A Sandwich (concert) to remember

A Sandwich (concert) to remember

by rick olivares

Raymund Marasigan related an anecdote to the crowd that packed the Metrotent last Friday, April 13 for Sandwich’s 20^th anniversary concert, Under the Glow of the Satellite. The frontman for the Sandwich that he invited fellow musician Chickoy Pura to a show. Pura asked who was performing and Marasigan said it was his band’s anniversary. Pura said sure but not before saying that his band, the Jerks, have been around for 30-plus years. That got a chuckle out of the charged and highly-appreciative crowd.

There are a lot of Filipino bands that have been around for over two decades or even more. And perhaps outside, metal band, Slapshock which has put out seven full-length albums, two extended play albums to go with two compilations, and continues to relentlessly perform and tour, no other crew has been as busy or prolific than Sandwich.

The quintet has put out eight albums across the decades and is awaiting a first ever seven-inch vinyl release that features their new single, “Timelapse”. More importantly, Sandwich have also remained vital. And if the Metrotent crowd is a gauge, they have put out a literal jukebox of hits that have defined generations past and present.

And just as the band did all those long years ago when they put out their eponymous debut, Grip Stand Throw, complete with merchandising, they did so once more.

There were t-shirts, posters, stickers, lanyards, pins, and mugs available. Remember that Sandwich lunchbox from all those years ago? And those shades and kicks. Sandwich may have gone up in the usual tees and jeans but their always wore some spiffy looking kicks. Even the members of front act She’s Only Sixteen made note of that during their set.

Speaking of front acts, aside from She’s Only Sixteen, there were other top indie bands in Tom’s Story, Ciudad, and Autotelic on the second sound stage to whet everyone’s appetite. And when Sandwich took the stage, singalongs, body surfing, and an awesome light and image show, made Under the Glow of the Satellite truly a show to remember.

And Sandwich made sure with perhaps their best performance ever as they played almost non-stop for close to two hours. Watching them for the nth time, you realize once more that this is more than Raymund Marasigan’s band. Even from the very start, they were better than the sum of their parts.

Drummer Mike Dizon kicked off the show with his thunderous beats synced to the lights that fed everyone’s fevered anticipation. Even before Sandwich, he was already THE drummer for Teeth. He has always been one of the top drummers around.

If Sandwich was known as a livewire act, then guitarist Diego Castillo is probably a huge reason for that. Perpetually in motion, and an outstanding guitarist in his own right, his expressive playing and crunching riffs have defined the band’s sound from the beginning.

The other guitarist, Mong Alcaraz, came to prominence playing for Chicosci. Technically proficient, he adds a lot of depth to their sound. Not to mention soaring back-up vocals.

Bassist Myrene Academia has more often than not, preferred to stay in the background. On this night, on a huge stage, she fronted the crowd – looking fabulous instead of her usual choice of a shirt, jeans, and Air Jordans -- as opposed to her playing at times with her back (I got used to seeing them in Saguijo) and facing Dizon to lay down the rhythm. She sang lots. And provided a lot of energy. Before she ran up the stage, she bounced around next to the stage; pogoing, like Castillo does every gig. Who can’t get pumped for a raucous crowd on a night like this?

And then there’s Marasigan.

I remember when his former Eraserheads bandmate Ely Buendia offered his thoughts that Rayms’ had formed the band that he always wanted – with the right mates and sound. From the very beginning even when they had Marc Abaya as the lead singer, theirs was a combustible sound that was equal parts Beastie Boys and Foo Fighters. Marasigan and Castillo have always eschewed the guitar hero part; they prefer to play tight with a lot of grooves and beats. After all, Marasigan grew up a hiphop fan (aside from New Wave). He didn’t just sing. He rapped. About his musical heroes growing up. Having fun. Playing in a rock and roll band. He even took time to leap into the crowd to bodysurf.

Early in the show, he even explained the secret to the band’s longevity – “we take care of each other,” he revealed. And it is easy to see why the band has remained successful and vital. Not just in their music but where and when they perform.

And Under the Glow of the Satellite? Definitely a night, and a show to remember.

Sugod, mga kapatid, to the next 20 years of great rock and roll music.