Once again, the fledgling promoters at Cahopkhongcogai have proven that experience is overrated when you have a pulse on the culture. Despite their newcomer status, they have mastered the art of emptying the pockets of the local youth, not through gimmicks, but by curating a lineup of bands that are as talented as they are. The show itself was a playground of musical mischief, blending internet-era irony with genres that refuse to sit still. It was a celebration of the unique, the weird, and the undying energy of a generation that just wants to have fun.
ẾCKO – SONIC TEXTURES AND HEAVY HEARTS
Emerging from a long hiatus, ẾCKO brought a gritty, sonic edge back to the spotlight. The band wasted no time signaling their internet-culture roots, kicking off their set with “Duvet,” a true anthem for the “chronically online” audience. Their original material followed suit, characterized by raw alternative riffs and a powerhouse drumming performance that acted as the heartbeat of the show. The performance was anchored by the band’s dual vocalists, whose alternating delivery added a layer of deep, resonant emotion to the music’s chaotic energy.
IRO – NON-NEGOTIABLE FUN MEETS TWINKLY RIFFS
As one of the few Midwest Emo acts in Saigon, Iro is a fresh face, yet in only their second show, they established a distinct, uncompromising identity. Visually, the band was a fever dream, featuring a lineup of a Japanese schoolboy, a killer maid, and a McDonald’s employee. Musically, they were just as uncompromising. Their set was a technical journey through intricate math-rock riffs and enchanting synth-piano lines that led the audience on a whimsical trip to nowhere. The chaos peaked when the vocalist juggled duties between bass, guitar, and a kazoo, creating a quirky sound that worked surprisingly well. They closed the set with a botched attempt to cover the genre anthem “Never Meant,” a failure that felt perfectly on brand. For a new band, Iro played with pure, unfiltered joy, leaving people eager to see what kind of trouble they’ll cause next.
LULABY – PROVING VIBES MATTER MORE THAN REHEARSALS
Lulaby proved that chemistry transcends geography. Even with members living far apart and minimal practice sessions, the band united on stage to unleash a wave of funky energy that hit the crowd hard. The electric guitar lines were vibrant and loud, creating a groove so heavy that the audience couldn’t help but headbang and shake their entire bodies. The energy on the floor was matched by the band’s lead vocalist, whose internal power commanded the yard. As they played familiar anthems, the venue erupted into a collective choir, proving that Lullaby knows exactly how to connect with a crowd.
CHIPPUNKS – DETONATING THE STAGE WITH HIGH-VOLTAGE ENERGY
Chippunks brought the true spirit of chaotic pop-punk to the stage, partly by design, partly by accident. With their bassist missing, the vocalist was forced to carry the entire show, singing himself into the ground until he was visibly spent. Between breaths, he wasted no time roasting his missing bandmate. Despite the lineup change, the band delivered a straightforward, fast, and noisy performance of tracks from last year’s EP, whipping the crowd into a frenzy of nodding heads and moshing. It was a heroic effort of pure adrenaline, tragically capped off by the most punk-rock ending possible, pouring their hearts out, only to sell zero merch on stage.
THỨC – A TECHNICOLOR TRIP OF SOUND AND SOUL
Bringing the night to a close was Thức, a name that has made significant waves in the scene despite emerging only a year ago. Returning to the stage with a full live band, he delivered a performance that was surreal yet refreshing, completely void of pretension. Though the set consisted of only four songs, it was a masterclass in atmosphere, captivating the audience from the very first note. Thức guided the crowd through a sonic landscape shifting from haunting folk to a brand of infectious psychedelia rarely seen in Vietnam. With his dreamy vocals floating over the venue, the crowd swayed in unison, creating a perfect ending. It was truly a privilege to witness such a unique sound resonate under the starlit sky.
The night came to a close not with the roar, but with the genuine energy of an intimate gathering. While the event had its flaws and the lineup featured young, developing talent, these imperfections only added to its charm. Every artist on stage gave their all, performing with an uncompromising spirit that refused to fit into a safe box. It was a showcase of distinct personalities and pure, unfiltered enjoyment with a reminder that sometimes, the best shows aren’t the polished ones, but the ones played with the most heart.
