The seemingly innocent name of the band (Mermaids) couldn’t be more misleading – Sereias are the rebellious, often snarling offspring of Swans, Sun Ra Arkestra, and This Heat. With their fresh third album, they will make their debut performance in the Czech Republic.
Originating from the vibrant and diverse independent scene in cosmopolitan Porto, Sereias releases their albums with the influential local label Lovers & Lollypops. Since their early recordings, they’ve honed an eclectic, unmistakable sound that blends a passion for rock history (drawing inspiration from bands like The Doors and Can) with an equally strong love for avant-garde and experimental music. Their albums O País and Arder (2019), along with their 2022 self-titled release, will be joined by an all-new collection ahead of the festival. This manic musical fusion swallows up not only the genres mentioned but also funk and soul, elevating the music to the level of a magical ritual through the poetry of Antonio Pedro Ribeiro. He can shift from a gentle whisper to a loud roar with ease. His lyrics are sharp with social commentary and relentless in their societal critique but also laced with dark humor and provocative elements. A few years ago, Ribeiro even announced his candidacy for the presidency of Portugal. Thankfully for music fans, his political aspirations did not come to fruition.