TALATA EP Launch

Among the Lights: Reyg Linao of Talata during their EP Launch. 

One of my regrets for 2014 was not being able to cover as much local gigs as we used to. So this 2015, one of my New Year Resolutions was to get to cover as much gigs as we could, despite the ugly and difficult schedules that we have.

Case in point-right now (at this period in time) Paul's off days are actually Monday-Tuesday (see-I told you-UGLY). So when Talata announced that they would be having their EP Launch on the the first Monday of January at 70's Bistro, we jumped at the chance to cover. Another requirement for gigs-to cover, especially when I'll still be going to work after would be that the location of the bar is near Eastwood (where I work). Which is why we found ourselves on a Monday evening at a jam-packed (the whole place was filled!) 70's Bistro, covering our first local gig of 2015- hoping for more this year! It was our first time at 70's Bistro actually and it was pretty nice :) Beer price is coincidentally around P70.00. :P 

We got to know Talata through covering an acoustic gig at Zili Nasi Goreng - a bad as$ Malaysian Restaurant at Vista Verde in Cainta. The owners turned out to be Mr. and Mrs. Linao. Jomal (Kamikazee) and Reyg, who also make up Talata. Okay so before I dive into the EP launch, I just have to go ahead and say that I really admire Jomal and Reyg; they have a family, with a beautiful daughter but they still pursue their dreams and literally rock out. I mean talk about having rocker parents right? They have a successful business and a financial adviser - yup you read that right a financial adviser! From an outsider's perspective they have things pretty much figured out which is why I really admire them as a couple and aspire to be cool parents like them someday :)

It was my first time to see Typecast perform live in a gig, since getting a copy of their Word Sits Heavy EP (which I won in a contest through Jam 88.3-album review here). We last saw them perform when they opened for Fall Out Boy in 2013 and as Paul said - you always appreciate a band more when you see them perform live and the same goes for Typecast ^_^ 

Another first for me was to see Moonstar 88 live- and it was really a relaxing set (obviously) and it gave a good variety from the other bands that performed earlier. I'm just glad that despite changes in the line up- Moonstar 88 has continued to create music and play for audiences - hoping to see more of them this year ^_^ 

The last time we saw Kamikazee was when we covered their signing in with JB Music, which the stage of the night was powered by - by the way. So I don't know if it usually sounds good in The 70's Bistro or was it thanks to JB Music ^_^ 

Seeing Kamikazee perform in a small bar was crazy fun! Now I see why Jay had a cordless mic (probably also from JB music-which is why it sounds so good!) with him as he made the ENTIRE bar-I kid you not - his stage! I mean this person is the very epitome of a performer as he reached out to people in the audience, danced his signature sexy, crazy moves; kissed girls and even got up the bar (where they served drinks) to do more crazy antics! Plus the hilarious banter of Jay towards other bands, just had the crowd howling with laughter. Jay also jokes about what will happen when the band will be "laos" but seriously how can Kamikazee be laos? These guys are one of a kind and I'm glad that OPM has them.

Crowd Favorite: Jay of Kamikazee basking in the light. 

Finally it was Talata who opened their set with their video Fed Up which stars and features Midnight Meetings' bassist Guada Tagalog by the way- Hi Guada! Will order The Fluffery-Marshmallow Creme -soon! :p

Official video of Fed Up - below! :) You can also vote for the video on Myx! :D

Catchy, angsty song that will surely give strength for anyone who needs that extra push to get out of an abusive relationship. -Also on my list of 2014 songs ^_^- I'm just glad that the band finally got an EP out after playing music for a long time now. With heavy guitars, angsty lyrics, Talata kicks the proverbial good girl aside with a booted foot and empowers not just girls but anyone to find that strength to stand up and get out. Their lyrics talk about the ugly and oftentimes funny things in relationships. 

Too bad we weren't able to finish their set since people were already looking for me at work. I was two hours late :p but- we had a wonderful take home- a copy of their EP! Woot! Available for P250.00 at Zili's in Village East Cainta -^_^ Loving the songs in it - EP Review soon on the blog! 

Can't wait to see these guys again (hopefully we'll be able to finish their set) or maybe drop by Zili's for a fun and crazy acoustic night and get my EP signed!

By the way - they are Amplify.ph's Artist of the Month for January and you can download their songs there for FREE and support the band at the same time! So what are you waiting for?!

Click HERE for MORE photos!