A night defined by attitude, message, and the difference between promise and reality on stage.
Berlin once again proved why it remains one of the most authentic strongholds of the European alternative music scene. The show took place at Schokoladen, a small yet emblematic venue within Berlin’s underground circuit, with a limited capacity —around one hundred people— and a spirit deeply rooted in the city’s raw DIY essence.
The evening was shaped by the environment of Punkfilmfest Berlin, also known as “Too Drunk To Watch”, a festival founded in 2012 that blends cinema, live music and punk culture under an independent philosophy. Behind this initiative stands the organizational structure linked to FAMED Records + Booking, deeply connected to the local alternative scene.
Within this context, two very different acts shared the bill in what became a compelling exercise in contrast: from the raw immediacy of Alex Born To Be Wild to the overwhelming solidity of Grandma’s Ashes.
Berlin once again proved why it remains one of the most authentic strongholds of the European alternative music scene. The show took place at Schokoladen, a small yet emblematic venue within Berlin’s underground circuit, with a limited capacity —around one hundred people— and a spirit deeply rooted in the city’s raw DIY essence.
The evening was shaped by the environment of Punkfilmfest Berlin, also known as “Too Drunk To Watch”, a festival founded in 2012 that blends cinema, live music and punk culture under an independent philosophy. Behind this initiative stands the organizational structure linked to FAMED Records + Booking, deeply connected to the local alternative scene.
Within this context, two very different acts shared the bill in what became a compelling exercise in contrast: from the raw immediacy of Alex Born To Be Wild to the overwhelming solidity of Grandma’s Ashes.
The night began in a compact venue, yet more than fitting for emerging and underground acts: well located, easy to reach, and with affordable prices —beer around three euros. The distinctly queer atmosphere was evident in every detail, from unisex bathrooms to a predominantly female audience, something rather unusual at rock shows, yet one that clearly defined the tone of the evening.
On stage, Alex Born To Be Wild, a recently formed Berlin-based project led by frontwoman Alex, delivered a performance entirely centered around her presence. She burst onto the stage wearing a red dress —a color that would later give title to one of the songs in the set— fully embracing her role as the core of the show.
Her performance was built on attitude and message: slogans such as “My body, my choice” set the tone for a show deeply rooted in feminist and queer discourse. Fully committed, Alex pushed herself to the limit, leaving both voice and body on stage in a performance driven more by raw intensity than technical precision.
Musically, the set relied on simple structures and catchy, chantable choruses, effectively connecting with an audience that responded with enthusiasm from the very beginning. Despite their short trajectory —barely two years active— the band already holds a loyal following within the Berlin scene, who supported each track with energy.
Formed in 2017 in Paris, Grandma’s Ashes have established themselves as one of the most compelling emerging acts in the European alternative scene. After their first EP The Fates (2021), the trio took a clear step forward with their debut album This Too Shall Pass (2023), further solidifying their identity with their second full-length, Bruxism, released on October 18, 2024, where they expand their sound across progressive rock, stoner influences and a distinct dark aesthetic.
They did not keep the audience waiting. A mere fifteen minutes was enough before, at exactly 9:00 PM, the French trio began unleashing their exquisite live performance.
Without hesitation, they opened with “Saints Kiss”, the first track from Bruxism. From the very first moment, the level was undeniable: impeccable sound, precise execution, and overwhelming intensity. Professional, visceral and deeply connected to their music, they delivered a performance of remarkable solidity.
The vocals, absolutely captivating, shone even brighter live, elevating already strong compositions into something far more powerful on stage. If they sound good on record, live they reach a level that borders on perfection.
Without the need to constantly underline their message, Grandma’s Ashes proved that attitude, presence and artistic coherence can also be powerful forms of expression. Their performance speaks for itself, allowing the music to carry the message naturally, without the need for constant emphasis.
The set focused primarily on their latest release, met with enthusiasm by a fully engaged audience. One of the most striking moments of the night came with their version of “Army of Me” by Björk, reinterpreted with a far heavier and more forceful approach, including guttural passages that added a surprising intensity.
Over the course of a perfectly timed one-hour set —ending at 10:00 PM—, Grandma’s Ashes delivered a nearly flawless performance to a packed room. The band, visibly grateful, expressed their excitement about playing in Berlin.
The show closed with “Dormant”, the final track from their latest release, in a performance that evolved from delicate, almost fragile passages into a powerful and explosive climax. While the guttural sections didn’t fully convince me on the record, they worked perfectly live, providing the ideal contrast to close the set with an exquisite balance of softness and brutality.
A band with astonishing potential; a true privilege to have witnessed them at this early stage, because what’s coming are not just waves…they are full-blown tsunamis.
