REVIEW: Soen – Live in Quantic – Memorial Tour 2024

Trope: Two People, Ten Thousand Feelings in Their Songs

Kicking off the night, American band Trope ignited the stage with their raw energy and emotional depth. Two people. One band. Ten thousand feelings in their tunes. Yes, they filled the venue with an incredible range of emotions, blending intensity with grace. Their chemistry was undeniable and perfectly balanced—one half of the duo exuded relentless energy while the other maintained a calm, composed presence. This combination brought out the best in their songs, enhancing the emotional depth of each note and word.

The first track “Lambs” was especially captivating. It holds a special place in Trope’s history, according to their website, but also according to what I could have seen on stage. From its very first chord, “Lambs” was an intense, powerful experience. It was about sensitivity and unique rawness, two things that moved the crowd. Their second song, “Plateau“, carried the energy forward with thought-provoking lyrics that convey a mix of frustration and determination. With lines like: “It’s time to wave a ring round and reign/ Throwing care gave of your something/ Wasted on eyes that see nothing”, Trope explores a craving for liberation. The vocals and melody harmonized to reveal an urge to “find another way”, drawing listeners into their personal journey of breaking free from limitations. Other tracks in the setlist—“Walk on Water”, “Planes”, “Seasons Change”, “Sigil”, and “Pareidolia”—each had their own stories to tell, with “Pareidolia” being as spectacular as it could be. The emotion in the lyrics resonated deeply: “So scream until you find/ «No, I apologize»/ Eyes open, knowing- awake” was a poignant close to their set, embodying resilience and inner strength—a theme that the crowd truly connected with.

One notable aspect of their performance was the palpable enthusiasm they brought to the stage; it felt as if they genuinely wanted to be there every moment. Their energy was infectious as they moved around, engaging with the crowd throughout the show. This bond was further emphasized when they surprised a fan with a spontaneous “Happy Birthday” shout-out, showcasing their appreciation for the crowd’s support.

Soen, hailing from Sweden, opened their set with a haunting rendition of “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night”, a powerful poem by Dylan Thomas that struck an emotional chord with me. The lines “Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright/ Their frail deeds might have danced in a 0green bay/ Rage, rage against the dying of the light” encapsulated that universal struggle against mortality, a reminder to fight against despair. The intensity of the moment was amplified by a brilliant lighting system that mimicked thunder with the line “Rage, rage against the dying of the light”. Kudos to the technical team for creating such a gripping atmosphere right from the start.

Setlist Highlights

Soen kicked off their set with “Sincere”, a song that perfectly reflects the challenges of our modern society. The lyrics resonate deeply, particularly the lines: “Is it us or them?/ See the light they lit for us all/ Just to show how perfect we are/ ‘Cause we are slaves of these modern times/ Where we all demand to be stars”.

This song critiques the emptiness of chasing fame and external validation, exploring themes of authenticity and self-respect. It urges listeners to break free from societal pressures and instead seek genuine emotions, which feels profoundly relevant today.

Following “Sincere”, the band played “Martyrs” and “Savia”, with the latter prompting reflection through lyrics like: “I was there to recognize the victim/ Cold and dry, another has been killed/ Blundered by the greed of man/ Aftermath descends/ Our time is slotting out of reach”. These lines poignantly address the consequences of human greed and highlight our collective struggles.

Next, they performed “Memorial” which delivered the heart-wrenching message: “Memories hurt us all, still we’ll never surrender/ The bottle becomes your home and the gun is all you can hear/ And if you pretend to save us from our intentions/ The scars will remind that pain is a passage we’ll have to cross”. This lyrical depth captured the essence of confronting our past and the battles we fight within ourselves.Soen continued with “Lascivious”, “Unbreakable”, “Deceiver”, and “Ideate”. The latter particularly resonated with the crowd, as they joined in, passionately singing the lines “Guided by voices perceived as their savior/ They leave their refuge, embracing hope/ Some of them drown, led astray by his pledges/ Some of them hang from an undeserved rope”. These lyrics echoed throughout Quantic, creating an atmosphere of shared understanding and connection.As the night progressed, they launched into “Monarch”, “Illusion”, “Modesty”, and “Lotus”. To cap off an unforgettable evening, the crowd was treated to bonuses like “Antagonist” and “Violence”. Among the crowd, it was heartening to see the new generation singing alongside their parents, bridging the love for music across ages. After the performance, I even overheard a child ask, “Why is this over? I want more!” capturing the impact of the night and Soen’s ability to captivate audiences of all ages.

Final Thoughts: A Night of Meaningful Connection

As a final note, I came to this concert not only for the impressive vocal and instrumental delivery but also for the profound messages woven into the music. As someone who deeply appreciates lyrics, I felt truly fulfilled when I encountered so many of my favorite songs and resonant themes that night. The experience was both powerful and uplifting.