Sereias + Wand - part 1: Sereias, Hard Club, Porto, 02.02.2018.

words: Guilherme Lucas; photos: Raquel Pinheiro

I went to this concert with vested curiosity to assess the impact of a band with such disruptive sound as Sereias on an audience that was mostly there for Wand, and, therefore, possibly also with musical tastes far away from Porto’s group ones. In the first place, this looked like an improbable concert because both bands are significantly different in their sound and aesthetics. But, for that very reason, I liked this type of improbability; it shows courage and boldness, and an organization that promotes such events, with bands from different sound latitudes, rather than bet on those with similar ones, and, as such, predictable within a single musical taste.

In general, I found that the audience’s reaction to Sereias sound was very positive; I think better, in this context, would be difficult. We witnessed those moments in which we watch those around us, at first astounded with what was offered them to listen, but that, slowly, started to shake their head to the band’s machine and demential sound. And allow themselves go because Sereias have the gift of slowly making us enter their unique and chaotic sound and aesthetic world, in an almost hypnotic fashion. And,if you enter, you will never come out. You will remain there forever.

The band offered a very solid performance, always different from the previous ones I saw, with very intense moments. Once again with a different line-up. And, this time, for a nearly at capacity Hard Club Sala 2. This is a band that evolves in randomness; what we witnessed is more intuitive or accidental than rational, except, obviously, the natural benchmark points (for the band), of differentiating themes. It should be noted that, among sonic smithereens,there is an endearing and deep saxophone sound that arises and offers a unique jazzy Punk class and charisma; it is the most preponderant and melodic component in the band. Then, there is the poetry and António Pedro Ribeiro’s violent and insane recitation. In my opinion, there is more contestation and shock culture meaning in his poetry than in “hundreds” of politicized Punk Hardcore bands and alike. The difference is that with Sereias the word gets through (even during the more cacophonous moments) and if we listen to it (to the word) it will mark us forever, making us ponder because of its shocking surprise and cruel content.

After the concert I was left with the feeling that Sereias are the new Hype of a certain Porto’s underground, inside and out Rock and Arty typology. The band that, these days gets talked about or is being talked about.