Femtanyl was probably one of the most unpredictable acts on the lineup. At first glance, the name immediately brings to mind fentanyl, which creates a certain unease and makes one wonder why they would choose such a heavy-handed reference for a musical project. But this ambiguity almost becomes a gateway into their raw, chaotic, yet deeply human world.
The duo—composed of Juno Callender on drums and Noelle Stockwood on vocals—offers a surprisingly simple yet extremely effective formula. The live drums provide an immediate physical energy, while the vocals cut through aggressive, saturated, glitchy digital textures. Their sound evokes digital hardcore, but with an almost euphoric dimension, as if the sonic violence also becomes a space for emotional release.
There is an “emo” quality to their performance in the most sincere sense of the word: a way of addressing real issues without trying to sugarcoat the emotion. Here, the aesthetic seems to emerge directly from emotional intensity rather than from an artificial construct. The visual and sonic chaos thus becomes a natural extension of the feelings expressed on stage. References to video games, digital interfaces, and glitch aesthetics play a major role in this universe. In an interview with BACKLIGHT, Noelle Stockwood mentions an interest in cyberpunk universes and video game music, which is clearly evident in the way their compositions create almost interactive atmospheres.
Beyond the noise and intensity, what stood out most was the band’s connection with the audience. There was a palpable focus on crowd etiquette, respect for others, and the creation of a safe space despite the concert’s explosive energy. The crowd’s movement seemed guided by the band’s intentions rather than by uncontrolled aggression. This sensitivity, linked in part to discussions about neurodiversity within their community, gave the concert a surprisingly caring atmosphere. Behind the digital chaos, there was above all a very clear desire to create a collective space where emotion could be fully experienced.
Photo by Play Fille
