Just Music: Tom's Story Wows in Album Launch

Fist Bump: Santiago, Naval and de Guia, who make up Tom's Story
share a moment before their set. 

The first time we saw Tom's Story perform was back in 2014 (or was it 2015?) they completely blew us away and Paul was an instant fan. I guess, there's something about an instrumental rock band that speaks to Paul, who incidentally used to play the guitar. Think 90's Rock acts like Green Day, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilot, Bush and even Razorback-you should hear him sing too- before picking up the camera and deciding to stay behind the lens to capture the rock stars and the musicians, he once could have been. 

'It speaks to the musician in you' Paul told me, referring to the music of the 3 piece post-rock, math-rock band on our drive home from their album launch. Honestly, their music didn't sweep me of my feet the first time I saw them perform, it wasn't really love at first sight but more of a gradual admiration. If you think writing songs is hard, try with just instruments. An instrumental piece with no lyrics to 'hide' from is like baring your soul to the audience and listener and without lyrics, it's really just the music speaking to you. It all comes down to what the music makes you feel. I know that it sounds too philosophical and maybe a bit serious and maybe even bordering to meditation and medidation but yes, it is just about the music and whatever it is that Gabba Santiago, Christer de Guiana and Tomas Naval have been doing-it works! People are responding to their songs (with matching quirky dance moves) despite the absence of lyrics and have quickly become one of the most sought after acts in the Metro. 

When the band announced that they would be launching their debut album it was one of the first events that was marked on our 2016 calendars. Apparently it was also what a lot of music lovers did becasue lo and behold- Route 196 was a sauna! I don't remember seeing the bar filled to the brim with people! It was a rubbing-against-elbows, sweat dripping down your neck kind of crowd. As a friend of mine said in a text 'we had to ninja ourselves in'. Paul had to wrestle his way to the front to take photos. 

It was a fun night (despite the heat and the sweat) with performances from Autotelic, Musical O and Tide/Edit.

It always makes me happy to be in a crowd that moves and dances with the music and the thought that it was a big crowd just makes me all the happier. It's a Saturday night and these millennials could be doing anything but they decided to spend it in a hot crowded bar in the middle of Katipunan, to show their love and support for a local band who actually makes music and not just belts out covers or  be another incarnation of a pogi-rock band because hey- those get the girls right? 

Picked up the album (review up on the blog soon) and now we have a piece of Tom's Story with us. We can blast the magic that is their music in the car or at home (neighbors be damned) and have our own quirky dance session, or whatever the music makes us feel like doing. 

Event was made possible by A Spur Of The Moment. 

Click HERE for MORE Photos! 

CIRCA: Skylight EP Review

Phew! I have so much pending album/EP Reviews! Movies have pretty much kept me busy for 2015 so now will try my best to get right back on it. Let's start with CIRCA's Skylight EP.

To me, CIRCA will always be one of those underrated bands who deserve more air plays and should get to play more shows. They are one of the few 'good old' pop-rock bands still belting out well written, electric guitar based songs. None of the 'sync and tech' depended songs that seem to be popular these days.

We have been following the band for some time now and are always pleased when they are in a line up in a gig we're watching.

Their EP Skylight which was released mid-2015 (yes, unfortunately, this EP review is very late) is a gem, with its 5 tracks of both English and Tagalog songs. As I've mentioned before, I always admire bands and/or acts that can write songs in both languages and Circa is one of those bands, and can do it well, might I add.

CIRCA during their Habang Buhay Music Video Launch. 

Although, most of their songs are in Tagalog and are about love and relationships, its not how most people would associate Tagalog love songs to be. Their songs have a pop-rock edge and sound which makes them a crowd favorite. 

Hoping that the band will come out with new material soon as they seem to be 'quiet' right now. 

For those of you who are curious, you can actually stream the EP on Spotify but if you want to support the band (more), you can check out their management The Yellow Room Music Philippines on how to get physical copies of the EP. :) 

You can also check out some of their music videos online: 

Huling Pag-ibig 

Habang Buhay 

Tonight 

*Habang Buhay is a definite favorite and I recommend it! All songs are in the EP :)   

Album Review: 'Arigato Internet' -indeed!

12 Shades of Reese: Arigato Internet comes with 12 beautiful photos of Reese Lansangan.

Do you still have a hangover from that awesome album launch last Sunday? I know I do! 

So how do you cure a hangover like that? Aside from blogging about the event the next thing is (drum roll please)....an album review! 

In a recent post, Reese thanked the 500+ people who attended the launch she also shared that they actually 'ran out' of albums on that day! (Clutches my copy closer) I don't think I've ever heard of an album launch actually running out of albums on the launch. Just goes to show the support for this singer-songwriter and the thirst for good music. 

As I mentioned in my previous post, we've been following Reese Lansangan since 2013. We know that she is a crazy, talented singer-songwriter. Her songs are written and performed with a guitar accompaniment, sometimes it's a Ukelele. We've seen her use effects and delays during her live performance but how was all of this going to reflect in the album? Was it going to be an entire album of songs accompanied only with a guitar or a ukelele at times? 

The age of the Internet has given birth to YouTube stars, such as Reese, who has gained a large following on her different social media platforms but will all these be enough for her to put out a full length album? I admire that Reese is as independent as it can get with her music and career. She has no record label behind her and is not working with any producer or industry expert in her album. As far as we can tell, it's just Reese and her a handful of musician friends who are behind the eponymous Arigato Internet.

When I first found out that the album was for P400.00 and I saw the packaging, I thought "Wow! Packiing palang sulit na!" I believe that in trying to keep the physical album alive in an age of digital downloads and streaming apps like Spotify, it's important to create a physical packaging and layout that will make fans want to have a copy of the album. As someone who belongs to that group who still values physical album copies (I have a modest collection at home) I was really impressed by how unique the packaging and layout of the album was; it was a thick clear plastic which was sewn on the edges that came with 12 different beautiful photos of Reese, that had lyrics written on the back. With this concept, album owners would be able to change the design (or jacket) of their album to a featured photo and with 12 covers the chances of you having the same design with someone is one out of twelve and you can also change it up whenever you want! It seems that with Reese's unique personality she also somehow passed this on to those who got a copy of her album. 

Being a fan of Japanese Culture (except the food) Reese loved the idea of Japanese characters appearing on her album, thus 'Arigato Internet'.

For some time now, the quirky Lansangan has teased her fans and followers of photos of her in the studio, working with a handful of fellow local musicians, most of whose music we already follow.

The album is made up of 9 tracks with 2 bonus tracks (See! More bang for your buck!) and starts with Exploration No. 5 which is classic Reese, her raspy, blues-inspired voice accompanied by a Ukelele, guitar and percussion. The next track is the much-talked about and super song Grammar Nazi, which paints a hilarious picture of liking a boy but who doesn't like books and 'couldn't spell right at all' (he says 'stuffs' so yes- run away) English Teacher Reese teaches some common grammar mistakes and even does a rap break in the song (yes- she sings and she raps!)

Recommended for English Teachers and even ESL Trainers to share/analyze and study with their students and trainees. It's fun and you get to learn a lot too!

Track 3 is the stalker-ish song Creeper, which with the upright bass makes it the perfect song for stalking-err 'watching behind the bush'. Code of Kin is a beautiful song, that I think of as a lullaby to your sister who may be feeling a little down and needs a little inspiration, I think it would be a great fit in a movie soundtrack :) There is a subtle use of a cello and keys and sythns which adds to the lullaby feel.. Track 5 - Slick is a cautionary tale of those guys you have to be careful of, Reese sings:

'Don't you let him get to you alone 

He's got a knack for smelling desperation

And he'll lead you to your bed tonight

It's hard to say no to those eyes' 

The story of this song, just shows the wide themes that Reese writes and sings about, it's not all about love and being hurt, it's about actual (kinds of) people too.

Bleed is actually one of my favorite tracks in the album, in here we see Reese grow from her comfort zone of just playing accompanied by a guitar and/or a ukelele. In Bleed we hear her sing with guitars, drums, keys and a bass. It's an entire band and it just shows that Lansangan is where she is supposed to be. Creating music, recording it and sharing it to an audience that deserves more than over rated cover artists.

A Song About Space is classic Reese, which showcases her quirky yet fun attitude and this reflects on her songs as well. Who would think that a song about planets and space would be so fun?! The added keys and synths makes it a cute song that both adults and children will enjoy.

Recommended for Science teachers/Pre-School Teachers who want to add a little spark to their lesson. :)

Autopilot is a fun and upbeat take on Reese with her full band.

St. Petersburg is technically the last song in the album (not counting the bonus tracks) and it steadily goes back to basic Reese with her guitars and a subtle addition of keys. It's a beautiful song about self discovery and travelling. The ultimate #Wanderlust song.

UNiCA at Zili's

Remember that Friday (November 6, 2015) hereby dubbed as #BusyFriday ? 

We went from the opening of Krispy Kreme in SM Angono, to the official Christmas launch of SM Masinag through a Fairytale Christmas, to the SPECTRE screening in the evening. Well we actually had a stop #4 for #BusyFriday and that was at Zili's to catch some long overdue live OPM music. Unfortunately Spectre was like two hours long and we also met Friday traffic so unfortunately we weren't able to watch Mayonnaise or Paraluman perform and only got to the last few songs of UNICA's set. 

Well, I've always been the glass-half-full kind of person and instead of being sad about it we (Team PCheng) just made the most of the situation- as we always do. So Paul started taking photos as soon as we arrived. 

UNiCA is a pop-rock alternative band that has been steadily making their way in the local music scene. Formerly known as Maltida which was formed way back in May of 2009 and hailing from Zamboanga. They have taken a new name and are set to make their mark in the local music scene. You may probably be familiar with the six-piece band's dual-dialect song "Porque" which was written in Tagalog and Chabacano. The song went on to become number 1 in radio stations in Manila back in 2011. 

UNiCA is composed of:  

Demz Espinosa (Vocals)
Whey Guevara (Guitar/Composer)
RB Bandiola (Guitar) 
Nico Sta. Cruz (Drums)
Jimi Ong (Bass)
Jesser Sison (Keyboard) 

Even if we were only to catch a couple of songs, we were easily impressed by the beautiful voice of Demz and the well written catchy songs. I was going through their Facebook page and was equally thrilled to find an impressive cover of Naruto Shippuden's "Yura Yura"  I'm already curious about their album entitled Breaktime anyone know where I can get a physical copy? 

You guys should also make sure that you're following Zilli's they have an awesome line up  for November! Plus delish food :) 

Click HERE for MORE Photos! 

Autotelic Album Review

2014 was a good year for OPM, not yet the "boom" kind of good which I hope would come again one day, (think Eraserheads, Rivermaya, Parokya Ni Edgar) but good enough for there to be notable indie acts to break in the local music scene, release an album and gain a fan base and a following. 

Autotelic is one of those bands who with their distinct techno pop sound have catapulted in the local music scene. They have a unique sound that sets them apart from other bands. 

Fans and audiences can relate to their honest lyrics, mostly written in Tagalog. Only two songs from their 8 track album are written in English. 

I got their debut album for only P250.00 during Loop's Route 196 leg of their Manila tour, I've actually been meaning to get a copy of their album and/or catch them perform live in a gig but since our schedule has been a b*tch that has been hard to schedule or make possible. 

When I do album reviews, I also write about the physical casing that goes with the CD, I believe that this is also an important factor, especially since I've officially started collecting CDs :p (I would have preferred vinyls but it's just too expensive and si don't think that our local Indie acts would be releasing their albums in that format. Now does anyone know where I can have a CD player that's custom made to have a vintage look? Or maybe you guys would know where I can buy one - just let me know okay? ^_^)

In the case of Autotelic's album, the physical casing of the album is very well made, it even has the same quality as my The 1975 Deluxe Edition album and that's a very good thing. The album art was well thought off,as well as the art on the sleeves it has a contemporary theme and feel. The band also used their logo in a classy and subtle way. I was just a bit disappointed that there were no lyrics that accompanied the CD :( 

Autotelic's Pretty Lady Keytarist Kai Honasan 

It's a good thing that we were able to see Autotelic perform live since I believe that this too is an indication on the talent and musicality of a band and as I said in my blog post - these guys were a crowd favorite. The audience sang, danced and joked with the band throughout their set. 

The thing about Autotelic is that their sound is unique, it's light and easy to listen to, it's catchy enough for their songs to get stuck in your head (which is a good thing). Popping their CD in your car while on a drive, whether it is through the hellish traffic of the cities or long drives in the province is a good way to make your trips more enjoyable or bearable depending on where you are :p 

It's also a good chill out song, whether you are alone or with your friends. One thing I can say is that if you have your other friends listen to them - hindi ka mapapahiya (your taste in music will not be tainted in any way) as these guys bring a good name to OPM. 

Lead vocalist Josh's smooth vocals are perfect with the band's east going melodies coupled with cool guitar riffs and steady beats. Their music exudes positive vibes that just male you want to dance and it can brighten up any gloomy day. 

Looking forward to seeing more diversity and experiments from the band but in the mean time I know that they will continue in their streak through 2015. 

Catch you guys in a gig soon! I still lack 3 signatures on my CD! ^_^ 

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!

False Apart Album Review

I will be returning to my punk-rock roots with this review from up and coming pop-rock band False Apart! I got a copy of their debut self titled album (recorded at The Yellow Room Music - by the way) at Built By Sonic Eastwood - which is near my office. Unfortunately we were not able to attend their album launch as we had prior photography events and a Christening coverage that day  but that doesn't mean that I won't be featuring their album ~ hence this review! ^_^ 

Before I start with the review I have to go on and say that I've actually known two members of the band prior to getting to to listen to their music. 

Bassist and vocalist Arianne Gonzaga is actually the younger sister of my former boss turned wedding coordinator. Don't worry I'm not writing this review to suck-up as I said earlier Arriane's older sister is my former boss who also coordinates weddings and events  (shout out to Event Junkies Manila ^_^)   

While I met False Apart guitarist Jepp Padilla through the Tricot Manila Street Team.

Tricot is a Japanese Math Rock band who performed in Manila earlier this year-let's just say that it was one of the most amazing shows we've seen this year and being part of the Street Team made that experience even more special. 

Peejie Abia who is the artist for the album's cover and sleeves is also a part of The Tricot Manila Street Team :) 

Okay so I really made it a point to mention that I knew some of the band members prior to being introduced to their music and I really wanted to emphasis this because that's what happens when you support local music there's a chance for you to know these musicians; they could be your cousin - (Barbie Almalbis is actually my second cousin) or your childhood friend or your (mysterious) neighbor and I think that's pretty cool. 

Okay...so now that that point was made let's get on with the album review shall we? 

The image that comes to my mind when I listen to the music of False Apart are two young lovers holding hands and jumping to the band's infectious melodies. Their debut album is a good starter album for anyone looking for a good dose of pop-rock. 

One of the things that sets False Apart from other bands is that they have both a male and female vocalist which makes their sound very unique. 

They are not a female fronted band despite Arianne's vocals nor are they a "Pogi-Rock" band despite Jepp's very pogi voice :) but the working and intertwininga of Gonzaga and Padilla's voice coupled with guitar riffs which reminds one of Coheed and Cambria a bit makes False Apart one of a kind. 

You can check out False Apart's video to their song 'Nothing's Left, Nothing's Right' below! 

You can also download the song (and support the band at the same time) through Amplify.ph - 

just click HERE!

Of course you can also grab a copy of their debut album from Built By Sonic and/or meet up with the band or better yet see them live in shows ^_^ 

As part of my album review, I will say that I love that the cover and the sleeves not just because of the art but because of the (good) quality on which it was printed. The font of the lyrics were nice and readable which is definitely a plus for someone like me with bad eyesight :P So you'll definitely get your money's worth - not just for the awesome music but also because of the great physical album that comes with it :)

There are 8 tracks on the album which showcase a variety of styles from the band.

I'm really looking forward to see this band grow as musicians and can't wait to hear new music from them. This first album is a good indication of their potential and I just know that with more angst and impressive riffs and melodies they are definitely a band that will be making waves in the local scene.  I should mention also that these guys bagged the Runner up position during The Yellow Room Battle Of The Bands. ^_^ 

So definitely bigger and better things for them! 

Make sure to like them on Facebook! 

Taking a Walk with the Darlings of Technopop MOONWLK

LONG Overdue OPM Spotlight! 

I've always been a punk-rock kind of girl but ever since we've started on this journey of discovery and appreciation of local music I have come to love other genres as well. Case in point is the growing Technopop scene, which I got a good dose of when I saw Techyromantics perform live during Greenlight Music Fest. 

Since then I've been on the hunt for awesome Technopop acts and I'm more than glad to find that in the dynamic duo that is MOONWLK. I've been seeing Amplify.ph feature their songs and even some acoustic performances but unfortunately I haven't had the time to check them out but we were lucky enough to catch them perform live during the opening Reese Lansangan's The Gathering Season Solo Exhibit and what can I say I love what I heard and saw! 

Now I know that that was like weeks ago but Paul and I have been busy with other content on the blog (photography, movies) so much so that Paul has dubbed our Saturdays as "Shatter-days" hails from going straight to events right after Friday shift (which is Saturday morning, since we work the night shift). Even if we've been busy with other stuff and have significantly been absent in the local gig scene these past months that doesn't mean that we've stopped supporting local music, on the contrary this absence has me all geared up to continue with our local artist features- hence this post on MOONWLK! ^_^ 

Our first time to catch MOONWLK and we were impressed!

MOONWLK is an up and coming electro pop duo, comprising of Gabbi Buencamino (vocals) and Nicholas Lazaro (synth and vocals) I saw a lot of music from them from Amplify.ph but havent't been able to check them out then but when we attended Reese Lansangan's "The Gathering Season" solo exhibit we were fortunate enough to catch them perform live and this was the first time that we were going to listen to any of their songs and Paul and I were both very impressed! 

Our favorite song would be 20Twelve which you can download for FREE on Amplify.ph HERE! 

They really sounded great live - which is always a good indication of the talent of a musical group and MOONWLK definitely had that in the bag. Another thing that impressed me about them is that they actually have a couple of acoustic songs recorded with Amplify.ph and they were as beautiful as the original ones. Just goes to show that these guys aren't all synthesizers and effects, that they can strip down and sound as good with the basics as well. You can check out some acoustic covers HERE. 

Buencamino and Lazaro's interchanging vocals gives their songs a new depth and layers which coupled with their pleasant melodies and use of synthesizers makes their music multi-faceted, catchy and addicting. 

Just can't get over this duo- when I actuall heard "From The Night" by Stars on the radio I actually thought it was them - that's how good they are! They are in the same wavelength as foreign techno pop acts. I'm also loving that Jam 88.3 is playing some of their songs! I can only predict bigger and better things for this two! Can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy of an album or an EP. ^_^ 

Recommended Download: Barbie Almalbis: Run for Cover

Is it weird that I'm recommending Barbie Almalis' new single "Run for Cover" to download on Amplify.ph when she is actually a second cousin of mine? (My dad and her mom are first cousins) hmm not really, coz the name Barbie Almalbis speaks for itself, she is one of the very few artists who have remained significant in the OPM scene over the years. She's been active in the industry since 1995!  

Her cotton candy sweet singing, technical guitar playing and sincere song writing skills have set her apart from other artists who only belt out revivals. 

Barbie is coming out with a new album: My New Heart and can I say that I'm loving the cover (in case you didn't know Barbie also paints) her first single off the album Run For Cover is already available for download (FOR FREE!) on Amplify.ph and the great thing about it is that when you download through Amplify.ph you also get to support Barbie in her music at the same time. 

Barbie says of the song: "In a nutshell, it's about not repeating the same mistakes. Learning to recognize & flee from destructive addictions and temptations. All this on top of a happy, dance-y beat" 

The first thing that attracted me to the song was the upbeat tempo. Listening to it, it makes me think of getting ready for a night out, you know playing the song, while your drying your hair, trying on clothes and putting on make up :) 

Along with the upbeat tempo the song also features some mean and technical guitar playing which definitely sets the song and Barbie apart. It's a nice new song to add on your playlist. :) Just click on the link to download! 

What The Eraserheads' New Songs Mean in today's Music Industry

When The Eraserheads defined the alternative scene back in the early 90's I was too young to appreciate their music but I grew up surrounded by older cousins who listened to them. So their music was always playing in the background as a much younger me pretended to be Sailor Moon battling evil using a pink wand with bejeweled hearts and wings.

Years later when I was in College an was surrounded with my "Senpais" (Upperclassmen/Predecessors) AKA much older colleagues- Paul included in the College publication (school newspaper) they would always be playing their music in the office (Gin Blossoms, Mr. Big, Stone Temple Pilots, Slipknot) and of course The Eraserheads were never far behind, especially with the release of the Ultraelectro Magnetic Pop tribute album which of course also featured OPM's finest covering Eraserheads hits. The tribute album served as a bridge for me to admire OPM artists at that time, such as Imago, Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal, Sugarfree, 6 Cycle Mind, and of course to renew my admiration for The Eraserheads as well. 

Now, six years later after graduating College and after beginning  this crusade of mine of writing about OPM (started about a year ago) The Eraserheads are once again, shaking the OPM scene by coming out with two brand new songs over a decade after their last single! was released in such an unconventional way! -releasing a CD with the two songs, in the September issue of Esquire Philippines magazine. 

The band could have made much more money if the songs were release let's say through a telco company and with the many music apps out there today, releasing the two songs exclusively through an app would have been a gold mine. I bet that the two new songs being released in a "Magasin" (pun intended) was a punch to the gut for the Telco giants, but for them it wasn't about the money, it was about the music. 

"Looking for Ligaya in London" - Esquire Philippines September 2014
Photo by Jake Verzosa

In case you didn't know the two songs were released without the backing of any record label, as heard on the Jam 88.3 guesting of Esquire Editor-in-chief Erwin Romulo where the two songs were first heard. It was just something that they wanted to do, they were practically giving the song away, like a proverbial high five to the fans and supporters. 

So now that The Eraserheads have answered the question: What would they sound like in 2014? How does all of this fall in today's OPM scene? 

Are the songs "Sabado" and "1995" only for their old fans - you know those who have been with them all those years ago, who like them now have children and families of their own? 

How does the two songs and the fact that an OPM great such as them is still making music play into the new generation of OPM listeners who have Social Media and music sharing sites  at the tips of their fingertips? 

Looking through my timeline at any time of the day you will easily find the younger generation of music lovers proclaiming their love and affection for foreign acts and artists. I have no qualms about these kids since I know most of them and I'm very happy to say that they also show the same passion and fervor for local acts. 

What gets me and it's gets me real bad is the mentality of some kids who think that just because it's OPM it's "baduy". Whenever I encounter people like this, I want to strangle them. I've been to foreign concerts with OPM bands as the opening acts and I've heard people shouting things like: 

"We didn't come here to see you!" 

"Get off the stage! We want to see (name of Foreign band) 

Whenever I encounter people like that I want to dump beer on their heads! (much to Paul's dismay coz he says it's his beer) I mean seriously show some respect man! 

Which brings us back to the Eheads surprising and teasing come back (of sorts). 

Typecast: Word Sits Heavy EP Review

I would say that I am both lucky and happy when I was one of ten winners of Typecast's "Word Sits Heavy" EP from Fresh Filter on Jam 88.3, which makes writing this EP Review easier and faster since the said EP was already part of my to-review list anyway. 

But before I go ahead with the review let me just go out and say that I was sad when I found out that drummer Melvin Macatiag has parted ways with the band. Paul and I had the pleasure of meeting him because of our following Save Me Hollywood. 

He always had a ready smile and greeting whenever he would see us. 

This of course is not a "chismis column" and so I won't be dwelling into the reason for the parting of ways. At the end of the day (from my perspective at least) - it's all about the music. 

Knowing that Melvin and Typecast will be continuing to contribute to OPM will be good enough for me. 

Word Sits Heavy is Typecast's newest release since the 2011 How Your Influence Betrays You and is composed of four tracks. 

Word Sits Heavy 

Gasoline 

For Your Sake 

Ceiling 

My favorite song off the EP, would have to be the carrier single Gasoline, when I listen to it, I can't help but stomp my feet to the beat, do head banging motions which eventually escalates to awkward dancing - damn the weird stares I get. Did I mention this awkward dancing happens in public places? 

Gasoline is the anthem of a wild night, images of driving fast in one's car in the highway comes to mind while listening to the well written angsty song and the marriage of the rich bass and intricate guitars is the cherry on top of this ice cream. 

I can't wait to watch them perform this live, that's going to be one mean mosh pit.  

Can I also just mention that I love the art of the EP! I was just surprised when I synced the CD in my iTunes it didn't include the Cover Art and I'm very particular about that :p

So going back....

My second favorite song from the EP is Ceiling which is reminiscent of the band's trademark emo sound.  It still has an upbeat tempo but Steve Badiola's smooth vocals bring all the emotion to the song. It's one of those songs that makes mush out of your heart. I love how the song ends with the lingering keys until there is nothing left. 

Word Sits Heavy as an EP makes me happy that established OPM artists are continuing to make music all of us can enjoy and be proud of and the fact that radio stations like Jam 88.3 and radio shows like Fresh Filter are putting these songs on the radio waves gives me hope that there are other comrades out there in the battle to support OPM. You should join in too! 

In the mean time I think I'll go back to awkward dancing to Gasoline. 

You can download Typecast's Word Sits Heavy on iTunes. 

Fresh Filter is on at Jam 88.3 on Wednesdays from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM and features OPM songs (Filipino Independent Music). 

UPDATE! 

Just had my Word Sits Heavy signed by the band when I saw them perform during Talata's MV and EP launch ^_^ 

OPM Spotlight: Getting To Know LOOP

I would consider it very lucky indeed that we got to discover the wonderful Iligan based band that is Loop, despite the distance-thanks to technology, social media and Amplify.ph we get to listen and enjoy their beautiful songs - and when I say beautiful, I mean beautiful, check out my review on their Flirting With The Universe album here!

As your friendly neighborhood music blogger (I don't think there is a lot of us out there) I am taking OPM Spotlight to a new level by featuring interviews from your favorite local bands- just to get to know them a little better :) 

I sent some questions over to LOOP and during a band meeting, the guys sat down to answer them so read on to find out how the band describes their relationship, their song writing process, how is it being an up and coming band in Iligan and what Manila based bands would they love to collaborate with. 

Why the name LOOP?

the name wasn't really planned. It was just blurted out by one of us (cant remember who) but it was probably because of a loop pedal.  

What's your origin story?

fresh from months of OJT in davao, Kim was thinking of forming a band so once she got home, she contacted us (JC and JP) both former bandmates from diffrerent bands and Micmic who hasn't really decided yet because of other commitments. We played one show which made us realize that the sound was somewhat incomplete and something was missing. Before the next gig, Micmic commited to the group and the rest is history.

Musical Influences?

we're listening to a handful of bands and artists from different genres from pop to metal. Recently, we're listening to a lot of A Great Big Pile of Leaves, This Wild life, And So I Watch You From Afar, and others. Just check out our individual Spotify profiles. 

Can you tell us about your song writing process? Who writes the lyrics? Who comes up with the melodies? Which comes first? Is there a specific sequence or process that you follow when you write and record songs?

The past two albums, the process was somewhat similar. Kim has acoustic drafts, she shares it with us, I come up with some arrangement and JC, and JP adds up their own stuff to it. Melodies are often made by Kim initially and then we as a group shape it up until we're somewhat happy with the outcome. Sometimes there are changes in the way some of our vocals are executed which often happens in the recording process. We're not really strict when it comes to the songwriting process in terms of how we do it. We just do it naturally. But we're serious when it's time to work on our songs.

Any Band practice rituals? Do you guys eat first? Do you eat after? Is there a particular food you guys like eating together?

we eat when we have money hahahaha. After practice i guess. We love hanging out at Micmic's house at night; drinking coffee.  Food? hmm. Probably, Pater and burger. 

Describe your band relationship. Dysfunctional family? Squabbling siblings? Barkada?

Youngest sister and 3 bully brothers type of relationship. hahahaha

Are the boys protective of Kim?

we're the ones who need protection.. from Kim... just kidding. Of course we are. :)

Ultimate Goal? World Domination?

well, like any other band; we love the idea of making music and earning from it in the future. 

Describe the OPM scene in Iligan?

we have good bands here but no venues. bars here house party bands and djs. we dont hate them for that, that's business. but that's how it is down here. we, the bands, have to spend a lot of money, ask for money, to organize gigs. 

You guys always declare that you're from Iligan. Is there a certain pressure that you feel? Like you are carrying the pride and weight of your hometown on your shoulders?

naaaahh. it's just that we're often ask where we're from. not sure about the carrying the pride and weight thingy. maybe. hahaha.