From Darla Records... Holiday Flyer.

One of my favorite indie albums ever. 

The Vinyl Hunt: Plaka Express

The Vinyl Hunt: Plaka Express

by rick olivares

Going to Plaka Express in the Project 6 area of Quezon City reminds me of my younger days. Back to “the Hunt.” You know it’s off the usual commercial areas, but you know you have to definitely go.

If you were a music fan back in the 1970s and 1980s, then you know all about the thrill of “the Hunt” for good music. The hunt was part of the thrill as sometimes, there was a scarcity to certain releases. The hunt also took one to far places. Unlikely places such as Raon (especially for bootlegs), Kamuning (for vintage releases at that old Phoenix shop), and Odyssey Greenhills (for records that you can only dream about having but were too pricey). There were unlikely shops that also sold vinyl such as Christhareth, that comic book store at the old Manila Bank Arcade in Greenhills. The proprietor, Jun Miguel, was the first to sell imports from U2 (he was the first to carry the War album), Metallica, Stiff Little Fingers, the Jam, and other really hard to find records. 

Of course, with independent stores having access to new records as well as second-hand ones, it’s a highly competitive market. Price, is a concern too. As are perks.

Why do I love going to Plaka Express?

Other shops carry the more popular releases with a few indie ones. Here you’ll find a lot of metal titles that outside the underground distros, you will not find. They have the best selection of Record Store Day releases. They sell band merch from shirts to back-packs. And there are a lot of compact discs! 

They also offer discounts on certain releases such as when Fra Lippo Lippi’s Golden Slumbers came out. They offered the record at a door busting deal of P1,500 discount (with the record using fetching a price of P2,200! 

Said the Plaka Express owner, Eduardo Cabral who is based in New York, “Man, I think I must have sold about a hundred copies of Fra Lippo Lippi (including the popular old albums) since we opened shop. The same for Mike Francis. Mga popular artists back in the 1980s.”

Another popular artist and release that was very popular, however, in the mid-1990s, is Claire Marlo in the shop was the trove of Claire Marlo Let It Go compact discs that they sold to fans. 

If there are titles that aren’t readily available, Plaka Express, the first to locally operate an active online retail store, also offers exclusive orders with parcels arriving within 7-10 days upon purchase.

Added Cabral, “2018 was our biggest year. There were a lot of new faces and younger customers in 2018. The most in demand records are classic rock albums from Queen, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and others from that era. For pop acts, the best sellers remain the Carpenters, the Bee Gees, and Abba. Most of our buyers are millennials who also buy the old stuff.”

With Record Store Day coming up, you can bet fans will be hunting down those precious few releases of their favorite recording artists. And in Manila, this is the best place to get them.

CHECK OUT PLAKA EXPRESS ON FACEBOOK FOR NEW DETAILS AND DIRECTIONS.

Split record Vivere Merda and ANXTV

Got this split 12-inch record from Italian punk bands Vivere Merda (which means "Living Shit") and ANXTV. Vivere Merda's current guitarist is a Filipino. This was released in 2010. 

Playing +/- (Plus/Minus) Holding Patterns

This was my intro to Plus/Minus. Bought the cd in 2003. Got the 10-inch coke bottle/clear vinyl reissue years later. 

Got straight edge band Half the Battle's What We Have on vinyl, cd & cassette

Interviewing & getting Pianos Become the Teeth to sign my records

Interviewed Baltimore band emo band Pianos Become the Teeth prior to the show at Mow's on Sunday, February 24. Zac Sewell (bass), Michael York (guitar), Chad McDonald (guitar), david Haik (drums), Kyle Durfey (vocals).

Got them to sign my records too!

Spanish hardcore band Teething to sink their teeth into Manila

Spanish hardcore band Teething to sink their teeth into Manila

by rick olivares

The hype sticker on Spanish hardcore band Teething’s first full length album, We Will Regret This Someday says, "Spain's Most Obnoxious Cratediggers." 

So much for promoting a song. Let it be known that Teething has not lost their collective sense of humor. Yet, it is both a nod to hip hop DJs who coined the term “cratediggers” and the members of Teething’s mania for digging for vinyl in shops everywhere.

And the band has been rather prolific releasing 11 different extended play records in the past seven years. And later this year when Teething hits Manila, Filipino fans will get their first taste of this band’s brand of pummeling and crunching hardcore/grindcore/power violence. 

Furthermore, it will be a triumphant homecoming for the quartet’s vocalist, Luis.

“My mother, who is not with us anymore, is Filipino and my father is Spanish,” bared Luis. “I was born in Manila and lived here for a bit then briefly stayed in Taiwan. Eventually, we moved to Madrid, Spain. But I try to visit as often as possible, especially since I have a lot of family who I dearly love here.” 

Luis discovered the music of Metallica, Soundgarden, Korn, and Corrosion of Conformity from an older brother. When he hit 15 years of age, he discovered hardcore punk and all its sub-genres. “There was no turning back for me at that point,” Luis said of his musical epiphany.

Teething was formed by Luis, guitarist Antonio, drummer Alvaro, and bassist David, who all had similar interests, goals, and tastes in music. “We knew each other from our previous hardcore bands so we knew we could play our instruments hard. That is how we got started,” related Luis of Teething’s origins.

“Teething is actually a stupid name,” admitted the Fil-Spanish vocalist who also designs the band’s album artwork and merchandise. The band’s album art and merchandise – done old school cut and paste -- are an integral part of the band’s identity. 

“We needed a name quick as we had our first show booked three months in. The whole visual aspect of the band – our mascot Ralph (who is like British heavy metal band Iron Maiden’s rotting corpse mascot, Eddie) with rotting teeth was born after choosing the name. It was like an accident waiting to happen.”

However, it is no accident that the band’s songs feature a lot of references to the Philippines if not make use of Filipino words. Songs such as “Filipino Violence” on We Will Regret This Someday, and “God Has Forgotten the Children of Manila” and “White Cross Impyerno” on their latest EP, The Night We Regret.

“All Teething songs are 100% autobiographical,” noted Luis. “The tunes are listed as regrets instead of tracks because I like to walk on thin ice with my lyrics. I speak my thoughts which has gotten me into to trouble before. I make a conscious effort to always leave the studio thinking, “Maybe I shouldn’t have said that.”

To date, Teething has toured Europe five times. The upcoming tour of Southeast Asia is being planned along with local promotions outfit, Sleeping Boy Collective.

Summed up an excited Luis, “We have toured outside Spain many times and we’ve been all over Europe five times. It’s time to finally go to Southeast Asia, this is in the works as we speak.”

When that homecoming finally happens, Luis says his family – aunts and uncles as well – will join the mayhem in the mosh pit. 

It will be one heckuva homecoming. 

At the Valley of Chrome Victorious album launch

Valley of Chrome launched their fourth album, Victorious, at Studio 72 along Kalayaan Avenue, Quezon City. Huge crowd to watch them and the super bands that were also there such as Queso, Greyhoundz, SkyChurch, Typecast, the Republicats, and Chicosci to name a few.

With Valley of Chrome vocalist Rogel Africa.

Esremborak EP launch at STI Sta. Maria Bulacan

Nathaniel, one of the ukelele guitarists on Esremborak, is a teacher at STI Sta. Maria, Bulacan. He formed a ukelele club at his school and organizes music fests there. So it stands to reason that Esremborak would launch there. And what a launch it was. Fabulous crowd at STI. Stand up crowd that sang along and danced to the songs. What a great time. 

Super thanks to those who bought the EP. We sold out all 55 cds that we brought. 

3 new Pinoy indie albums to get: Stef & Euge, Through the Waves & Esremborak

3 new Pinoy indie albums to get: Stef & Euge, Through the Waves & Esremborak

by rick olivares

There are three new independent releases by Filipino bands that you would do well to pick up.

And here they are:

Shoreline by Through the Waves

You’d think that with the musical landscape decked with all these post-rock instrumental bands such as Tom’s Story (if they are still around since the actual person behind the name “Tom” has left the band), tide/edit, the Insektlife Cycle, and Yomi No Kuni to name a few is crowded if not all the same.

But it isn’t. Tom’s Story is like a New Wave version bursting with energy. Tide/edit has a more progressive rock feel to them. The Insektlife Cycle has a touch of psychedelia in them while Yomi No Kuni borders on the black gaze. 

This five-song EP by the post-rock instrumental band from Pangasinan -- Through the Waves -- is closer to that band that shoved this genre to the forefront – American crew, Explosions in the Sky. And this means a more emotional and cinematic feel to the songs. 

And true enough, Through the Waves is a roller coaster of calm seas that end with the storm to come. Brilliant.

Steph & Euge by Stef & Euge

If you’ve played Mike’s Apartment’s album, Lovers/Quarrel to death then here is another one to keep you company and listen to ad infinitum.

R&B duo out of Ateneo, Stef & Euge (vocalist Stef Aranas and Eugene Yaptangco on production), have crafted a five-song EP that is sheer delight. It has that scatting feel of Bobby Caldwell and the playfulness of Drake. 

This EP also is a concept album with relationships in mind. Each song is designed to flow into one another and give one another more meaning.

Basura Songs by Esremborak 

When was the last time you heard enjoyable songs that you can sing along to and laugh at the same time? Ukelele rockers Esremborak, that surprise band that performed during the Pepe Smith Rockfest from last year, have made their indie debut with a five-song gem of an EP titled, Basura Songs. 

No, they aren’t being condescending. There is a wit to this band. But like any street poet, there is truth to the songs. And that is what gives songs such as “Seenzoned” (that takes a stab at social media), “Longlive Pangets” (about the challenges of being unattractive and probably a close cousin to rapper Andrew E’s “Humanap Ka ng Panget”), and “Ayoko sa Babae” (about finding love) listenable and hummable is the band’s sense of humor. You’d think that having a twin ukulele attack makes Esremborak a novelty band? 

Not at all. As we said before, they have the pulse and wit of Yano and the playfulness of Parokya ni Edgar. This band is going to be big.

Kagatan 30 vinyl record haul

I never owned any records from the Cult. When these albums came out when I was in college, I got cassettes of them. Then later, the Pure Cult greatest hits compilation on compact disc. I always liked them and for some reason, I always resisted getting the records until the last Kagatan. Happy to have them now (as I do not have my cassettes anymore). I still do have my Pure Cult CD though. 

This compilation record, All Original Punk Rock, was released locally by OctoArts International. It had the Chrysalis Record label so I am not sure if this was an original release or not. But what a stupid title. Only two bands here are actually punk; the rest are New Wave. I am not even sure if you can lump the Babys in those categories.

I got this as a kid and was only too glad to have it once more. And for all my gripes about misleading choices, I still like this compilation. Excellent tracks. 

And after all these years, I was able to get back my Fra Lippo Lippi's Light and Shade album (as produced by the late great Walter Becker). I lost my old copy of this through time. Great album.

I collection anime soundtracks and getting Resurrected: TV Manga Theme Songs was something I had to add to my collection. And I have never had a Chic record. So I had to get this too.

At Kagatan 30 quarterly vinyl sale

Kagatan, the largest quarterly record sale/swap event in North Manila, held its 30th edition last Sunday, February 17 (and second) at Ali Mall. There were more sellers and even more people coming over to buy their music.

With UP Fighting Maroons assistant coach Ricky Dandan who was looking for stuff he grew up listening to.

With Iman Leonardo and Glenn Mendez.

Famed Brazilian artist Marcelo Vasco paints Valley of Chrome’s new album, Victorious.

Famed Brazilian artist Marcelo Vasco paints Valley of Chrome’s new album, Victorious.

by rick olivares

In the history of recorded music, there are those famed cover artists whose work has adorned some of the most popular if not landmark records of our time.

There’s Hipgnosis that has done cover art for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Genesis, Emerson Lake and Palmer, and Peter Gabriel among others.

There’s Peter Saville whose abstract designs adorned albums by Joy Division, New Order, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, and Pulp among others.

There’s painter Roger Dean whose fantastical art has graced albums by progressive rock bands Yes and Asia.

And there’s Marcelo Vasco.

The Brazilian painter is known for his extreme art that given the metal and extreme music scene arresting images. Vasco’s work can be found on Slayer’s Repentless, Soulfly’s Enslaved, Hatebreed’s The Concrete Confession, Kreator’s Gods of Violence, and Machinehead’s Bloodstone & Diamonds to name a very few. Slayer’s Final Tour poster also featured Vasco’s work.

And now, his work can be found in Philippine metal band Valley of Chrome’s fourth album, Victorious, that will initially be launched on compact disc this February, and on vinyl this April. 

Valley of Chrome manager Jeff Keenan related that his vision is to help raise the level of his band’s music to international standards. “Performing in the Hammersonic Festival in Indonesia last year was a game changer for us,” he related. “We want to get our music out there beyond our shores. We want to also improve and we can see that now in our live performances by being even more technical and conscious of the sound.”

“And one other thing was to get someone like Marcelo to paint the band’s album cover.”

Keenan bared that as a fan of metal music, he has come across Vasco’s work. He reached out and didn’t expect much of a reply. “I was wondering if he’d want to work with a band from the Philippines considering he works with big bands. I was really surprised when he replied and was amenable to doing the cover.”

For the Brazilian’s part, he asked many questions about the band so those insights could find their way into the work. Then he listened to the music.

“Actually, Marcelo provided us with three different designs,” added Valley of Chrome’s manager. “All three were very impressive. But the one with the skeleton king riding on what seems to be the four horses of the apocalypse was the most striking one.”

Said Vasco of his collaboration with Valley of Chrome, “Doing this artwork for Valley of Chrome was an awesome experience. They are my very first Asian band in my client list.”

“I was excited to do this. I think people have this impression that I only do work for major bands and that isn’t true. While working with these big bands constitutes a big part of my body of work, it is important for me to work with bands and artists from around the globe.”

Regarding Valley of Chrome, Vasco had this to say about their music. “They are a talented band and I am happy to have my work as a part of this release. It works both ways – their music will reach new audiences while my artwork will also do the same. And that is fantastic.”

Esremborak’s brand of ukulele rock is out in Basura Songs EP

Esremborak’s brand of ukulele rock is out in Basura Songs EP

by rick olivares

Get ready for Esremborak.

This five-piece ukulele rock band will charm your way into your heart and tickle your fancy the way Yano and Parokya Ni Edgar did with their funny, biting, and witty songs. 

However, they aren’t copycats. For one, they have a two ukulele lineup. An instrument that they do not think is a novelty musical instrument. And two, their songs are the sort that will put a smile on one’s face or make one even laugh.

Esremborak just launched their extended play compact disc last Monday, February 11 at the College of Communication of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa.

The entire band – singer Mc Mislan, bassist Mike Tamayo, Leo Requejo and Nathaniel Panganiban on ukulele, and Mary Paredes on drums – are all PUP alums. And get this – are teachers. Mislan and Requejo teach Filipino at their alma mater. Paredes teaches Filipino and the Performing Arts at FEU while Panganiban is a Filipino professor at STI. Tamayo is finishing his academic requirements before he too gets into teaching.

The band was named after barangay East Rembo in Makati where Tamayo hails from and the band frequently hangs out. Together as Esremborak, they sing about the plights of the broken-hearted, ugly people, going unnoticed by their crush on social media, their friends, and well, life in general. 

The band released their five-song debut EP, Basura Songs (from independent label Sevas Tra Records) to a crowd of nearly 300 people who packed the Tanghalang PUP and clapped and sang their way through the songs. School-based poets and performers Rian Cabatingan, Toni Panagu, Arlan Camba, Federico Rivera, Christo Rey Albason, and Marvin Lobos opened for Esremborak. 

“Malaking bagay na rito sa aming alma mater kami nakapag-launch,” said Requejo who says the band is fully supported by the school’s faculty and administration. 

“Dito rin sa Tanghalang PUP kami nag-start,” added Paredes who also related that all the members came from different bands before uniting to form Esremborak. 

Even this early, the band is like a local hero for the faculty and students. PUP isn’t known as a hotbed for bands. The other band to have come out and somewhat make a name for itself is Bandido. Esremborak got somewhat of a break when they took part in that ill-fated Pepe Smith Rockfest last year where they were spotted by someone from indie label Sevas Tra Records. 

“Pangarap lang namin gumawa ng kanta and tumugtog,” bared Mislan who is the chief songwriter. “Hindi namin akalain na may makakagusto sa mga kanta namin.” 

Mislan admits that he is always writing songs. Even something as mundane as walking to school or even in Cubao, his mind is ablaze with ideas and phrases that eventually end up as songs. “Siyempre, ang pinakamadali ay real life – yung mga kilala mo.”

Marielle Gonzales, a senior high school student at PUP shared that the launch was her first time to watch a band and Esremborak. “First time ko sila nakita mag-perform at manood ng banda,” she said. “Sobrang ganda ng mga kanta nila kaya bumili ako ng CD nila.”

The band has started to make the gig, mall, and festival circuit playing in Laguna, Maginhawa Street in Teacher’s Village in Quezon City, Ali Mall in Cubao, and many others. They are scheduled for an EP launch in Panganiban’s school at STI in Sta. Maria, Bulacan this coming February 22. There are also plans to perform in the near future at FEU just to complete the three schools where all the band members teach. Their Spotify account and first music video will be launched very soon as well. 

Esremborak’s Basura Songs is available on the band’s Facebook page as well as Happy Music store in Ali X of Ali Mall (second level). The EP sells for P200.

Philippine Straight Edge Hardcore

These three releases from Feud are some of the most important Philippine underground releases ever. 

For the Sake of Unity was released on CD-R in 2011 (the vinyl came 13 years later). The Battling Bastards of Freedom featuring an image from the infamous Death March on the cover came out in 2003. That album influenced a lot of Philippine bands. 

Three years later, they came out with their final release; a three-way split CD with fellow Youth Crew bands Half the Battle and Play.

Happy to have these.

Got Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody soundtrack

I first became a fan of Queen when I was in Sixth Grade. I was heavily into Kiss as were most of my classmates. But one of them swore by Queen (another was a Rolling Stones fan). I liked A Day at the Races but at that time, their most recent album was Jazz. 

the following year, The Game came out with "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and "Another One Bites the Dust" becoming hits. 

The Game was my first Queen LP (as A Day at the Races was a cassette) then I backtracked to get almost their entire catalogue. But believe it or not, my fave Queen album is Flash Gordon! It still is.

It's good to see a Queen revival because of Bohemian Rhapsody. Excellent film too.

Thank you to those who bought Esremborak EP Basura Songs at the PUP launch

New Wave -- Ramones, Patti Smith, the Dead Boys etc

This was pressed in 1977, but when it was released in the Philippines, it was about four-five years after The Best of Punk and New Wave Rock was released. I even remember how this was promoted in the local press... "Discover new bands!" This was the first time I got to hear the Dead Boys, New York Dolls, Patti Smith, the Boomtown Rats, Richard Hell.

It was more punk than new wave actually so I thought the title was odd? Was it meant to deflect from the criticism that punk was anarchistic and chaotic? And because New Wave was in?

Whatever. It was fantastic. An entry point to new artists and I began to look for their albums. 

The Godfather of Soul.... I Got You (I Feel Good)

New albums from the underground: AninoKo, Namatay sa Ingay, DeathGlam, Dagger/Hrvst

New albums from the underground: AninoKo, Namatay sa Ingay, DeathGlam, Dagger/Hrvst

by rick olivares

One of the best things to happen in this new millennium and the availability of technology is the proliferation of independent and underground music labels and distribution labels or distros for short. 

These small record labels and distros have for more than 10 years now kept the international scene alive and vibrant. This has also allowed for bands and their music to cross borders they never thought they would.

Here are a few very recent releases from the underground.

Overrated Hype by DeathGlam (cassette release from Aklasan Records). 

The heirs to the New York Dolls are here. Fabulously discordant. The Bay Area-based DeathGlam torpedoes through the five tracks in under eight minutes in madcap fashion. The guitars are tortured air raid sirens amidst a twisted cat-fight chorus between vocalists Golda and Chu Chu (bass) and Glam Chowder (guitars). 

Gera Kontra Droga by Namatay sa Ingay (cassette release from Aklasan Records)

This New York-based punk rock band minces no words about what they think is happening back home. They show their imagination by using soundbytes with their blistering punk raging in the background. The band swears that all the songs are based on true-to-life stories from those affected by today’s events. 

When it is his turn to spit out the venom, guitarist AJ Santos’ vocals reflect the pain and anger. Bassist Levyn Herrera and drummer Simon Sabuero add the pain laying down a wall of noise close to metal. 

AninoKo/Namatay sa Ingay split (7-inch vinyl split EP from Ethospine Records and Aklasan Records)

A split EP that rages. AninoKo screams for unity and equality after cycles of oppression in their two tracks, “Paghugpong” and “Alipin ng Mundo” that is about the plight of migrant workers.

Pure angst.

Namatay sa Ingay, on Side B, also contributes two tracks – “Pagtapos ng Apoy” and “Ngayon ay Bukas.” The band out of NYC continues to thunder away at a corrupt system that has been in place for so long.

Dagger/HRVST split (7-inch vinyl split EP from Dangerous Goods in Singapore which is run by a Filipino expat with support from China’s Real Deal Records and Manila-based Mutilated Noise Records) 

A more diverse yet somewhat similar split record from Hong Kong hardcore band Dagger and Singaporean sludge metal crew, Hrvst (Harvest). 

Only 200 copies of this EP that pummels the listener have been pressed.

While there are no Filipino bands in this EP other than the two labels that helped make this happen, this is a perfect illustration of how the indie and underground scene works with small labels and distros chipping in to release music in different forms regardless of nationality. 

You will be amazed how there are Indonesian and Malaysian bands whose albums – sung in their native tongues – sell here among Filipino fans. And it is vice versa. Not just here in Southeast Asia, but all over the world.

Kult Razor from Korihor

Davao black metal band, Korihor.

Ballet School's The Dew Lasts An Hour and Boys Again

Berlin-based band, BalletSchool's one and only album, The Dew Lasts An Hour, that was released on September 2014 on vinyl and CD (left) and the Ep, Boys Again, that preceded the album, that was released in 2013.

The songs on Boys Again were re-arranged for the album. Which versions are better? I like both versions actually. 

I got the Dew Lasts An Hour in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Metal band Valley of Chrome releases new album, Victorious.

Metal band Valley of Chrome releases new album, Victorious.

by rick olivares

Filipino metalcore band Valley of Chrome is releasing their fourth album, Victorious, this coming February 22.

For Victorious, Valley of Chrome including their manager Jeff Keenan, have upped the ante. Beginning last July 2018, the five-piece band stepped out of their comfort zone by performing at the Hammersonic festival (that featured a lot of international bands) in Indonesia. The band returned to the studio and recorded 10 blistering tracks that vocalist Rogel Africa describes as “the band’s heaviest” in their 16-year history. 

According to band manager Jeff Keenan, performing at the Hammersonic festival made the band pay more attention to detail and be more technical in their music. “I think the results are for all to see and hear on Victorious,” he promised. “And to help elevate things to another level, we were able to get noted Brazilian painter, Marcelo Vasco, to do the cover for Victorious.”

Fans of metal music will recognize Vasco’s name. The painter’s work has adorned the covers of albums from noted bands such as Slayer, Machine Head, Kreator, Soulfly, Hatebreed, Testament, Dimmu Borgir, and former Twisted Sister vocalist Dee Snider’s solo album, For the Love of Metal to name a few.

The Brazilian had to immerse himself in Valley of Chrome’s music before putting his paint brush to the canvas. 

Said Simon of Vasco’s art adorning their cover, “It’s mind-blowing. It was a surreal moment when we all first saw the artwork. We know his work from bands like Slayer and Kreator and all of us in the band are fans. When we got the artwork, we went, ‘This is really happening!’”

I like the fact the local metal bands are raising the bar. A few years ago, Slapshock recorded the magnificent Night Owls with System of A Down’s Shavo Odadjian, noted producer Terry Date, and mixer Damien Page Lewis. And now, we have Valley of Chrome’s Victorious that finds the five-man band in their best form while wrapped around in the arresting and twisted art of Vasco.

The artwork isn’t the only one that is mind blowing. So is the music that delivers on the promise of heaviness. It’s tighter and more cohesive. Listening to the propulsive drumming of Paul Eusebio is like the sound of a thousand skulls being bashed on the bass drum while bassist Jordan Constantino lays down frenetic bass work. As for the shredding and tortured guitars of Tatel Marcelino and Kaloi Cambaliza – they complete symphony of the damned. 

In doing so, the newfound tightness and heavier sound makes me think of Archenemy and other bands. And as heavy as it is, Simon doesn’t simply growl his way through Victorious. He alternates between the banshee wailing and the more melodic. It sure is interesting how they interpret this live. 

Song-wise, the 10 tracks all build on the “victorious” theme. 

“Feast of Famine” – A short instrumental that opens the album that sets the mood.

“KKK” – Or “Kanya Kanyang Krus” that tackles the daily struggles we all go through

“Victorious” – The lone track in English is a celebration of resilience and learning from one’s mistakes.

“Markang Bungo” – Everyone is going to die at some point so might as well make the most out of life.

“Maskara” – It is about staying true to one’s self.

“Simula” – Everyone deserves a second chance. This is about hitting the reset button.

“Balang Araw” – Dreams come true if one works hard enough for it. And when the time is right.

“Alay” – A song for sacrifice.

“Yakap sa Multo” – The first single off the album. It is about accepting the ghosts of the past and moving on.

“Curtain Call” – The album closer and with a cinematic flair that is an excellent counterpoint to “Feast of Famine.”

Victorious is definitely an album you can be proud of. It stands toe to toe with any of the best of our local metal masters and then some. And it finds the band reborn with fire and ambition. 

The new split EP from AninoKo & Namatay sa Ingay

This split EP from AninoKo (San Francisco) and Namatay sa Ingay (New York) is a joint venture from Ethospine Records and Aklasan Records. Great stuff from our brothers Stateside. 

Rock and Jazz butchers: The Mad Lilacs release a sparkling and pensive debut EP

Rock and Jazz butchers: The Mad Lilacs release a sparkling and pensive debut EP

by rick olivares

The Mad Lilacs is such an apt name for a band that deconstructs post-rock with a bit of jazz musings and neo-folk. It’s a mad concoction that is like using wine in cake or marinating one’s barbecue with beer – it works, right? 

In doing so, when listening to the Mad Lilacs, I think of the Pale Fountains, the Pearlfishers, the Legendary Jim Ruiz Group, American Football, the National, Belle and Sebastian, and local indie band, Hidden Nikki. 

What do they all have in common? Aside from the laid back and trippy vocals, they incorporate the mournful and soaring sound of the trumpet that adds quite a lot to their songs. Not the brass of a thousand pseudo-echoes that clog elevators and the muzak and whatever passes for jazz these days. But the sort of hard bop that knocks you for a loop.

The Mad Lilacs’ debut EP that was launched last week at Catch 272 in Quezon City alternate the songs in sequence with the odd numbered songs featuring the trumpet. In the even numbered songs -- “Stranger” and “Water Year” -- the band plays a little harder with their alternative influences coming out – guitar-driven indie rock. But I have to say that the odd-numbered songs – “Willy Nilly,” “Sleep,” and “Emelye” are the best on the EP. And I don’t think it is a coincidence. 

In the appropriately titled “Willy Nilly” that kicks off the EP, the song teases with a sense of anticipation with the time signature changes. Then towards the end, vocalist Elo Dinglasan yelps… “Willy Nilly” just as the trumpet – after long being held back-- blares in exasperation. It’s a brief incandescent moment of indie angst and brass filigree. But… man!  

“Sleep” is a pensive one that contrary to the song title, does not lull you to sleep. It sends your mind wandering with Marco Azurin’s trumpet nudging you away after which bassist Mike Tee and guitarist Benj Ledesma send you soaring.

“Emelye” closes the EP and has that Ben Gibbard feel that I love. I love it when the band happily plays away with Ledesma noodling away on his guitar.  

I don’t want to infer that Marco Azurin’s trumpet steals the show. Not at all. I think it greatly complements the lovely and yet simple words. It certainly adds a lot to the mood and texture of the songs. 

The Mad Lilacs play tight rhythms and grooves. They don’t allow the instruments to go off lengthy solos; hence, leaving you wanting more. 

So if this is a teaser of a debut, then I look forward to the full length album. 

Now, I would like to pull them out of sleep and their dreams and get to work on just that. 

Note: If you want to purchase the Mad Lilacs’ debut EP on CD, kindly get in touch with them through their Facebook page.