Arde Bogotá embroiders a Mediterranean rock alliance at its massive concert in the city of Turia.

The centaur, as the ultimate symbol of Arde Bogotá , presided over the top of a huge stage that housed the grandeur, size, and stratospheric dimension of the Cartagena band Arde Bogotá. Those road trip images illustrated the journey we were embarking on when the lights went out. A red moon illuminated the stage and the road ahead. "Veneno" opened a night that showcases the spectacular dimension of a band experiencing its moment of glory. But beware, what a more compact, more impactful live performance Arde Bogotá possesses. They sound resounding and don't skimp on stage resources. And that's despite the fact that the acoustics of the Estadi Ciutat de València didn't do justice to those opening bars; the reverb of Jota Mercader's drums was present (that stadium roof is very treacherous). But a stadium isn't the natural, ideal place for live music, but they saved it in the best way possible. Because it's going to be difficult to see Arde Bogotá in a pavilion or a smaller room.

Arde Bogotá's meteoric rise, with an EP and two albums, continues to amaze. And like their old-school rock, which draws on Héroes del Silencio, the Doors, but also Muse and Kings of Leon, it appeals to twenty-somethings, millennials, Gen Zers , and boomers alike. They haven't invented the wheel, but their success confirms the power of rock. As the visible figure, an undisputed leader like Antonio García conveys magic, captivates, and captivates. He's attractive, knows how to move, and sings with personality and power, making an impact. I look at a message in the stadium stands and it sounds revealing: "Mai ens rindem," "we will never give up," as if it were ideal for the occasion, reflecting the energy and catharsis to which Arde Bogotá transports us.

The rest sounds absolutely powerful, with Dani Sánchez showing off his riffs and effects, as if he were the follow-up to Juan Valdivia, adding nuance, brilliance, and grit . Also impressive is Pedro Quesada, the guitarist who accompanies them on tour, who displays masterful rock and memorable poses. Pepe Esteban's bass lines are addictive and devastating.

Antonio launches into a "bona nit Valencia" and the connection is already assured: his lyrics connect, his natural poetry, his way of sharing experiences, loves, and sorrows. But he also launches into a "thank you for buying the tickets and being here celebrating with us" that strengthens the bond. Later, he'll recall that the first time they played in Valencia was in 2019 at the now-defunct Wah Wah venue, for five people, and that last night they played for 25,000. Antonio remembers and mentions a Valencian fan who contacted them after Dana came to see them in Madrid, and that upon seeing them, he was motivated to restore and recover his parents' house, which had been damaged by the flood. He praises the power of music as a lifeline, as a vital source, as a stimulus to overcome pain and sorrow, and also to accompany joy and celebration. And that's when the enchanting 'Exoplanet' sounds, a song of redemption and stellar travel, of expanding Cartagena to 571-/9A.

Some members of the audience hold signs (such as "I Will Dance on Pain") that capture the resilience, the battle in the face of the drama that at times takes over Arde Bogotá. "La Torre Picasso" is reflected in the tower of lights on the stage platform. It is perhaps their longest song and the one that exhibits an impressive evolution, from ballad to resounding epic. There they display a showcase of talent, as in another of their recent singles, the infallible cartridge of "Flores de Venganza."

'Abajo' rages in that initial burst, but above all the stadium roars with 'Qué vida tan dura', an anthem that transforms the audience. Before that, 'Nuestros pecados' infuses a funk beat. A gas pump appears to enhance the imagery of their album 'Cowboys de la A3' (Sony Music Spain, 2023), the album that has catapulted them to the top of the national music scene. Theirs is a bigger phenomenon than Vetusta Morla, Lori Meyers, Viva Suecia, or even Supersubmarina, bands that don't navigate their classic rock ideals but that inspired and stimulated them.

He wins his thanks to the audience "for buying tickets and coming to enjoy and celebrate with us." Arde Bogotá is on an upward and exciting path. They have an impressive stage presence. Their live performance is impactful and high-return.

In the final stretch, Antonio Se climbs onto the stage's upper platform like a leader on the moon, on the sun. And a string octet comes out to perform "Virtud y Castigo," another moment of glory. They also accompany "Flor de la Mancha," "Copilotos," and "La Salvación," embellishing the beginnings, adding details, almost nothing. In the encores, a striking triad of "Los Perros," "Antiaéreo," and "Cariño" astonishes, serving as a closing act, and the word "Fin" appears on the screens. They bow, say goodbye, and Jennifer Lopez 's "Let's Get Loud" plays on the monitors as background music and a musical climax. Last night's Arde Bogotá concert in Valencia confirms that they're already very big: their live performance is on par with their success. Their work is now an absolute reality. They're unstoppable.