“The weirder, the better. The quirkier, the more fun.”
That was the tagline for Friday the 13th at Tone Lab—and honestly, it couldn’t have been more accurate. With two very different bands on the bill—irihi và Skeleton Goode– the night was chaotic in all the right ways.
The venue was packed, the crowd buzzing, and the energy felt raw but focused, like a party where everyone was in sync, even if they didn’t know each other.
Tucked away in a small alley on Ngô Thời Nhiệm Street, ToneLab is a modest venue, but it fits the night perfectly. With standing room only, everyone was either close to the stage or really close.
There was no room to distance yourself from the performance, and that proximity added intensity to the experience. The sound was surprisingly clean for such a small space: the drums hit with clarity, basslines pulsed without overwhelming, and layered instrumentals stayed distinct. The lighting wasn’t fancy, but it did its job, allowing the music to speak for itself.
irihi – Sharp Math-Rock and Quiet Confidence
irihi opened the night with a precise and well-paced math-rock set. Their timing was tight, and their transitions were unpredictable yet seamless. The drummer and guitarist were especially in sync, constantly shifting gears without missing a beat.
A standout was their female vocalist. Her delivery was steady and assured. Not flashy, but deeply grounded. Her presence anchored the set with quiet strength.
And then there was the bassist. He played the entire set seated, his leg in a cast. No fuss, no explanation, just showed up, played, and got the job done. It wasn’t about making a statement. It was quiet professionalism at its best, and somehow, that hit harder than anything else.
Skeleton Goode – Psychedelic Surf with a Laid-Back Swagger
After a short break, Skeleton Goode took the stage. A five-piece psychedelic surf rock band with bass, drums, guitar, keyboard, and horns. Real horns!
Their sound was a time warp back to the ’70s, but with a fresh, immersive edge. They didn’t need to move much on stage; the music did the talking. The keyboard and horn sections added rich texture, without overcrowding the mix. Each member knew their role and leaned into it with confidence.
Midway through their set, the bassist appeared to injure or irritate his eye. But just like irihi’s bassist, he kept going. No drama. Just a quick adjustment, and right back into the groove.
That’s when it clicked:
Both bands had injured bassists.
One seated with a cast. One is playing through an eye issue.
Both holding their bands together with calm, unshakable energy. Total coincidence—but somehow poetic.
Encore – Unity in Motion
After Skeleton Goode finished their main set, the crowd erupted with chants of “One more song! One more song!” The band didn’t hesitate; they came right back.
The encore shifted the mood completely. People started dancing, laughing, and losing their inhibitions. For a moment, it didn’t matter who came for which band. The whole room became one. A shared moment, unfiltered and full of joy.
It wasn’t a perfect night. And that’s exactly what made it so memorable. A Friday the 13th gig that was messy, warm, weird, and deeply human.
Words & Photos: Đoan Gia Huy
