always expect, but this time in Club Control. They released their new single, “Distanțe depline”, showing the world once again what it means to be truly dedicated and passionate artists.

The opening act of this concert was beautifully put together by the Outflow band. Luna Amară claims to have called them for this concert because they support young, small bands, especially one that comes from the same city as them, Cluj-Napoca. The Outflow band is formed by four young guys: Alex Silvestru (bassist), Călin “Lucian” Blaga (guitarist), Mircea Georocoveanu (drummer), and Florin Ciotlăuș (lead singer and rhythm guitarist). They warmed up the crowd before Luna Amară started their show.

Luna Amară is a band dating back to 1999. It was founded in Cluj by Nick Făgădar (singer and guitarist), under the initial name “Tanagra Noise”. One year later, the band came on stage under their current name that we are all screaming now at every single concert (or the shorter nickname: “Luna”). During the concert, Mihnea, who usually takes the opportunity to raise awareness on different topics once he is up on stage, took a moment to give a little speech. This time, he told us that even though they are an “old” band, they still have inspiration and drive to write new music. And they are grateful for it.

The other members completing the band are: Mihnea Blidariu (singer, guitarist, and trumpeter), Andrei Boțan (guitarist), Sorin Moraru (bassist), and Robert Moțoc (drummer). The sound of this well-known Romanian band is so contrasting from all the industry, especially thanks to Mihnea’s trumpet. We can enjoy his trumpet in songs like: “Roșu Aprins”, “Gri Dorian”, “Ego nr. 4”, “Întunecare”, “Albastru”, and many more.

Apart from the dreamy trumpet, the band stands out with the help of their amazing guitar riffs and vocals. I believe the impact of Luna Amară consists in awakening messages blended with otherworldly instrumental music. Some personal favourite songs in this sense are: “În gol”, “Oraș”, “Bathtub Glory”, “Versus”, “Se Întâmplă-n Romania”, “Luni de Fiere”, and others.

One of their most loved songs is “Dizident”, because it is full of meaning and drops of rage for the unfairness in the world. They do not play it every single concert, but this time they did, since the elections were coming. Regarding this matter, the members of Luna Amară always make sure to advise their public to live a life full of love, peace, and understanding, especially since the world started to have all sorts of problems, like the pandemic and the wars.

The members of Luna Amară are very expressive and fill up the stage every single time. They show their audience how much they love being in front of us, and at the same time, we also show our love for the band. This is how the amazing energy, almost overwhelmingly good energy, always occurs at their shows. One adorable example happened at Control Club when two little children that were present at the concert with their parents were cheering up the band, right in front of the stage, to which the vocalists responded by thanking them with the biggest, flattered smiles on their faces. Usually, Mihnea interacts with the fans, coming really close to them, and this time, without fail, he climbed on the extension of the stage at Control Club.

So, what are you waiting for? Go search for the next concerts Luna Amară is going to have.