Last night at Theatre Beanfield, as I stepped into the venue, there was a palpable excitement among the crowd—anticipatory silence that spoke volumes of the night to come. It was heartening to see the venue already full even for the opening act, Trope, which often isn’t the case for many of the shows I’ve been to in the past, helping create an inclusive atmosphere that promised for a very engaging evening.
Trope delivered an intimate performance reminiscent of an MTV Unplugged concert, like the good old times. The guitarist, playing exclusively on an acoustic guitar, combined his excellent picking technique and pedal effects, managing to extract a wide array of tones that surprised and mesmerized the audience. After each song, they were met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
The guitar playing was not the only part that impressed me; the accompanying singing from vocalist Diana Studenberg was also fascinating. At times, she introduced loops and effects to her voice while simultaneously diving into each song with passion.
Only thing I was left wanting was for a clearer sound for the voice. It was hard to follow the lyrics most of the time and this was not only something that happened with the openers but also with the main band. Maybe it was the acoustics of the place or the sound mixing.
After a rather quick intermission to undo Trope’s straightforward setup, it was Soen’s turn. As they took the stage, the mood intensified. The concert began with a recitation of Dylan Thomas’s “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night,” setting the tone for the night with a sense that doom, death, and pain can’t be avoided but certainly challenged.
The crowd’s response was immediate as visible excitement and anticipation electrified the air in the midst of dimmed lights and a seemingly post-apocalyptic stage backdrop. As I came to find out during the concert, and reading the lyrics of a mostly new-to-me band, it mirrored Soen’s thematic depth, echoing their messages about legacy and the ephemeral nature of existence. This was going to be a night of introspection delivered through a melody and intensity.
The set began with “Sincere,” immediately drawing the crowd into a shared experience of headbanging metronomes, echoing the pulse of every song. Next up were “Martyrs” and “Savia,” this last one, with its striking bongo beats, further captivated the audience, weaving a narrative that was both personal and universal. Unforgettable musical moments were plentiful, especially during “Memorial,” which resonated with the sound of war, its double bass drums imitating machine guns. Next was “Unbreakable,” which saw the crowd join in a chorus, a testament to the unity and strength shared between the band and the audience.
Next up, “Deceiver,” laden with religious symbols, and “Monarch,” with its ominous sirens warning against darker impulses. “Illusion” challenged the audience to question the balance of political power and personal responsibility, highlighting the illusion of control. “Lotus,” perhaps the emotional peak, called for vulnerability and a broadened perspective, looking beyond oneself and welcoming the influence of others.
In between songs, the band members interacted with the public, encouraging chorus repetitions, jumping and applauses. Even the interaction between the band was filled with mutual admiration and friendship.
After a small dance of long applause, cheers, chanting the band’s name, lights off and instruments almost stowed away, the band came back for a final 3 songs. Starting with “Antagonist,” reflecting on our spectator roles in life’s theater. “Lunacy” explored themes of belonging and isolation, and “Violence” delved into the universal experiences of love and betrayal, reminding us that time does not heal all wounds.
Soen’s performance was more than a musical event; it was an immersive experience that spoke in poetic prose, articulating deep-seated feelings and societal reflections. The music, a blend of epic songs and philosophical musings, compelled us to see ourselves both individually and collectively.
As the night ended and the last note faded, the music’s echo lingered, a profound reminder of our journey through the complex landscapes of human emotion and thought.
This concert was a compelling showcase of their talent and vision, and I would highly recommend catching them on this tour to anyone looking for a powerful, immersive musical experience that challenges as much as it entertains.
Soen are modern-day prophets; we better hear them out.
Review – Ricardo D. Flores
Photos – Daphne Miller
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