The Black Wizards Put a Spell on Lisbon

The Music

It was the evening before the autumn equinox when Portuguese group The Black Wizards alchemized a set for the senses. The audience seemed slim, that was until the trio set foot onstage and burst fuzzy scales of psychedelia. A bewitching scene, the energy of these grooves drew audience members inside from the beer garden to witness the loud-rock reverb these three conjured up. 

No matter where anyone stood in the room you could witness the synchronicity. It’s no doubt that their first album, Fuzzadelic, was released almost ten years ago in 2015. The evolution of the band is clear, and yet the identity of their groovy sounds have stayed solid in form.

While I watched the show in the dark corner of the room, I reflected on other bands who ignited this soundscape spell in me similarly. I thought of when I watched Ty Segall perform his garage-rock solo show in California just several years ago, or when I would go for city walks in Seattle and listen to Ty’s rock trio group Fuzz that similarly uses abrupt tension and distorted sounds to infuse their passionate prowess. 

From California’s Fuzz to The Black Wizards across the pond in Portugal, it seems that wherever you are in the world the hypnosis of psychedelic noise rock is alive and well. 

The Space

Nestled in the industrial art district on the outskirts of Lisbon, Musa de Marvila is a hub for craft beer, tattoos, and live music. The warmth of the red and blue neon lights connects to a beer garden outside for folks to mingle next to a shallow blue pool. Inside, the venue and stage help create an intimacy that leaves little separation between the artist and audience. All who enter can experience a true escape from the noise of the outside world.

While craft beer is at the forefront, the names of the beers such as “Wouldn’t it Be Rice?” as a nod to the Beach Boys or “Red Zeppelin” show the owner’s true love for music across the decades.