The summer kick-off show PHỞASIS was already packed before it even began, buzzing with anticipation for a tribute night to the legendary Britpop band Oasis. But today, we won’t be writing about them. Instead, we want to share more about the two original bands that opened the show: Neon White và Thangca. A performance full of nostalgia, raw energy, and everything we love about live underground music.
The show was organized by Heavy Hitters, a new name in Vietnam’s promoting community. This was their second show and as before, it gave spotlight to both original and popular cover acts. Just like on their debut concert, the evening was completed with a friendly host familiar to all Vietnam Wrestling fans, X-PAT, in his signature attire and chaotic charm. Add an ironic and absolutely hilarious air guitar competition set to Blur’s “Song 2”. It was the kind of offbeat moment that kept the night feeling communal and loose.
The night kicked off with Neon White, a band only three months old but made out of musicians with serious mileage. They opened with a sound that was equal parts alternative and energetic, blending hypnagogic and screamo vocals in a way that felt strangely familiar. It took us right back to those high school days, sitting on the floor of a friend’s room, passing the aux cord, and discovering something that felt like it truly belonged to us. They nailed that bittersweet feeling of youth and urgency, driven by the drummer’s relentless, thunderous rhythm. We don’t claim to be drum experts, but whatever was happening behind that kit had us fully hooked. We’re seriously looking forward to their debut single “Nothing in Return.”
Next up was Thangca, a band that’s no stranger to the Saigon underground scene, and as usual, they didn’t disappoint. Their raw, aggressive sound channeled a righteous fury that felt necessary and intentional. Songs like “Loài Ác Thú” confront uncomfortable truths head-on (yes, it’s about pedophiles, who else is talking about that?). The vocals shifted between haunting calm and visceral intensity, keeping the whole room in a tense emotional grip. With their new single “Chạy Cơm,” it’s clear Thangca is back — louder and bolder than ever. Pure grunge. No other way to describe it.
The show wrapped with a performance by PHỞASIS. We won’t go into details — we’ll leave that to those who were there. If you know, you know.
Even Saigon’s sudden downpour couldn’t wash away the energy of this night. The summer started not with a whisper, but with a noisy, nostalgic bang, and we were glad to be part of it.
Photo & Words: Van Minh Phat Huy
