On 17 October, the cream of the underground music scene will take over the Akvárium Klub. This year’s Isolation Budapest will be a melting pot of genres, with fans of alt-rock, indie rock, funk and soul all finding something to their liking. Here’s a list to give you a handle on the performers.
Walter Astral – L’Air (FR)
The French duo plays psychedelic pop and electronic music and began their collaboration in 2020, when they withdrew to the countryside to weather the lockdown. The fictional Walter Astral is a celestial explorer and astronomer who travels between dimensions. Their sound echoes the psychedelic rock of the 1970s, but features both vintage synths and modern electronic drums.
Prismala – Places To Be (DE)
Berlin-based group Prismala was formed by four childhood friends, who came from British, American-Gambian, Afro-Brazilian and German families, which is also reflected in their music. Their name is a portmanteau of “prism” and “mandala,” while their songs blend neo-soul, indie pop and alt-rock, with a pleasant, warm, groovy sound.
Charlotte Colace – This Feelin’ (FR)
Born in France, raised in Cuba and currently based in Berlin, singer-songwriter Charlotte Colace weaves her multicultural roots into her music, which is informed by the classic soul of the 1960s, modern neo-soul and smoky grooves. This Feelin’ is a euphoric celebration of newfound love and a sense of utter emotional security.
Sorvina – Running (US)
New York-born Sorvina is a versatile singer-songwriter and hip-hop performer. She began her career in the acoustic folk genre, then opened up to rap and alternative hip-hop as her music evolved, combining narrative lyrics with a rhythmic pulse.
Jeszcze – Lepiej nie mówmy nikomu (PL)
The Polish Jeszcze are a sister-brother duo hailing from a small village in Masuria, who fuse electronic music, synth pop and deep house. They write all their lyrics in their mother tongue, and are now based in Warsaw. Their best-known song, Lepiej nie mówmy nikomu, is about the end of a relationship that has gone cold and toxic and the attendant physical and emotional alienation.
Declan Welsh and The Decadent West – No Fun (UK)
Founded in Glasgow in 2018, Declan Welsh and The Decadent West play indie rock and post-punk, with raw, energetic guitar riffs, an alternative rock sound and outspoken choruses. The opening track of their 2019 debut album, No Fun, criticizes the emptiness of modern nightlife and superficial entertainment culture.
The Roving Chess Club – Az V. emelet (HU)
Founded in Szolnok in 2023, and now based in Budapest, The Roving Chess Club play indie folk and alternative rock. Jokingly described as “Western folk from the Eastern Bloc,” their music has a unique atmosphere. Az V. emelet (The 5th Floor) was their first song with Hungarian lyrics, grappling with alienation, loneliness in the city and the oppressive memories of a relationship.
Rikas – Passenger (DE)
Rikas was founded in Stuttgart in 2016 and plays indie pop. Their music is characterised by a light, sunny atmosphere, danceable funk and soul rhythms, and vintage visuals. Passenger, one of their most popular singles, tells the story of a romantic road trip.
