Movements to perform in Manila

Movements to perform in Manila

by rick olivares

Southern California post-hardcore and emo revivalists Movements are going to be performing in Manila this coming September 9 at the 123 Block in Mandaluyong City courtesy of brilliant indie promoters, Sleeping Boy Collective.

It has been a whirlwind since they were signed to a record contract by Fearless Records after the band performed only one show! Movements – vocalist Patrick Miranda, guitarist Ira George, bassist Austin Cressey, and drummer Spencer York – have been one of the hottest bands in the music scene right now.

They released an extended play album, Outgrown Things in 2016 that has become a sought-after album and a crowd favorite. They released their debut album, Feel Something, in October 2017 to critical acclaim as well as many year-end lists. Most recently, they played in the main stage of the final Vans Warped Tour. And last August 21, whilst in the midst of a European and Asian Tour to support the new album, Movements announced they will support pop punk band The Story So Far in a massive Fall US tour.

They are currently in Australia where they are performing in nine shows after a European sojourn where they played in England, Scotland, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany, and Austria.

Feel Something has been acclaimed by the alternative music press and the band, at the forefront of the emo revival. Yet, to their credit, their music, especially Feel Something, has been lauded for its punch to the gut; an honesty and willingness to confront issues such as depression and Alzheimer’s disease among others. There is an urgency to the music that is therapeutic for both band and the listener.

Said Miranda, “The music I write is therapeutic for me and it is how I choose to deal with my problems.”

How personal is it? The first single, “Daylily”, was written for Miranda’s girlfriend who has been dealing with depression. The line about “pink cloud summers” and its simple yet beautiful video has caught on to fans everywhere.

By the same token, Miranda admits that it isn’t easy to write the songs because he is no shrink. “What do I know? I no expert? All I can do is that music helps me cope.”

The full-length debut that was released late last year is also strong from start to finish and placed strongly in the American Billboard charts which is acknowledged as the best barometer for an album’s performance.

Sleeping Boy Collective, that underground crew that has brought in some really cool bands recently such as The Saddest Landscape and Hundredth, is excited to have been able to land Movements. “It isn’t always that you are able to bring in a top band right now that is doing well on the charts and making headlines,” offered SBC’s Darwin Soneja. “It’s a cool thing for us and I will have to ask myself several times over if I am dreaming even when the band is right in front of me.”

You and a lot of other fans, Darwin.

Movements hits Southeast Asia on September 3 when they play Thailand. They play Singapore then two nights in Indonesia after which they head for Malaysia. They wrap up their tour with their show at the 123 Block in Manila on September 9.