Some shows don’t need too much volume to leave an impact. Báo Thức Show unfolded kind of like that. This last Sunday paced slowly, thoughtfully, intimately, and quietly powerful. From tender melodies to sudden bursts of movement, the night felt cohesive, intentional, and deeply human, reflecting a community fully present in the moment.
CHIP AND COD — Soft Beginnings, Honest Connections
Opening the night, CHIP AND COD arrived without urgency, easing everyone into the room with gentle melodies and a warmth that cut through the lingering heat. Their set carried a playful innocence, but it was the closing moments, where the vocalist shared something unexpectedly personal, that truly anchored the connection. It felt unguarded, sincere, and quietly moving.
BMKTCR — Rhythm as Shared Energy
BMKTCR followed by lifting the room into motion. Driven by steady drum patterns and expressive guitar work, their performance felt alive and communal. There was joy in how the band moved with the crowd, not performing at them, but with them, turning the set into a shared emotional arc rather than a one-sided display.
EM ELLATA — Growth, Laid Bare
EM ELLATA marked the emotional low point in the best possible way. Appearing with a full live band, the performance expanded their sound while keeping the focus on a voice that remains instantly recognisable. Between songs, reflections on personal growth and transformation added weight to the set, making it feel complete, musically and emotionally.
NO SLEEP SESSION — Restless Bodies, Forward Momentum
The calm was shattered as No Sleep Session took the stage. True to form, their frantic energy jolted the room awake, pulling bodies into motion and even sparking a brief circle pit. Hints of upcoming releases only fuelled the excitement, positioning the band firmly in a forward-looking space.
DẤU VÂN TAY — Quiet, Rustic Grace
Dấu Vân Tay brought a sense of grounded sincerity that felt almost pastoral. Their music drifted through the venue like a cool breeze, encouraging stillness rather than release. Watching the crowd sway gently together became one of the night’s most peaceful images, a collective pause amid constant movement.
THE MÈO — Memory, Noise, and a Proper Farewell
Closing the night, The Mèo returned with renewed energy, a refreshed presence, and news of an upcoming album. The highlight came with “Gió,” performed live for the first time in three years. Loud, cathartic, and emotionally charged, it was the kind of ending that lingered long after the lights came up.
Báo Thức Show was about the flow, honesty, and collective presence. Each act contributed a distinct emotional shade, forming a full-spectrum experience that felt both curated and organic. It was a reminder that sometimes the most memorable shows are the ones that unfold gently, then refuse to let go.
Words: Mai Phương
