After Livestreamed Hiatus, Thousands Gather to Celebrate the Annual Rock Extravaganza

Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival

Against the backdrop of Moonlight Festival Park's lush greenery, the resounding chords of live music pierced through the air as the annual Pentaport Rock Festival made a triumphant return to Incheon. The festival, which had been relegated to livestreamed performances for the past two years due to the pandemic, roared back to life with an electrifying first day that brought together rock enthusiasts from across South Korea and beyond.

"Three years ago, we performed in front of an empty field right here, and it's absolutely exhilarating to be back with a full crowd!" exclaimed Galaxy Express, a beloved rock band hailing from South Korea, as the frenzied crowd erupted with cheers on Friday. The sweltering humidity failed to deter passionate live music aficionados, who clustered near the main stage, swaying to the psychedelic rock rhythms of Galaxy Express.

The sprawling festival grounds were adorned with colorful tents, dividing the expanse into three distinct stages: KB Kookmincard Starship, Incheon Airport, and Musinsa. The main stage, sponsored by KB Kookmincard, hosted a lineup of diverse acts that spanned genres and cultures.

A total of 54 musical acts, both local and international, are slated to grace the festival's stages over its three-day duration — a modest number compared to the event's grandeur in past years, but a significant step toward revitalizing the spirit of live performances.

The opening day treated attendees to an eclectic array of musical experiences, ranging from the mind-bending psychedelic and heavy metal sounds of Galaxy Express to the sultry R&B grooves of George and the down-to-earth punk rock anthems of No Brain. Renowned soloists, including Kim Yoon-ah of Jaurim and Chang Kiha of Kiha & Faces, forged an intimate connection with the audience through their soulful performances.

Headlining the festival's first day were the veteran Japanese punk rockers Ellegarden, marking their triumphant return to the music scene after a 16-year hiatus. The band's energetic performance set the perfect tone for the night and marked the culmination of the main stage's offerings.

The upcoming days promise even more musical delights, with legendary American rock band the Strokes taking the spotlight on the second day and South Korea's own rocker Kim Chang-wan and his band gracing the stage on the third day.

Pentaport has long been a platform for emerging rock talents and lesser-known artists to make their mark, and this year was no exception. Rising acts like the Poles, Dabda, Romantic Punch, and My Aunt Mary captivated the audience with unexpected and refreshing performances, adding to the festival's allure.

As the festival got underway, attendees were met with a well-prepared and secure environment. Emergency cooling booths provided reprieve from the oppressive heat waves, while vigilant paramedical staff patrolled the park, ensuring the safety and well-being of festivalgoers.

Despite a recent stabbing incident in the capital area that sent shockwaves across the nation, the festival carried on with minimal disruptions. While concerns about safety were voiced on the festival's social media platforms, organizers maintained a secure atmosphere throughout the opening day.

Over the next two days, an impressive lineup of South Korea's premier indie bands and rock vocalists, including Black Skirt, Silica Gel, Se So Neon, Cherry Filter, Kwon Jin-ah, Nerd Connection, Damons Year, and Leenalchi, are poised to deliver a symphony of sound, promising unforgettable moments and cementing Pentaport's legacy as a cornerstone of the nation's live music scene.

 

Sayart.net 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com