For the regulars, the monthly Black Sheep series has always been synonymous with Kobe Town, the intimate home base that nurtured so many emerging indie spirits. But this time, the flock is breaking the mold. Leaving their comfort zone behind, the organizers have taken a bold leap of faith by moving the show to Golden Bird’s. With a grander stage and superior sound, it was a declaration of determination. Featuring artists who are already beloved faces to the community, this night proved that when fueled by a sheer love for music, even the “black sheep” can shine brighter than ever.
ALEXIS AND BAND LIGHTING UP WITH SOULFUL VOCAL AND HIGH ENERGY GROOVES
A relatively new name on the local scene, Alexis Cao brought a liberating vibe to the night. While she may be a new face, her sound is undeniably top-tier. Showcasing material from her debut EP, she delivered a performance that was hard to look away from. Her voice is a rare find, agile and deeply soulful, with a hook that feels instantly addictive. Yet, the magic wasn’t just in her vocals, it’s also in the conversation she held with her band. Their precise instrumentation and intricate arrangements infused the performance with artistic depth, ensuring the music was just as compelling as the vocals. It was a cohesive unit where high-level musicianship met raw talent, creating a soundscape that was as sophisticated as it was groovy.
IRIHI SHOWING THERE MASTERCLASS IN TECHNICAL MATH ROCK PRECISION
Irihi broke away from their usual routine, skipping the standard opening to dive straight into a continuous, hypnotic jam. It began gently with a repetitive guitar motif, but the calmness was deceptive. The sound gradually ascended, spiraling into an explosive display of technical riffs that locked in seamlessly with powerful basslines and thunderous drumming. When the energy reached its peak, their vocalist emerged to deliver familiar hits. Her voice was a striking blend of melodious nostalgia and a gritty edge, so raw and intense that the guitarist actually snapped a string mid performance. It was an addictive showcase of their chaotic beauty, serving as a thrilling teaser for the ingredients of their upcoming EP.
THE BREEZE CHANNELING THE POWER OF PENT-UP RAGE
The Breeze marked a stark contrast to the previous acts. Their set began with haunting guitar lines and vocals laden with a suppressed melancholy. Unfortunately, due to the show running behind schedule, the band was forced to cut two songs from their setlist, a decision that left a palpable sense of regret hanging over both the artists and the audience. However, that regret quickly morphed into pure fury. As they launched into “Satan” the mood shifted violently. The vocalist transformed into something akin to a folklore demon unleashed, delivering bewitching vocals that descended into guttural growls amplified through a megaphone. The rest of the set was a total explosion, as if they were channeling every ounce of their remaining energy to make up for lost time, leaving nothing behind.
CHÂN TRỜI CHASING THE HORIZON WITH YOUTHFUL ENERGY
Chân Trời brought a vibrant, kaleidoscopic energy to the stage. Their sound was defined by shimmering, delay-soaked guitar riffs that lingered in the air, creating an addictive atmosphere. The frontman was unpredictable, his vocals morphing from tender verses to explosive shouts, while the tight instrumentation ensured every band member had their spotlight. The set felt like a spectral battle against the dark vibes left by The Breeze. Accepting the challenge, the audience joined the band in a unique display of unity, mimicking “hand seals” before diving into chaos. As the vocalist let out a piercing, sky-tearing scream, the room erupted into a frenzy of headbanging, celebrating the sheer, unstoppable heat of youth.
NÃO CÁ VÀNG CAPTURING THE RAW AND DEEPLY HUMAN SIDE OF LOVE
Stepping onto the stage with a rustic charm, Não Cá Vàng made the acoustic guitar the heartbeat of their set. Armed with catchy melodies and lyrics that chronicled the relatable highs and lows of love, they instantly connected with the crowd. Yet, this accessibility didn’t equate to simplicity. Underneath the sing-along anthems lay a foundation of constantly shifting, complex guitar riffs that showcased great technical skill. The performance culminated in a moment of pure connection, as the band literally merged with the audience, dissolving the barrier between stage and floor to become one collective voice.
TRẦN ĐỨC NGUYÊN AND BAND CLOSING THE NIGHT WITH A MULTI-LAYERED SONIC ERUPTION
Saving the most elaborate setup for the grand finale, Trần Đức Nguyên & Band crowded the stage with a massive 11-piece ensemble. From drums and guitars to a blazing brass section of saxophones and trombones, the stage was packed, yet every member played a distinct, crucial role in constructing a majestic, multi-layered wall of sound. Standing out amidst this orchestration was Trần Đức Nguyên, whose mesmerizing vocals showcased a terrifying versatility, shifting effortlessly from soulful Blues to aggressive Metalcore. The combination of his powerful delivery and the blaring brass section ignited the crowd, opening up a mosh pit before anyone even realized what was happening. It was a chaotic yet calculated explosion, promising a debut album filled with diverse, rich textures and boundless ambition.
As the final annual show of the year, this edition of Black Sheep marked a significant milestone. It stood firm on its guiding compass to bring talented outcasts into the light. The determination of the organizers was felt not just on stage, but off it as well, where artists lingered before and after the show to chat with people and give them merchandise as tokens of gratitude. The night was not without its flaws, a few technical hiccups and timing issues here and there. Ultimately, it was a night of immense pride for the Kìm Nên Ngay collective and a testament to the Vietnamese indie community, who continue to strive and fight for their passion, day by day.
