Rock Monsters Romania

The clock is ticking until the start of the inaugural edition of Stray Lights Festival. Tomorrow, Control will become the main point of attraction with talks, listening sessions, and concerts.

And while you can find out more about the talks and listening sessions here, it’s time to talk about the bands that are performing, so you can’t say you don’t know them.

Day 1

Black Water kicks off the festival, and to be honest, I can’t really wait. I’ve discovered them recently, and they combine styles such as dreampop and post-wave in a way that makes me think they’re from somewhere in Scandinavia, but the reality is that they’re from Brașov.

Their debut EP, Safe from Reality, released in 2024, is the perfect example of an underrated record, especially “Oceans,” which takes you to another time and space while listening to it. But I’m most hyped to hear “In Another Life” live, as it’s been stuck in my head for at least two months now.

Orkid is the Romanian headliner of the day, and to me it feels like the perfect match after Black Water. And a bit of a chilling break before we’re brought back to earth. With five albums released and more than 300 concerts over the last 10 years, is there anything I need to add besides “Enjoy”? But I’m sure you will.

The Murder Capital closes the night. You love Irish bands? You love post punk? I feel like they’ll be the most energetic band of the night and a bit of a departure from the atmosphere that Black Water and Orkid have brought us into, but there’s no way you can pretend not to know them (yes, pun intended).

I am most looking forward to hearing “Ethel” live, but I’m sure the atmosphere will be immaculate, as it has been at every Irish or Scouse band’s show I’ve ever been to!

Day 2

The day starts with Brainwasher, and if you haven’t seen them live, then can I ask you how? They are literally everywhere, but I feel like they deserve to be. It’s punk and energy, but in a nice and cute way. The best thing about the band? They always improve and keep growing musically, which is probably the best thing you can do when you’re still an underground band.

Next on stage will be Second Wave, a band that recently came back and played a concert at Control at the beginning of the year. With a post rock style and renewed energy, I’m really curious to see their stage presence. You’ll probably like them if you love byron or The Mono Jacks. Emotion and fragility are their main themes, giving you plenty of food for thought.

The 113 will end the night, and the best way to describe their vibe is that it gives off Summer Well vibes. They are definitely a band whose presence you’ll be seeing more and more on festival stages, and this could be the perfect time to catch them live before every one of their shows sells out.

Don’t believe me? Just listen to them and convince yourself.

Day 3

Asincron kicks off the day and will bring something special to the stage, as always. They are both poetic and heavy, both emotional and funny, but above all, they are a Bucharest success story, starting from the bottom with concerts at Filaret 16. They are proof that you can achieve big things if you never give up, and every time I hear them, I think about one thing, never give up, your time is coming!

Baby Elvis is next, and I already know they’ll put on a show. With a combination of psychedelic rock and indie, they bring energy to the stage and, of course, great music. This will also be their second appearance on the Control stage this year after their album launch, and I’m truly excited to see what they’ll bring this time, sugar, salt, or just a dash of pepper. Hopefully a combination of all three!

DITZ will close the festival, and they’ll definitely go out with a bang! They’ll be presenting their latest album, Never Exhale, to the Romanian audience, and it’s truly a masterpiece. The band feels like a new Radiohead with post rock influences, only this time they’re from Brighton.

For me, this will be the most exciting act of the festival, and I’m jealous of the taxi man who gets to bring them to the venue…

And if you’re still in Bucharest this weekend, what are you waiting for? Get your ticket now from Eventbook.

Article by Radu Mihai