words: António Carvalho (edited by Raquel Pinheiro)
photos: António Carvalho & Telma Mota
A Noite do Cometa (The Night of the Comet Night) was a collective and multidisciplinary event planned by Rui Garcia some time ago. It aims to be an immersive underground culture experience, with bodies and minds present and stimulated.
The chosen location, like the format, is unconventional, belonging to a coworking space that was adapted for the purpose, where a somewhat mysterious corridor preceded the main chamber. Several stylized artistic and visual installations accompanied the entire night.
The musical part was continuous, with DJ sets by A Boy Named Sue and Rodas alternating with concerts.
The first performance on stage was by Gabci, author of an energetic one-woman show. Her well-trained voice, sometimes pop, sometimes in riot girl mode, is laid on a set of danceable rhythms and electronic melodies and atmospheres, filling the room along with her strong presence.
The concert ended with Inner Void, a duet with Cunhal Caveira.
Bulha, the band that includes organizer Rui Garcia, took to the stage shortly after the announced time. The pure energy of rock, guaranteed by the trinity of drums, bass, and guitar, is combined with a strong social and political message delivered by the two vocalists, who complement each other in register (between singing and declamation) and in posture, between the confrontation of Pedro Vasco Oliveira and the theatricality of Paulo Carmona. It was impossible to remain indifferent to this performance.
The last band was Baleia Baleia Baleia, already well known for their concerts, a dimension where they truly shine. The appeal is constant, whether through the verbal incitement of Manuel Molarinho, who moves among humor, love, and a lef-wing stance, or through the danceable punk imprinted by Ricardo Cabral’s drums and Molarinho’s distorted bass.
The result is a commotion in the audience, complete with mosh pit, mass chants, and an apotheotic ending with the band descending into the crowd and chanting “We can shout: let it pass!”, from Exorcismo.
The success of this event proves that, where there’s a will, there’s room and an audience for other ways of showcasing what’s happening in Porto’s underground culture. We look forward to the next edition.
There’s a photo gallery of A Noite do Cometa on our Instagram.
Mondo Bizarre Magazine 