Rock Monsters Romania

When you say Quantic, you immediately think of a few bands, and one of them is definitely Robin and the Backstabbers. This was probably also the reason why they headlined day three of this year’s amazing QFest, bringing their iconic energy with them.

The night started with the stars of Trivale and probably the biggest FC Argeș supporters I’ve ever met, the one and only Nuanțe. I’ve known the band since their early days and have seen them live multiple times, from intimate gigs with fewer than 50 people at The Pub to this concert at Quantic, where half the hall was packed with fans singing along.

They played something like a “best of” set, featuring older songs such as Două Minute and Fără Bariere, as well as their latest release, Privire. The sound was amazing, and their stage presence was even better, they performed for the audience more than for themselves. The biggest downside? The set length. I don’t know who decided the timetable, but it felt like a hate crime and the pressure of time was written all over them. After the set, I could tell they were a bit disappointed, but still happy that it went so well.

The second band was The Kryptonite Sparks, a group I’ve listened to a lot over the past few years but had never seen live until now. I was excited for this special evening, but their performance was, unfortunately, disappointing from my point of view. During the first two songs, it felt like they were there more for the photos than for the music. Visually, the show was stunning, but musically, it was mediocre at best. Compared to Nuanțe, their set felt like an eternity, long enough for me to grab a drink on the terrace, finish it, and still make it back for the second half of their performance.

Their hits, like Scântei, Eşti, and Şi Golanii Beau Ceai, helped redeem the show a little, thanks to their solid interaction with the crowd and the way they treat both the audience and fellow artists as one of their own. Maybe my expectations were too high (that’s definitely possible) and I’m willing to give them another chance in 2026. But for now, I can’t help but feel that swapping their slot with Nuanțe would’ve made more sense.

The last band of the night was also the most anticipated: Robin and the Backstabbers. I hadn’t seen them in three years, not since their 2022 Christmas concert at Expirat. Unlike the other bands, words can hardly capture what it feels like to be at a Robin and the Backstabbers show. The emotions were everywhere, especially during Arhanghel’sk and Când te-am cunoscut, Cristina, and you could see people jumping, laughing, crying, or simply standing still, soaking in the energy. I think everyone left the concert with a new perspective on life, on themselves, and on others.

They also played G O L E M live, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how popular it has become, standing proudly alongside songs like Sat după sat and Vânătoarea regală. It’s refreshing to see people embracing the new RaTB era, not just the old one.

I left Quantic with one thought in my mind: times change, people change, but the love for good music always stays, regardless of age, trends, or personal struggles. We only have one life, and we should live it fully. Thanks to Robin and the band for reminding us of that every single time.

Review by Radu Mihai
Photos by Bianca Strechioiu