Angst/Joy + Kasvot at Freedonia · May 29, 2025
Thursday night at Freedonia. A double bill featuring two international bands, one of those combinations that, unfortunately, are fleeting and far too rare in Barcelona’s current dark scene. On one side, Angst/Joy, from Italy, bringing their sentimental and elegant darkwave. On the other, Kasvot, one of those cold northern discoveries that, once found, are not easily forgotten.
The downside, as often happens on weekdays, was attendance. We were few. Very few. But we enjoyed it fully.
By the way, Freedonia has upgraded its sound system and it shows. Congratulations.
Between Melodic Basslines and Open-Heart Cuts: Angst/Joy
The Italian trio Angst/Joy, reduced to a duo that night due to the absence of one member for personal reasons, opened the evening with a more melodic, restrained, and emotional take on darkwave. From here, all our support and a speedy recovery. The vocals, tinged with nostalgia and post-punk sensitivity, blended with basslines reminiscent of early The Cure or even the more subdued moments of And Also the Trees.
They played songs from their regular setlist along with new material from their upcoming EP “first of many issues”, which they kindly gifted to us on physical format. A great detail that goes straight onto the treasured shelf. The new tracks sounded especially solid. That synthetic cadence and that way of handling darkness without grandiosity resulted in a short but heartfelt set.
Before the show, we had the chance to talk with them for a while. An easy and reflective conversation, the kind you have with people who truly live and breathe the scene. We spoke about the European circuit, the difficulty of touring, the aging audience, yes, we are getting older, and how hard it is to fill a venue on a Thursday night when the alarm clock is already waiting at 6:00 a.m.
Kasvot: Northern Heat
Then Kasvot took the stage and the tone of the night shifted completely. From Finland, but cold only in geographical terms. With an aesthetic reminiscent of Midge Ure, the quartet delivered an electronic coldwave set built on strong rhythmic foundations and flawlessly executed synth lines.
They were not on our radar and we left impressed. Three beers in on a Thursday night, you start having those internal monologues and think, there is so much good music still to discover. Thinking about it now, they belong to that stimulating Finnish generation alongside projects like Aus Tears or Naakka, bands that have passed through Barcelona and, if I am not mistaken, Dunkelwald has played a role in connecting these scenes. In that sense, their appearance at Freedonia felt almost like an unexpected luxury.
The set was short but highly effective, a well-aimed shot. One of those concerts that leaves you wanting more, but it is Thursday and rest is not optional.
Final Reflection: Where Are We?
Now it needs to be said. We are few. And although it hurts to admit it, age starts to weigh in. Weekday shows are a challenge. This is not a complaint, but a quiet sense of melancholy. How do you sustain a scene when you have to wake up at six the next morning? What happens when there is no Saturday available?
We do not have the answer. But nights like this remind us why we are still here.
So to those who were there, well done. And to those who were not, you missed something special. Hopefully next time it will be a Saturday and more of us will show up. Because nights like these do not come around often.
We will leave you with a track from Angst/Joy. Enjoy.
