When I reflect on the concerts of 2023, I feel fortunate to have witnessed numerous bands deliver unforgettable live performances.

After spending several days compiling a lengthy list of the concerts I attended last year, I finally managed to condense it. However, narrowing down the list was more challenging than anticipated. I’m still pondering over the bands I couldn’t include. Even though their live performances were outstanding, I regret not mentioning acts like Dwarves, Brujería, Shannon & the Clams, The Monsters, Ploegendienst, Crows, Hellacopters, Fu Manchu, Stiff Richards, The Spits, Zeke, Ten Foot Pole, Finale, New Bomb Turks, The Jackets, Napalm Death, Arno de Cea, Sick Thoughts, Wau and the Arrrghs!!!, Kid Congo, The Make-Up, Marky Ramone, and many more.

Anyway, here’s the rundown:

Asbest Boys | dB’s Studio, Utrecht – 24-07-2023
The Haarlem quartet, a hardcore punk band with Buster at the front, delivered explosive songs that led the frontman to dive into the mosh pit, culminating in a wild punk party.

Fuzz | Doornroosje, Nijmegen – 18-03-2023
Unlike Ty Segall’s other bands, Fuzz offered a distinct vibe, blending garage rock with San Francisco’s psychedelia. Their authenticity reinvented the past through a modern filter. Fuzz might just be Segall’s best band yet.

The Melvins | Paradiso, Amsterdam 26-06-2023
Buzz and Steven’s extravagant outfits perfectly matched their shamelessly strange yet musically captivating performance. The Melvins’ set was a whirlwind of dirty snorts, stoner beats, killer vocals, and quirky rhythms played with precision.

Their performance reached electrifying heights with tracks like ‘A History of Bad Men’ and culminated with ‘Revolve’, ‘Honey Bucket’, and ‘Night Goat’, leaving the room charged with energy. The quieter moments highlighted their emotional mastery, even if slightly polished for The Melvins’ standards. Nonetheless, their control was impeccable, showcasing their perfection in a different light.

Aborted Tortoise | Rotown, Rotterdam 30-08-2023
A guaranteed fun-filled experience, blending fast garage punk and new wave punk with synchronized rhythmic beats, reminiscent of ‘Dead Kennedys’ vibes. Their dense guitar lines were impressive, creating an intense musical fusion.

Private Function | Sjock Festival, Gierle (06-07)
The Melbourne band set the stage on fire with a chaotic and frenetic punk performance, igniting the atmosphere with their fast and furious punk anthems.

DITZ | Sniester Festival, The Hague (26-05)
Hailing from Brighton, DITZ combined Fugazi-hardcore-style with Riot Grrl influences, delivering emotionally charged and musically powerful performances. Their track ‘Senor Siniestro’ was a standout, transitioning between powerful vocals and furious noise explosions seamlessly.

JOHN (TIMESTWO) | Rotown, Rotterdam (28-05)
Beginning with the powerful ‘At Peacehaven’, JOHN’s setlist was a sonic journey that alternated between explosive energy and melodic intricacy, leaving the audience captivated by their performance.

Bo Ningen | Sniester Festival, The Hague (26-05)
The Japanese experimental rock band created apocalyptic hard-noise rock with jazz structures, delivering a relentless, fast, and loud performance that left a lasting impact.

Bob Vylan | Melkweg, Amsterdam 28-10-2023
Bob Vylan’s ascent from bedroom music-making to a prominent position in the punk rock scene showcased their unwavering commitment to DIY punk ethics. Their charismatic stage presence, despite the absence of live guitars, delivered a powerful and politically charged performance.

Otoboke Beaver | Paard, The Hague 20-05-2023
Hailing from Kyoto, Japan, Otoboke Beaver’s fast and furious music, nestled within their organized chaos, solidified their position in the punk scene. Their performance was a whirlwind of skilled musicianship, humor, and an immersive riot grrrl-inspired experience, led by an absolute drumming prodigy.

Osees | Massilo, Rotterdam 16-08-2023
Osees proved to be an unstoppable force on stage, churning out new material while maintaining an energetic and engaging presence. Their eclectic mix of searing guitar riffs, progressive synth plucks, and kraut-rock beats ignited an enthusiastic response from the audience. Despite an accident with a guitar, the band delivered a captivating performance, showcasing their individual talents while maintaining a cohesive sound.

2023 set a high bar for live performances, and here’s hoping that 2024 will match or exceed the standard set by its predecessor.

By Victor Velardiez