Proto-Punk Nostalgia

The Music

Three Portugal-based bands (Devaneio, Ice Screams, and Flor Girino) graced the studio of Prisma on November 2 with energetic waves of DIY proto-punk nostalgic daydreams.

Devaneio

Opening for the evening at Prisma was the indie-psychedelic band Devaneio. Newer on the Lisbon music scene, the trio’s performance felt like a simultaneous expression of hope and melancholy. When I first listened to their Spotify prior to the show to get a taste of their music, I found that several of their songs reminded me of the flow and rhythm of the Brazilian band Boogarins.

Ever since I first listened to Boogarins back in 2016 I fell in love with the playful touch of their psychedelic roots - so there was no doubt when I heard Devaneio’s song Joe Delulu with this similar playfulness that I had to witness a new group’s take on this groovy and sunny alternative trip.

Ice Screams

 After the dreamy Devaneio, Ice Screams took the stage and decided to pick up the pace with their upbeat surf-rock sounds. The group transported the audience of Prisma from a damp November evening into the heat of a summer road trip that never ends.

The fast tempo and fiery heat brought by the group rings similar to the hardcore punk band Minor Threat or the album from the artist Wine Lips titled “Mushroom Death Sex Bummer Party”. While Ice Screams can’t be found on streaming services now, I’d follow their Instagram to stay tuned on other shows around Portugal to get a glimpse of their dynamic presence.

Flor Girino

Closing the evening, Flor Girino’s set brought a different flavor to the psychedelic/surf nostalgia from the other bands. Instead, their shoegaze distortions lit the room with an ethereal sound of dreamy introspection where the lead singer invited the audience to stand closer. This invitation to the audience created a special intimacy between the artists and listeners, with a warmth that soon after pervaded the room. It was the ideal ending to a night of punkish sentimental longing.

The Space

Tucked away through the hidden alleyways near Martim Moniz in Lisbon, Prisma is a cultural association dedicated to the arts. A true DIY space, the association hosts artists in residence, workshops, and frequent concert performances to showcase local talent across Portugal and beyond.