Going in Loops over Loop

Crazy over Iligan City based band Loop

Paul and I have six years in between us and in this six years comes differences in tastes and preference in music from time to time. I was the angsty punk rock kid who was into Paramore while he was the cool cat who's favorite band is 311. 

Over the years, I would say that we have influenced each other and just recently Paul said that my taste in music has grown more diverse and coming from him - it really means a lot. 

That statement came when we were both listening to an OPM band I just had recently discovered; the Iligan based band Loop thanks  to Amplify.ph! 

One of the things I love about Amplify.ph (there are many) is that I get to discover amazing new artists. During my recent trip to their website I discovered Loop <3. 

I'm actually pretty torn when a local act is not based in Manila (like Drive Me To Juliet - who is based in Cebu) I mean, I love discovering a new local act, I just hate not being able to catch them in gigs and shows. 

I just love that they put Iligan in all of their social media handles as if they are screaming loud and proud that they are sons and daughters of the city of Iligan. 

But when you think about it - in the 7,107 islands that we have there are bound to be amazing talent just waiting to be discovered. And while catching them in a gig seems far fetched at the moment at least there's the internet and amazing sites like www.amplify.ph.com to help quench this thirst for amazing local music. 

Even if Loop is not my staple and usual punk-rock choice in the Music Menu - as I said earlier, my taste in music has started to evolve and change and I've started to bravely try other things on the Music Menu and I'm just loving how Loop tastes  err I mean sounds. :p 

Reminiscent of The Sundays a band which Paul has a high regard for, Loop is a whole new ball park in OPM, right now I can't put my hand on what genre Loop is (they're definitely Indie but their use of other styles and instruments makes each song different and unique) but I guess that's what sets them apart from other bands out there. 

Their music has this feel of haunting and longing that leaves you wanting for more. It makes you feel happy and safe as if you are wrapped in a warm blanket with a hot cup of Peppermint Mocha (pun intended) in hand. 

I think it would be better for you to check them out on your own and decide for yourself but they definitely have our seal of approval! Four Thumbs Up! *Two thumbs from me and two from Paul* 

Check out their video Lite below! 

   
You can actually purchase their self titled EP on bandcamp here 

If you've been following the blog, you would have probably already read that I prefer physical copies of EPs and albums (yeah I'm old fashioned that way) so for now I'll just count on my lucky stars to have a physical copy of their EP - who knows.  ;) 

Trying out 'tricot'

'It's all about the music with tricot'

Even before it was considered okay (if not normal) to listen to foreign music (besides English)  I have always listened to Japanese music (both anime and J-pop/Japanese pop). So it's really no surprise that I'm raving about a new Japanese band but the thing is, 'tricot' is not your typical Japanese band. 

First of they don't look like your typical Japanese band. Sporting loose shorts (I was aghast) in their "Ochanse su" video they don't follow the typical formula of pretty girls with long bleached hair in short skirts and high socks. For one thing they (3 girls and 1 guy) are anything but your poster bishoujo or bishonen. It really is about the music with these guys. 

Although a bit lacking in the 'centerfold criteria' they make it up with their raw talent which is my second point as to why tricot is not your typical Japanese band. 

They are genuinely talented musicians and let's be honest not all acts out there are really talented when it comes to writing their own music and coming out with technically impressive songs as opposed to having pop hit makers produce candy coated commercial songs.  

Japanese or not they are genuinely talented musicians. tricot showcases great technicality in their guitar playing which is a bit reminiscent of another genuinely talented Japanese band Toe. 

tricot has been described as having a "Math Rock" genre Woah! Those were two words I never expected to be seen together-ever. For the sake of expanding our musical knowledge Math Rock is a genre which is rock based and is described as being experimental rock and indie rock. It is made up and characterized by complex rhythmic structures to get a better idea of what math rock is, you can check out tricot's song 'Ochan-se-su' below. 

           

Formed in Kyoto in September of 2011, the band first started with the three ladies Ikkyu Nakajima (guitars/vocals), Motoko "Motifour" Kida (guitars,backing vocals) and Hiromi "hirohiro" Sagane (bass/backing vocals) and current male drummer Kazutaka Komaji who joined in May of 2011. 

As if the discovery of a new Japanese band is not good news enough but the fact that (Drum roll please....) Terno Recordings the record label of some of our favorite OPM artists (Yes. We listen to Japanese music but are not ignorant of the genuine talent that our OPM artists have also, you can do both you know) Up Dharma Down, Pulso and Maude have posted a super teaser post on Facebook for tricot fans in the Philippines. 

Upcoming Events: Neon Fest: Get to know the Headlining Bands

Now that you guys already know our 10 Indie bands performing for Neon Fest (in case you still don't you can check out the blog post here) it's time to get to know the 6 headlining bands performing! 

Mad Hatter Day 

I have nothing but love for Mad Hatter Day who have gone from your regular College band to opening acts for Bazooka Rocks II. As I mentioned in our review of their EP - Alice in Distress, their sound is fresh and unique and you can hear the hints and influences of metal and you can hear good old glam rock in their music. 

To get a feel of their sound, check out my favorite track off their EP - Finding Atlantis below. 

They also have a new song coming out, Resistance which they will be launching on September 28. 

For more information and updates on the band you can like their Facebook page here. 

Jensen Tenoso

An award winning singer in her own right, Jensen Tenoso already has a slew of awards and accomplishments at her young age even being part of the top five of GMA 7's PROTEGE in 2011. 

Check out her stint in Protege and rendition of Footprints in the Sand by Leona Lewis in the video below. 

For more updates and information on Jenses you can like her Facebook page here. 

  

Midnight Meetings 

Another band, who we have been following is Midnight Meetings their unique take on blues and jazz is something refreshing and sets them apart from other bands. 

You can check out my EP Review for their acoustic EP 'Pwede Ba?' here. 

You can also watch their video 'Pwede Ba?' below. 

For more updates and information on the band. Make sure to like their Facebook page here. 

  

Upcoming Events: Neon Fest: Get to know the bands!

You may have seen some of my posts and tweets about a little event known as Neon Fest - well it ain't little no more since performers and bands have been confirmed! Get to know the bands performing and don't forget to click HERE to reserve your tickets! 

There are going to be a total of 16 performers! :) Featuring 10 Indie bands and 6 headlining bands. One of the main objectives of Neon Fest is to celebrate the talented bands just waiting to be discovered and Neon Fest is the place to enjoy new music and discover new and talented musicians. There are a variety of bands/performers/genres lined up to perform and you can get to know the 10 Indie bands in this blog post - so read on! :) 

IMELDA

When asked to name their influences Imelda has named Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Soundgarden, Rage Against the Machine, The Arctic Monkeys, The Clash, The Fratellis just to name a few. 

Made up of Jam Pascual, Vincci Santiago, Miguel Feria, Diego Manzano and Nash Ignacio they are releasing their EP this September 27, 2013 at Route 196 - make sure to drop by and check them out! 

If you want to check out their music now just click here to go to their Soundcloud account and don't forget to like them on Facebook also by clicking here. 

Behind Those City Lights 

Well well well what can I say about Behind Those City Lights? When I heard that they submitted a demo for Neon Fest I knew that they would get in the line up coz they good like that! :) 

I did do an upcoming bands feature on them here.  

Hailing from the South - Behind Those City Lights, is a five piece band composed of the stunning Mich Dimen on Vocals/Keyboards, Dek Mongalo (Vocals/Guitar), Hen Luce (Guitar) Anne Lampano (Bass), Jasper Lawan (Drums, Electronica Sampler).  

You can check out the video to their song Last Words here and watch the story behind the song as well as the recording process in the video below. :) 

For more info and updates on their gigs you can like their Facebook page here.  

Cholo Tolentino 

One of the two solo performers for Neon Feast - Cholo Tolentino describes himself as a pop artist and producer. Check out his impressive originals here. 

Just goes to show that you don't have to rely on remakes to show your talents. Cholo aims to always try something different with his originals and sees to it that he integrates new fusions and styles when producing tracks right at his own home! 

Check out his video 'Push You Away' below! :) 

For more information and updates on Cholo you can like him on his Facebook page here. 

Now You Make Me Angry

From Malolos Bulacan, Now You Make Me Angry or NYMMA is a Pop Punk/Easycore/Pop Rock that was formed in 2011. They are made up of Jef Roxas on vocals, Aaron Roxas (bass and back up vocals), Alden Mallo (unclean vocals), Dustin Danguilan on guitars, Aaron Torres on Drums and Topher Bocalig on synths. 

You can check out their original song 'Every Good Boy Does Fine' here.  

Now You Make Me Angry has already released their EP entitled:Stars, Hearts, and Asterisks last August 25, 2013. The band names All Time Low, Four Year Strong, Forever the Sickest Kids, Mayday Parade and A Day To Remember among their influences. 

You can like their Facebook page here for updates and information on the band.     

The Yellow Room Night: Saguijo X Band Feature: Pitik

Got nothing to do on a Wednesday night? Then head on over to the next Yellow Room Night which will be on August 14, 2013 at Saguijo Bar & Cafe in Makati. 

For those of you who don't know yet ~ The Yellow Room is an independent Record Label and Studio that caters to both professional and amateur performers and musicians. 

The studio is owned by Montay Macalinao of Mayonnaise who is the 'man behind the Yellow Room' as he also produces the songs recorded in the studio. 

There have been a number of The Yellow Room Nights already, each one in a different venue/bar across the Metro. Paul and I spent one Wednesday off from work by heading over their Freedom bar leg last July 24 blog post on that here. 

If you we'rent able to catch them for the first few Yellow Nights make sure to mark your calendars for August 14 and head on over to Saguijo Bar & Cafe for a night of great quality Original Pinoy Music. 

There will be performances from: 

Mayonnaise

Circa

Paraluman

Ferown

Pitik

Miromatiko 

The Very First 

Unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to attend the event since I have work, I already went on leave for their Freedom Bar leg and if I ask my boss to go on a leave again she might just give me a kurot sa singet. :P But Paul will be going since Wednesdays are his off days from work. 

Even if we both work as a team, Paul as the photographer and myself as the blogger; there are really times when one of us has to go on an event alone and we just have to compensate for the other. In case you didn't know Paul writes too ~ we both met in the College School Publication after all, so he does write, I just need to proof read it. :P And in fairness, Paul has also been teaching me a thing or two about how to take photos and that's how we work together. :) An acquaintance once told me we have a marriage of talents. :) 

Going back to the event...... Since I already featured Circa, Paraluman and Ferown in my previous post, this post will also be a special feature on Pitik. 

Jio Clavano of Pitik. Photo by Paul Cheng. Taken during Foo Fighters Night. 

Paul is also looking forward to the event since one of his favorite OPM bands, Pitik will be performing. Remember that original The Yellow Room post where I wrote that I loved the girls and Paul loved the boys, well Pitik is one those boys. :) He listens to their songs on Soundcloud. If you want to listen to Pitik make sure to check out Paul's Pitik Music playlist on Souncloud here. 

Our favorite Pitik songs include: 
It can't be me, click here to listen to it on Soundcloud. 
Burn Bright, click here to listen to it on Soundcloud. 

Below you can find the video of Pitik's Lies as recorded in the Yellow Room. The second video is the story of the recording and it is a pretty interesting story with a little history in it. 

Since the video was still made in 2012, there have been a lot of changes already, like Kuya Monty's hair style and a new Yellow Room. 

Pitik - Lies - the recording. 

EP Review: Midnight Meetings Acoustic

I know that this EP Review is very, very late already but allow me to explain (ahem...) along with this EP Review we will be having a PCheng Photography Give Away! A SIGNED Midnight Meetings EP, a Midnight Meetings keychain and maybe a signed print?? :)  (cue in the cheers - yeahey! yeahey!) but we couldn't do the give away yet without having sent the Mad Hatter Day: Alice in Distress EPs for our other PCheng Photography give away - so now that that's been done I can now post my EP Review for Midnight Meetings: Pwede Ba? Acoustic EP. 

We were also a sponsor during their EP and MV launch, blog post is here! 

Containing 4 acoustic tracks, the Midnight Meetings Pwede Ba? Acoustic EP is good to have in your playlist especially if you are a alternative-punk-rock chick like me. :) It's a good change to the heavy riffs and fast drum rolls, the songs are very laid back and relaxing.   

One of the things that I found very endearing about the EP is that it was personally made by the band. They literally made an assembly line of themselves and each one had a specific assignment and this gave it a very personal touch. The fact that it did not have the guise of anything manufactured makes the EP one worth holding on to; aaaand we are giving away a SIGNED copy plus more Midnight Meetings goodies! Just keep a look out for the contest mechanics :) 

Even though the band is fronted by the already famous Ashley Gosiengfiao, it is definitely not 'The Ashley Gosiengfiao band' since each member is a true musician in his or her own right. 

Petite bassist Guada Tagalog really lets slaps that bass and as Paul would say 'mabigat ang bagsak nya sa bass' hmmm do we have a Myrene or Lalai in the future? :P  Lead guitarist Ken Estioko also lets out heavy guitar riffs on his own - check out his cover of the Game of Thrones theme here! While Drummer Ralph De Guzman combines his charm, humor and wit with his drum playing prowess which makes him a memorable drummer indeed. And of course the band is rounded up by Ashley Gosiengfiao on guitar and vocals, her vocals and deep range set her apart to other female vocalists fronting other bands.  

Since it is an Acoustic EP I am really looking forward to a full band LP or album! So that they have a chance to showcase their versatility. :) 

Upcoming Bands: Behind Those City Lights

When I first saw Behind Those City Lights during Paramore Night IV, I thought to myself 'Hey these guys are pretty good' but you know how good things can only get better? Well that is exactly what happened with Behind Those City Lights as they are pulling out all stops and taking that extra step and going the extra mile to bring their music out there. 

Composed of Mich Dimen on Vocals/Piano

Dedek Mongalo on Guitars/Vocals

Anne Lampano on Bass

Hen Luce on Guitars and

Jasper Lawan on drums and samples  

Behind the City Lights is ready to become the next big thing in the local music scene. I was really impressed when I saw their recorded song 'Last Words' on Youtube. I was having the same problem with an earlier post where in I couldn't find the video on Youtube to post here. Just click here to check out Behind the City Lights' song 'Last Word'.    

The song was recorded in The Yellow Room and was also produced by Monty Macalinao of Mayonnaise. 

You can watch the video above to check out the story behind 'Last Word' Hearing that the song was recorded in a short time, makes me excited. This just shows the great potential that this band has and the fact that they are not afraid to experiment by adding cellos and other instruments to the song just goes that they are not your average garage band. 

You can catch Behind Those City Lights in the following dates and venues: 

July 18

Flippish Guesting www.flippish.com

Young Wild and Free 10PM

 July 19 

Amos Cafe

Tayo Tayo Night 

July 24

Freedom Bar

Mismo Productions: Yellow Room Night 

For the latest news and updates on Behind The City Lights you can like their Facebook page here and you can also follow them on Twitter: @btccitylights