LOOP in Manila!

We've actually been fans of Iligan-based band Loop even before their short (but definitely sweet) Manila tour. We discovered the band (and consider them our favorite band discovery of 2014) through Amplify.ph and Social Media and it has been love at first hear ever since. 

I started blogging and featuring Loop in blog posts and we were fortunate enough to have been sent a digital copy of their Flirting With The Universe album and we loved it! 

There are many things to love about this band and it seems that 2014 was a big year for them, from releasing a bad as* album, touring Manila and being part of I think every single Best OPM bands list of 2014. 

We actually just got to see them, after months of being friends on social media sites during their Route 196 show, we had work then so we were just planning to stop by to say "Hi" but then when does your favorite out-of-town band come for a visit right? 

So there we were (after being absent in local gigs for so long) enjoying a wonderful night of OPM. 

Brought to you by Green Apple Productions, this leg of Loop's Manila tour featured amazing local bands so this was how the night went. 

Tom's Story was up first, a 3 piece Math progressive rock band whose members look like they could be your younger and his friends, spending hours in the basement playing beautiful music. Paul likes these math rock, all instrumental bands (Pulso, TOE) I think he gets it from his Dad so I know he really enjoyed Tom's Story's set. Hoping to see more of this young band in gigs in 2015! 

Charisse Fanacier of Cebu based band Womb. 

Loop was not the only out-of-town band that night since Cebu's WOMB also serenaded the crowd. A 3 piece band using only guitars, synth and the hauntingly beautiful voice of their vocalist Charisse Fanacier. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get a copy of their album Anethesiac, the last copy was literally snatched under my nose :( Hoping to get a copy so I can feature it in the blog. They do have a song on Jam 88.3's Fresh filter so you can check that out and vote for it too! ^_^ 

Next up was Cheats who I haven't had the honor of seeing live, as you've noticed we've been absent in gigs lately and well I can see what the fuss is about with this young and up and coming band who have sky rocketed in the local music scene. The young energy that they exude on stage is infectious and you will definitely be dancing and jumping to their songs. Too bad we weren't able to get a good photo since we lost our spot in front :( Hopefully next time ^_^ 

Paul and I are not normally techno-pop people but a change in the pace is always a good thing and Tandems 91 brought that and more with their set. When I saw the guys bring out their Mac books and synthesizers I immediately thought of the phrase: "Age Of The Sytnth" 

These guys know how to throw a party -if they are throwing one, you should definitely come on down because it's hell-a-fun! 

Autotelic

I've been wanting to see Autotelic perform live for a long time, especially since I've already downloaded their song "Dahilan" on Amplify.ph -and loved it by the way! I also love that these guys are active on their Twitter account and really reply to fans and I love that they set up so quick too! :p

Definitely a crowd favorite - they were singing along to the band's songs and dancing too along too! 

Another plus was that I was able to get a copy of their album (albeit lacking in two signatures) hoping to complete all 5 next time, album review up on the blog really soon (hopefully during this Christmas break) ^_^ Like Just like Loop and Womb, Autotelic has also been a part of OPM bands of 2014 lists. So I just know that there are bigger things for this band in 2015! 

Last band before Loop took the stage was "Three" (they're actually four :p) another impressive band who even bought along Christmas lights to hang around the mic stand, adding to that Christmas and soothing vibe and ambiance that made their performance really memorable ^_^ 

When Loop took the stage to perform I expected nothing but an amazing performance and that was exactly what we got. Kudos to bassist J.P. Portado who still played despite a broken arm- I kid you not his arm was in a freaking cast but he still played! Which explains why his dedication to me on their Flirting With The Universe album is literally just a scrawl but I still appreciate it!  A true professional indeed!

I could say that they did not dissapoint at all! They sound as good as they do on record, giving the crowd a performance that made all the months of waiting for them-totally worth it. Even covering Foo Fighter's 'My hero' in their set- which I loved! ^_^

Loop and I ^_^ 

2014 was a big year for the band and I hope that things will continue to grow bigger and better for them in 2015. I wish them more success and pray that they continue making beautiful music and another (perhaps longer) Manila tour also? ^_^ 

Aside from their Route 196 show, the band also played at A. Space in Makati, 70's Bistro in Anonas and Saguijo in Makati. They did a radio guesting on Jam 88.3 and also visited the Amplify.ph HQ (photos on Instagram suggest an acoustic video performance took place-will definitely look out for that!). They also stopped by The Small Store with a Big Sound - Sonic Boom in Eastwood ^_^ 

Although we were only with them during their Route 196 show, the band has our support, cheers and applause wherever they go - I think they'll be at Sinulog Secret in Cebu too! So you guys should definitely watch out for them there! Their song Lite is also on Jam 88.3's Fresh Filter list as well as their Year End Countdown so VOTE!  A truly amazing band you should not miss- and if they tell you that: "The Universe suggests you to TURN OFF SHUFFLE" then by Joe- you turn off Shuffle! 

We love these guys! Favorite band discovery of 2014! 

Is there a name for Loop fans? Loopies? Loopians? I'll get back to you on that.

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