A Night to Remember: Alcest Live at The National
The Anticipation of a Lifetime
It was a chilly evening on February 22, 2025, when I finally crossed paths with a band that had long been on my radar: Alcest. My journey with their music began in December 2021, and three albums later, I was completely enamored. The distance of an entire Atlantic Ocean had kept me from experiencing their ethereal sound live, but with the release of Les Chants de L’Aurore—one of my top albums of 2024—and the announcement of their U.S. tour, I knew I had to be there.
Opening Act: Kælan Mikla
The show kicked off with the Icelandic trio Kælan Mikla, a band that defies easy categorization. While they label themselves as post-punk, I found their sound to be a delightful blend of “dungeon dance” and “goth trance.” Their performance was nothing short of enchanting, with nature-inspired lyrics and a witchy aesthetic that captivated the audience. Their set felt like a collaboration between Strawberry Switchblade and Heilung, creating an atmosphere that was both mystical and electrifying. I left the venue with their album Undir Köldum Norðurljósum on repeat in my mind, eager to dive deeper into their discography.
The Sonic Waves of MONO
Next up was MONO, the Japanese instrumental post-rock band that has garnered a reputation for their expansive soundscapes. Their set was a sonic journey, reminiscent of Explosions in the Sky, washing over the audience like a cooling wave. Although their crowd interaction was minimal, their sincerity shone through, especially when one guitarist expressed gratitude with a heartfelt, “This is our last song for tonight. Thank you for sharing with us.” The highlight of their performance for me was “Ashes in the Snow,” a 13-minute epic that ebbed and flowed, culminating in a breathtaking crescendo that left the crowd in awe.
The Main Course: Alcest’s Immersive Performance
Finally, it was time for the main event: Alcest. From the moment they took the stage, the atmosphere transformed. The lighting was ethereal, and the sound mix was one of the best I’ve ever experienced at a live show. It felt as if I was listening to the album recordings, but amplified and alive. Their setlist spanned their entire discography, with the notable exception of Shelter, which left fans eagerly anticipating their favorites.
They opened with tracks from their latest album, seamlessly transitioning into beloved classics like “Sapphire” before returning to Les Chants de L’Aurore with “Flamme Jumelle.” The crowd’s approval was palpable as they delved into older tracks, creating a nostalgic wave that swept through the venue.
The Encore: A Memorable Farewell
As the set drew to a close, the familiar ritual of the “fake ending” unfolded. Neige, the band’s frontman, bid the audience goodnight, but the energy in the room suggested this wasn’t truly the end. Sure enough, after a brief pause, the band returned to the stage, and Neige, with a playful grin, announced, “That was not our last song.” They delivered a stunning rendition of “Autre Temps,” followed by “L’Adieu,” which served as a perfect conclusion to an unforgettable night. Neige engaged the crowd in a call-and-response, creating a sense of unity and shared experience that lingered long after the final notes faded.
A Sweet Aftertaste
As I made my way home, I couldn’t help but reflect on the evening. The concert was not just a series of performances; it was a journey through sound and emotion, a celebration of music that transcends borders. I even found myself sharing Big Black’s Atomizer with my friend on the ride back, a fitting dessert to an already rich experience.
The night was a reminder of the power of live music to connect us, to transport us, and to leave us craving more. Alcest, along with their talented supporting acts, delivered a night that will resonate in my memory for years to come.
