Summer Madness was an ambitious step forward for Nha Trang’s growing underground scene. Organized by the young and passionate crew of Nha Trang Heavy Souls, the festival aimed to expand the city’s cultural offering, welcome diverse genres, and connect with underground music lovers across Vietnam.
After several smaller shows under their belt, the team took on the challenge of hosting a larger, more logistically complex event. The lineup promised an eclectic mix — from rock, jazz, and prog to hardcore, metal, and experimental noise. While not everything went as planned, the effort and courage to make it happen deserve recognition.
Our team arrived late due to bus delays from HCMC, missing the first two acts — both cover bands — but caught the heart of the evening’s performances.
Act I – The Groove Awakens: 7/4 Surfers & Fuko
The first band we saw was 7/4 Surfers, a duo affiliated with Tom Walts and the Surfers. Their jam-rooted interplay blended rock, jazz, and funk into tight, dynamic instrumentals that left the crowd grinning. Musicianship was front and center, and the chemistry on stage was undeniable.
They were followed by Fuko, a fascinating three-piece blending doom, math rock, and prog. Their short set was fresh, tight, and full of technical skill. Vocals could use more refinement, but in terms of ideas and execution, Fuko brings something different to the Vietnamese scene.
Act II – Covers, Chaos, Storm, and Noise
The next stretch brought a wave of cover bands — from Blur’s “Song 2” to Ozzy Osbourne tributes. While the sets rolled on, a sudden storm hit, briefly halting the festival. Yet, a small core of fans braved the rain, headbanging and dancing under the downpour.
When the rain subsided, the stage welcomed Abysmal, the festival’s most unconventional act. Known to Hanoi audiences for his abstract noise performances, the one-man-plus-daughter setup mixed pedals, wind instruments, and guttural screams into a set that divided the crowd between awe and bewilderment. Unfortunately, his slot was too short to fully develop the performance’s intensity.
Act IV – The Heavy Hitters Arrive
Power of Truth, a local hardcore outfit with only a handful of shows under their belt, kicked off the heavier side of the night. Mosh pits erupted as their powerful rhythm section, especially the standout bassist, drove the chaos forward.
From Saigon, Resurged Temptation followed with one of the most polished performances of the festival. Despite missing their second guitarist, they delivered a full, energetic sound, balancing melody with breakdowns and mixing clean and harsh vocals with precision.
Act V – When Things Fell Apart
The evening’s turning point came with hometown heroes Die So Far, who also co-hosted the event. Their set was cut short after news of a potential police arrival. Tensions rose quickly, and attempts to reach a compromise failed. What should have been a night of unity spiraled into arguments, broken equipment, and frayed relationships.
Sadly, the final two acts — Hanoi’s Putrid Vomit Christ and Saigon’s Knife Sticking Head — never got the chance to perform, having traveled long distances for nothing.
A Difficult Ending, but Lessons for the Future
After the dust settled, we spoke with the organizers. Every story has two sides, and while organizational and venue-related issues played a role, no one benefits from burning bridges, especially in cities where underground spaces are scarce and the scene is still developing.
Accountability must be taken, wrongs addressed, and relationships mended. Summer Madness may have ended in conflict, but the bravery of taking such a risk shouldn’t be overlooked. If lessons are learned, agreements clarified, and planning strengthened, Nha Trang can still become a thriving stop on Vietnam’s underground map.
