Bedlam Royals Celebrate “The Gap” With a Night of Doom, Noise, and Controlled Chaos
Bedlam Royals turned their album release into a study in restraint, trading spectacle for atmosphere and tension. Toanraw opened with post-punk melancholy setting the mood early. Together, the two acts built a night defined by patience and focus, proof that Saigon’s heavy scene still has plenty of new ground to explore.
SÁO-CÓ-PIT! SPEED Detonate Saigon in a Hardcore Night Cut a Bit Short
SPEED finally brought their flute-driven hardcore to Saigon, and the city answered with open pits and relentless stage dives. Alongside District105, KINH, Cút Lộn, and 9xacly, the night peaked at full intensity before an unexpected police raid shut everything down. We were there for every second of it.
Scene Incubator #2 Levels Up with a Heftier Line-Up
Scene Incubator #2 marked a noticeable step forward, expanding to four acts and delivering a stronger, more dynamic night of original music. From experimental grooves and instrumental jams to feel-good rock and emotionally charged alternative rock, each band brought something unique to the stage. Despite the modest crowd, the energy was high, proving that Scene Incubator is steadily becoming an important platform for local independent artists.
Bac Co: Haywire Brings Boston Hardcore to Saigon and the City Delivers Right Back
A random weeknight at Blue Monkey Bar turned into one of the most charged shows Saigon has seen in recent memory. With Haywire headlining their first Vietnam appearance, the local lineup rose to the occasion and the crowd made sure nobody walked away disappointed.
CÓT KÉT, CÓT KÉT, CÓT KÉT VOLUME 4: AN ETHEREAL SONIC EXPERIENCE
Cot Ket Volume 4 delivered another unprofitable, unapologetic night of hidden frequencies. From WHOLESOMR’s ambient mattress jam and N6ONE%’s blackout-interrupted dream pop, to imryll’s cybernetic vocals, until TRNGS shut the whole gig down with eviction-inducing industrial noise.
Room128 Showcase: From Years Active to a Fresh Chapter
Room 128’s latest showcase at Tone Lab marked a quiet milestone in the band’s seven-year journey, reflecting both their musical evolution and growing connection with the local indie scene. Supported by the youthful shoegaze sounds of 4our, the night blended dreamy atmospheres, emotional performances, and an intimate sense of community that made the small venue feel personal.
Scene Incubator #1: Route 59, Lulaby, and ChipPunks Find Power in an Intimate Saigon Night
Scene Incubator #1 didn’t pack the room, but we’re not in the rush. With Route59, Lulaby, and ChipPunks splitting the night between thrashy punk and softer melodies, the show found its strength in closeness, where every riff, every chorus, and every shared smile landed harder for the smaller crowd.
LONG TRANH HỔ ĐẤU WEEKEND & UM BA LA EMERGENCY SHOW
Long Tranh Hổ Đấu struggled on Friday, so Ethos Collective scrambled to rescue the weekend. Um Ba La opened its floor for an emergency Saturday lineup of ElbowDrop, 9xacly, Cut Lon, Taiwan’s Infernal Chaos, and KINH, with power cuts and a sauna of bodies included.
Day 1 of Long Tranh Hổ Đấu: The Fest of the Dragon
Long Tranh Hổ Đấu’s first “Long” day brought together a packed lineup of rock, hardcore, metalcore and pop-punk acts, showcasing just how alive and diverse Vietnam’s heavy music scene has become. Despite organizational setbacks and shortened sets, the festival still delivered nonstop energy, from chaotic pits and heartfelt hardcore speeches to experimental industrial performances and massive singalongs. More than anything, the night felt like a celebration of community, youth and the growing passion keeping the local alternative scene thriving.
Đen Tình Đen Nhạc: A Night in Pitch Black
Đen Tình Đen Nhạc brought together a tightly curated lineup, with Cờ Lê, Bedlam Royals, and 9xactly setting the stage for France’s Celeste. Held on a rainy weekday, the show unfolded with a slower, more immersive pacing that leaned into atmosphere over chaos. By the end of the night, it was clear the focus wasn’t on spectacle, but on being fully pulled into the sound.