HÀ NỘI — One of the country’s most promising independent bands, Ngọt, will release their new album and play a sold-out show of their latest songs on September 23 in Hà Nội.

The album and live show, both titled  Ngbthg (A Normal Guy), are about ordinary life. The songs’ themes include friendship, love, anger, giving and the meaning of life. The 3,000 tickets for the live show sold out in two days, reflecting the band’s intensely loyal fan base.

Ngọt, consisting of Vũ Đinh Trọng Thắng (vocals, guitar), Nguyễn Hùng Nam Anh (drums), Trần Bình Tuấn (guitar) and Phan Việt Hoàng (bass), was founded in 2013. Last year, they released the first album, Ngọt (Sweet), after a crowd-funding campaign to raise the necessary cash. The band’s members, just 20 years old, couldn’t afford to make the record on their own. This time around, they were able to produce and release the album on their own.

Thắng composes many of their songs. Some of their hits include Be Cool, Drama Queen, Cá Hồi (Salmon) and Cho (Giving).

Thắng said he often doesn’t notice audience’s reactions while he’s performing on stage because he totally focuses on singing and playing guitar. However, he still realises that the audience sings along with the band during many songs.

“I’m happy for that,” he said. “Each one can find one or more than one beloved songs of Ngọt for him or herself.”

“We use music to celebrate youth, to share the experiences of being which are not perfect and full of longing.”

Musician Đỗ Bảo, one of the big names in Việt Nam’s music industry, said Ngọt band has great potential. Their music is full of energy and a new spirit.

“They are a good example for other young bands, they have a unique style, that can not be mistaken with others,” said Bảo. “Their music is like iced tea served on pavement with young people’s spirit, but also like red wine with classic philosophy.”

Singer Thái Vũ, rapper Đen Vâu and Mimetals band will perform at the show. — VNS