By José Gandue @Gandour Photo by Oscar Perfer @perferoscar
As part of the Rock al Parque 2017 program A stronger representation of the current Bogota scene was needed. We miss bands that have established themselves on other stages, at other festivals, and frequently in the media. Groups that have a wide following among city audiences and that surely would have been celebrated by the audience at Simón Bolívar. Some of them waited to be invited directly by the district organization, believing that it was their turn to be absent from the meetings. Others simply dismiss the festival, believing it's only for lesser acts. There are also those who never knew where to register and missed their chance. Without meaning to belittle those who did have the opportunity to perform this year, we can say that we missed them and that, although this year's edition was convincing, It could have been better with his presence. But, oh well, it's over now.
Those who did go through all the necessary steps to be there and more than fulfilled expectations were Los Makenzy, A classic-sounding trio that has found its place among the city's favorites for its performance and its great songs And because they have that necessary attitude to attract attention, break things, and be appreciated for their noise. Their appeal goes beyond mere arrogance and rebelliousness (qualities they possess in abundance): To all that flair they add excellent compositions and a refined use of their instruments. Life hasn't been easy for them, and much of their journey has been fraught with difficulties. For some, they might be a walking cliché, with their leather jackets, their haughty swagger, and their desire to demolish hotels., And to others they look like a trio of quarrelsome brats with an irreverent desire to be famous. Everything may be true, but when they stand on the stage they shatter all prejudices and make it happen.
They didn't have it easy on Monday at Rock al Parque. They were like cannon fodder between Panteón Rococó and Los Tres. Any mistake, especially on a stage with perpetual sound problems, and everything could have gone to hell. Their performance, amidst those problematic circumstances, was impeccable. The audience, more attentive and respectful than expected, applauded every song and celebrated their being a worthy local representation in such a situation. In the midst of the blues and rock 'n' roll hurricane they unleashed, they played Aura, one of the most beautiful Colombian songs of recent years in Colombian rock and the people sang along with them. There was even time for Nicolás, the singer, to dedicate part of his concert to his wife and talk about love without the shame of the shy. They ended up receiving applause because they truly deserved it. They know that what happened there was important in their career and, surely, more than one of their colleagues who did not want to be there regretted it upon seeing the euphoria that this trio aroused in front of more than forty thousand spectators.
The Makenzy show was one of the best in the festival's program. That should open even more doors for them than they've had to break down in their careers. I hope all the good things that are meant for them in life come to pass. Just don't expect them to always be nice; they have their own way of approaching life and often won't have time to cater to you. Just ask them for good music, that's what you're sure to get.
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