It was a frigid November evening, the sky heavy with clouds as the clock struck 7 PM, signaling it was time to leave my flat. Grabbing a book, I hurried to catch the tram, thankful for Bratislava’s efficient tram connections; the wait in the biting cold was blissfully short. My mind was absorbed in “The Iraqi Christ” by Ḥassan Blāsim, wonderfully translated into Slovak. The collection of short stories, steeped in the stark realities of war in Iraq, was nothing short of haunting—surreal and brutal yet deeply honest and powerful. The vivid imagery danced in my mind, providing the perfect companion as I made my way to the show.
Excitement bubbled within me at the thought of finally seeing Horse Jumper of Love live—a band whose music I had cherished for years, thanks to friends at Disposable America. In my usual tram routine, I placed my headphones over my ears, using the melodies to drown out the ever-distracting hum of chatter surrounding me. This time, I was immersed in the dreamy soundscapes of Moon Void, a captivating musician from Taiwan whose music I highly recommend to anyone seeking a blend of ethereal pop and introspection.
Tonight, I was meeting my friend Simon—a welcome change since it had been ages since I’d attended a show with anyone other than my wife. The thought of sharing this experience filled me with joy. Upon arriving at Pink Whale, a unique venue perched on the banks of the Danube River in the form of a boat, I found it oddly serene yet buzzing with anticipation. As I looked around, I noticed my friend hadn’t yet arrived, so I wandered over to the merch table to catch up with my friends in the band Eversame. We had collaborated on an album in the past, and I was eager to say hi, especially since I saw a few remaining cassettes for sale—priceless keepsakes, considering they are among the very last copies.
Matus from Eversame greeted me warmly, sharing that they were wrapping up the recording of their next album. The evening promised only their newest songs—an exhilarating teaser, especially since this was the fifth time I would witness their performance. When Simon finally arrived, we grabbed a couple of beers, sharing laughter and stories, all while basking in the palpable energy of the venue.
As Eversame took the stage, the atmosphere transformed. Known for their electrifying shows, they delivered an unforgettable sonic experience, hitting us with raw power—roaring guitars blended with a shoegaze feel and grunge vibes that sent shivers down my spine. I stood at the back, the sound enveloping me completely, saturating my senses with an energy that was infectious. Each song radiated passion, and I felt goosebumps rise on my arms as they played; certain moments were just unusually brilliant. The guitar riffs, the pulsating rhythms, the soaring vocals—all elements hinted at a band that had perfected their craft through countless hours of rehearsal. Notably, with their recent lineup change, their chemistry was palpable, elevating the performance to thrilling new heights. I found myself buzzing with anticipation for the day their new tracks would be released.
The show culminated in a climactic finish, leaving me utterly speechless. Remarkably, the band members had only recently graduated from high school, yet they stood among the giants of the Slovak music scene—undoubtedly the finest in the emo genre across Central Europe. Even after witnessing them five times, their shows never lost their spark; each performance was nothing short of spectacular.
After the set, Simon and I chatted over another round of beers, discussing work and life before waiting with growing excitement for the headliner to take the stage. The setup was striking—beautiful Fender Jazzmasters and guitar combos lined the stage, hinting at the musical feast to come. The anticipation was electric, and I could hardly contain myself.
Once the band started, I had immediate chills. Their sound transcended anything I had imagined—slow, languid guitars and distorted notes mingled with mesmerizing vocals, all supported by beautifully paced drumming. The contrast with Eversame was striking yet harmonious, perfectly complementing the emotional weight left from the previous performance. While I hadn’t had the chance to listen to their new album prior to the show, I could tell it would be a masterpiece worth diving into.
They treated us to a blend of new tracks alongside gems from their self-titled album, like “Ugly Brunette” and “Spacemen.” Each note was imbued with a special magic that lingered in the air. Even now, as I write this remembrance, the memories send tingles down my spine. It felt surreal to witness a band from the DIY scene in the States perform so brilliantly in Bratislava. There wasn’t a weak moment throughout their set; the distorted guitars swirled around me, creating a cavern of sound that I could lose myself in. Captivated, I forgot to capture more video footage for this review—I was simply too immersed in the extraordinary experience unfolding before me.
In a moment between songs, they remarked on the evening, calling it “sick,” and I couldn’t agree more. When they finished, the crowd erupted, calling for an encore, and as they returned for one last song, it still didn’t feel like enough. I craved more—more magic, more music. Horse Jumper of Love is an exceptional band, but witnessing them live revealed dimensions of their artistry beyond words can express. It’s an experience everyone should have at least once.
During our last conversation with my friend, we both agreed that the show we had just attended was nothing short of spectacular. The experience left us utterly speechless. Witnessing two such powerful performances was a delightful surprise, something we hadn’t anticipated, yet it absolutely captivated us. As we strolled back home along the riverside, the impressions of the evening lingered in our minds, leaving us grinning from ear to ear. It was a truly joyous moment that I felt compelled to capture in this review.
I gifted my friend an Eversame cassette to commemorate this memorable occasion, and I was truly touched by his heartfelt reaction when he received it. However, it became apparent later that he had no cassette player to enjoy the music on. This made me consider that perhaps this could be the beginning of his future cassette collection, igniting a newfound interest in old school music formats.
I realized that my love for live performances has reignited. There was a time when I felt disenchanted with shows, unable to find joy in them. However, over the past year, my enthusiasm returned, and now I’m once again experiencing those exhilarating goosebumps that come from being immersed in live music. The magical atmosphere has returned in full force.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Eversame and Horse Jumper of Love for such a remarkable experience that brought me immense joy. It was an extraordinary evening—one of those rare moments in life that you don’t encounter often but cherish deeply.
Additionally, I want to give a shout-out to Valor, who inspired me to put pen to paper and share my thoughts, having recently written their own review of a live show.
Written and photos by Filip Zemcik
