Following the release of their debut EP earlier this year, irihi officially introduced themselves with a two-city showcase spanning Saigon and Hanoi. The beginning was a Saigon stop, held on March 27 at Tone Lab, one of the city’s well-known instrument stores, a venue that felt especially meaningful. It was here that the band once held their earliest rehearsals, making the night feel like a return to where it all began. The intimate setting brought a quiet sense of nostalgia, reflecting the spirit of their early jam sessions: compact, relaxed, and cozy.
A BRIEF BUT BOLD INTRODUCTION
irihi’s First Showcase kept it short and simple, wrapping up after a little over two hours. The night opened with a set by special guest Toanraw, an independent artist closely connected to irihi, both of whom emerged from From Da Slum community. His alternative sound fit the chill evening, setting a mellow, intimate tone, especially given how under-the-radar he was. True to irihi’s sound, the atmosphere remained calm and introspective throughout. Despite the venue being fully booked, it never felt overcrowded or overwhelming. There was no moshing, no shouting, just a room full of people gently swaying, fully absorbed in the music.
This time, the band shifted their usual structure. Rather than their familiar “late entrance” by the vocalist, all members appeared together from the start, moving through a mix of unreleased material and fan-favorite older tracks like “Covert” and “Waiting”. Much of the new material was performed in Vietnamese, adding a sense of warmth and familiarity to their common audience. A standout moment came with an acoustic duet between guitarist Lộc and vocalist Trinh, featuring “Every Piece”. Heavily influenced by math rock, irihi’s sound places less emphasis on vocals and instead centers around drifting, intricate tapping guitar riffs. This was especially evident when Lộc briefly stepped into a solo showcase following the acoustic section, highlighting the technical and atmospheric core of their music.
A CROWD THAT FELT LIKE FAMILY
The audience was made up largely of dedicated listeners, indie fans who had followed the band’s journey closely. Many recognized the riffs and melodies instantly, creating a discreet yet palpable connection between the artist and the crowd. The energy felt less like a formal performance and more like a gathering of friends. Between songs, there was an easy back-and-forth, with small conversations, shared reactions, and a sense of mutual encouragement flowing naturally between the band and the crowd. As the night went on, the atmosphere grew even more intimate. Some audience members sat on the floor near the stage, turning the space into something resembling a basement jam session among close companions. The set closed on a gentle high, with “Hanoi” and their recent highlight “Countdown”, leaving the room in a state that was both calming and quietly climactic.
A MILESTONE IN THE MAKING
Though modest in scale, the showcase marked a meaningful turning point for irihi. Since forming in 2023, the band has largely taken on supporting roles in the local scene, but the release of their EP this January signaled a readiness to step into the spotlight. This self-organized show felt like a genuine introduction, a proper “hello” to their audience on their own terms. The set featured a notable amount of unreleased material, offering a glimpse of what lies ahead. It revealed a band not only settling into their identity, but steadily building toward something more expansive. All signs point to a future where Irihi takes on a more prominent presence in the scene.
REFINED SOUND AND RISING CONFIDENCE
Much like their previous shows, irihi’s performance remained tight and assured, both technically and in terms of stage presence. With each gig, the band continues to grow, and this showcase felt like one of their strongest yet. At the center of it all was the guitarist, whose precision and control stood out clearly. His playing brought together complex techniques typical of math rock and Midwest emo, including intricate tapping and fluid strumming, at times reminiscent of Yvette Young. The vocals and drumming complemented the compositions seamlessly, staying true to the band’s stylistic direction while supporting each track’s overall structure. This time, the performance carried a heightened sense of expression and emotional depth, with the band channeling genuine feeling into every melody. That energy translated well to the audience, creating an atmosphere that felt raw, sincere, and deeply immersive.
All in all, this First Showcase meant a great deal, not only to irihi but also to those who have connected with their music and those who may discover them moving forward. Their presence was subtle, yet it left a clear impression. With a thoughtful, well-structured setlist and a growing community of supporters, irihi holds strong potential for the future. It is still quite rare to see a Vietnamese band drawing from math rock and Midwest emo, which makes their direction all the more refreshing. Kudos to irihi for bringing this sound into the local scene and shaping it in their own way. It’s something many can genuinely appreciate. Holding the show at Tone Lab, where the band first began jamming, added another layer of meaning. The setting carried a sense of nostalgia, quietly paying tribute to their beginnings and everything that has brought them to this point.
Words by: Bùi Thanh Hương
