Masha's "Hello, Cyanide" single released

The guys from Masha are back with an even meaner, badder single entitled "Hello, Cyanide".

The cuss-infused, Eastern groove laced song still brings out the "Experimental Alternative" vibe that is Masha, but with a more "Incubus-Kula Shaker"- ish feel packaged in an arrangement that is distinctly OPM.

"Hello, Cyanide" has already being noticed and was featured in music sites such as Amplify.ph and Radio Republic.

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For those out there who are starting to dig the "Masha" sound, get ready for their long awaited album launch on Nov.7 at B-Side Collective. Along with rock acts such as Salt Circa, Kontra Tiempo, Parada, KENYO and Twin Lobster!. 

And for the entrance fee of 200 pisetas, you also get a free beer (or drink) and a copy of their debut album "Stalemate Guards For Defiant Hearts".

Teeth: Live at Venice Piazza

For some, it was a chance to see what the hype is all about. For most, it was a chance to relive the golden days of Pinoy alternative music. First timers and long time fans alike gathered at Venice Piazza at McKinley Hills last June 7 to witness the live performance of Teeth, one of the most influential local rock act from the 90's.

The encore event was made possible by Megaworld and the establishments at Venice Piazza. Having missed the previous "long overdue" reunion event, this one was a pleasant rebound for a fan like me. Singing along to their hits like "Laklak", "Prinsesa", "Shooting Star" and with personal faves "Gubat", "Sorry", "Epekto" and such made me feel like being back at my senior years in highschool. Not hearing "Galit sa Mundo", "Chicharon" and "Dogs Can Fly" was a bit of a disappointment, though...but who cares...I got to see them again live after almost 19 years.

Teeth is remembered for giving a grungier edge to the pinoy rock alternative scene with their gritty music, down-to-earth rocker stage persona and lyrical hooks which anyone can relate to. While staying true to their roots, their works from their sophomore release onwards played on a more mature and experimental approach on hope and melancholy, at par with international indie rock acts at that time.

   

 
 
 

Funabashi ROOTS (Funabashi, Chiba)

Tucked inside Honcho's 4-Chome in Funabashi is the Live Hall called Funabashi Roots (船橋ROOTS). Aside from being a rental hall, it also hosts live events (Live@Roots) that gives a chance for some underground indie or up-and-coming bands to get the full 'live concert' experience with its kick-ass sound system and lighting.

It has a spacious ante-room/lounge at the front which serves as a buffer from the sounds produced inside the hall so no sound escapes outside. You do have to remember to close the door behind you as the doors, although heavy set and seems soundproofed, isn't equipped with a door closer.

The finishing inside is almost bare. The exposed ceiling and mechanical ducts above does give this place its underground flair (beside the fact that its is under the ground, its in the basement of a building).

I was able to attend one of Funabashi Roots' 8th anniversary live events. And there are few tables with chairs on the sides, mostly the patrons are standing up, with enough space to dance around or slam and stuff.

And yes,they do have a bar. Located inconspicuously at the rear at the hall, without any fancy design or gimmicks, dishing out beverages. I wasn't able to check their food entrees as we were just handed the beverage menus and there are no tables to place our food if we did manage to get any.

"Backdraft" Reunion Event on July 14,2012

(event poster by Romano Ramos)

No, its not the movie, but the Filipino metal band that was one of the pillars of 90's Philippine rock/ metal/ music scene. Me and my friends are big fans of this band, even getting together to cover Metallica and Backdraft songs (yung madadali lang ha).

Backdraft was a Filipino metal band back in the 90's whose brand of metal is said to boarder on  "aggressive as well as the progressive."

The band started out with Bim Samson on vocals, Mirt Togle and Ferdie Aquino on guitars, Tyrone Borromeo on bass, and MM Morales on drums during their 'garage days'. Bim was later replaced with Benedict Versoza and Jigs de Belen took over the skins. Later on, they then released the song that catapulted them into fame, S.M.B. (Sad Mad Ballad), in the now defunct rock station LA 105.9 back in early '94. (thanks R.Ramos for the info)

The band exploded into the Philippine music scene with the release of the 90's metal anthem "Anak ng Gabi" from the 'Dozen Alternatives' compilation album and their self-titled album from Neo Records back in 1994. A lot of the rockers and metal heads back then regard hits like "Asong Ulol", S.M.B. (Sad Mad Ballad), "Munting Hari" and "Sinungaling" as a staple, or a 'must-listen-to primer' into Pinoy Metal. Personally I also like "Manyika" because I get to laugh like a hopped up demon everytime I sing along to that song.

On October 1995, tragedy struck the group during a concert in Cebu as Ferdie Aquino, the guitarist, was rushed to the hospital due to a heart ailment.  Sadly, he became unable to continue with the band, as he slipped into a coma as a result of this. (from "Backdraft: The Reunion" site). I only got to learn about this recently. I knew that Ferdie slipped into a coma, but I never knew from what. ("...gising na kaibigan ko..." -B.Versoza).

In 1996, with the addition of Anton Yap on guitars,  Backdraft released their second album "The Shadowland Deep", which (I think) was more melodic, more theatrical, and more technical than their debut album. Springing from this 12-song album are hits like 'Empty', 'La Propaganda', and the instrumental "Gorgatz". I was even surprised with that epic song... "The Epic" and "The man with no Face" (with its Carnival of Horrors kind of ending).

By 1997, they decided to call it quits after their Philippine concert tour; The Shadowland Tour. The guys went their own ways with Benedict eventually handling the vocals for the rock band Virgin Hunters.

Now, years after they split up, they are going on a reunion gig at Makati's B-Side bar on July 14, 2012 which is dedicated to their long time friend Ferdie Aquino.  Ferdie's ailments and the status of his current condition  has been circulating as urban legend around the underground community about , filling up school forums, music forums and social media. The proceeds of the event shall be used to assist in his medical expenses.

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And now, a special treat for all you Backdraft fans out there.

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(information for this article was researched from:
  - resident Backdraft historian Romano Ramos (thanks, dude)
  - Backdraft FB page
  - Backdraft Everbrite page )

FLuB: A Primer into the world of Wasak Rock

"...after being serious for the past few years and still nothing, we just don't give a fuck anymore..."

As seen from a former header of the band FLuB, which describes their philosophy in playing music, and is the mantra behind the monicker "Wasak Rock" (or preferrably mispelled as 'wasak rak').

Its just not about playing aimlessly on stage or dishing out songs that sounds like new age hippy trippy experiments into audio intoxication. Its music that creates a certain impact, not much attention in making the song or the lyrics into an epic, and a lot of on-stage attitude that aims to make the audience enjoy the night...rock style.

Its not a comedy act mixed with a rock band, nor is it based on 'novelty' songs that began a boom at the start of the millennium. Its the attitude of the song that makes a difference.

Imagine a song about looking back what you wished to grow up as during your childhood, accompanied by a straight up punk riff and progression. The lyrical content may be nuts...but its infusion with rock elements hopes makes a different appeal to the listeners.

Now this is just the start, someday, this genre will be big...as big as punk was once were...(i think)

Follow the antics of the boys from FLuB.

Visit their site at:

https://www.facebook.com/flubmusic

Male Tsundere Nominee: Kuwano Shinsuke

Tsundere is a common phrase in the otaku world, which means a person who is cold and hostile towards another person but gruadually shows their warm, lovable cuddly side. This is commonly attributed to young women who cannot be honest or fully explain their feelings towards another person. They pretend to not care but, in a cutesy way, do things which are opposite to what they are saying and do everything in their capacity for that person.

Although it is mostly attributed to females (adding to their 'moe' charm), but throughout the years, I found a suitable candidate for a male tsundere.

Drum roll.....

Its Kuwano Shinsuke from the 2006 hit drama 'Kekkon Dekinai Otoko' as played by my favorite Japanese actor Abe Hiroshi.

I was watching it again (for the nth time) after a long time, and, with reactions from my wife, he began to fit certain qualities that may be construed as tsundere if he were a female. The way that he projects being aloof, outcast, cold and not caring but in fact he is always in tune to the needs of the people most important to him. But when he does decide to show it, it comes out wrong due to his social short comings and attitude which is interpreted the wrong way by others. His confidence in his knowledge and being always with a wity, biting remark seems to play a role in that.

The full culmination of him being tsundere to his doctor, Natsumi Hayasaka (as played by Yui Natsukawa), comes in full fruition in the final episode, in that somewhat awkward moment, where Kuwano invites her to his apartment to cook dinner.

teeeheee... :-)

Evanescence and Bush - live at the Araneta Coliseum

I had no intention of going, because of some financial issues, but with a friend as a sponsor, I was able to attend Evanescence-Bush concert last night (Feb.19, 2012) at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

What excited me was I was finally able to see the band 'Bush', one of the heroes of the 90's alternative-grunge scene, and whose music was a constant companion during my high school and college life. I was also in a band that covers their songs.

Its like revisiting those days as Bush plays 'Machinehead', 'Little Things', 'Comedown' (which made the whole arena sing along with Rossdale), 'Glycerine', 'Greedy Fly', 'Everything Zen' and 'Chemical Between Us' to name a few.

I was surprised to see the moves on Gavin Rossdale, Bush's front man, as the band played hits from their various albums. I was used to seeing the stoic Gavin on one spot during a performance, pounding away on his guitar, whether it be on their videos or live televised performances.

Pandemonium also ensued as Gavin came down from the stage, walked around the audience on the lower ground levels, making his way to the lower and upper box, while singing and guitar in tow, with security personnel catching up with him keeping the fans at bay.

Bush gave an explosive performance. Too bad the crowd is made up of mostly Evanescence fans who, I think, sees and hears about this band for the first time.

"Glycerine"-mode

Gavin Rossdale works his way around the Coliseum, eventually reaching the Upper Box Area

After a very looong setup, Evanescence came charging in with heavy pounding drums, crushing guitars and an incredible blinding light display with their latest single "What You Want".

Now I haven't been much of a fan of Evanescence after Ben Moody left. With due respect with the current lineup of members, the heavy guitars and arrangements seems a bit watered down as compared with their earlier works, except for a few new ones that deviates from the common formula present in almost all current Evanescence songs. But I must say, drummer Will Hunt was pretty intense. He reminds me of Taylor Hawkins from Foo Fighters.

Once in a while they would churn out earlier hits that I was familiar with like 'Bring Me to Life' and 'Going Under'...but I was hoping that they would play 'Whisper', which was my fave. The current Evanescence sound is more ambient and mood driven.

"My Immortal"-mode

Amy Lee's Solo Piano set

"What You Want". An explosive set opener

The night was an awesome experience, as expected from performers of such caliber. As other left elated and feeling happy, I was just downright content. That the only wrong thing happening is that it was raining when we left the coliseum.

Wicked Night at Araneta with KORN!!!!

At long last, the heroes of Nu Metal showed that they still have what it takes with their live concert last night (Aug.10, 2011) at Araneta Center. Every metal head (and posers, hahaha ang dami nila) at the event were headbanging to their heart's content, screaming out as they sang along with Korn vocalist Jonathan Davis.

Being 'out of the loop' in Nu Metal for a while, I thought I was not going to recognize the songs that the planned to play. To my delight, and much of the others, they opened the night with 'Blind', which got almost everyone in the bleachers to jump and smash into each other, oblivious to the danger of falling the 20+ meters down. Then played their other earlier hits like "Freak on a Leash", "Got the Life", Thoughtless", "Here to Stay", "Falling Away From Me"and "Shoots and Ladders", among others. With the number of songs and medleys they performed, the night was a very tiring but fun event.

After the concert, I did go and look for the new stuff that I heard for the first time at the concert but loved it. I later found out that song was entitled "Twisted Transistor". If my group were in the lower level, we could have slammed until our bodies can't slam no more.

But the night did not go without faults. For one, the sound mix for Slapshock was bad. It sounded like a radio playing their song with a towel covered over it. Even when it was Korn's turn to rock, all we heard were muffled bass sounds lacking in gain and crunch. Maybe its partly due to the fact that, with the size of the venue, we were located at the uppermost bleachers, which is the spot that I could afford. High ticket prices also led to the empty spaces at the lower boxes and reserved area, but our area in the General Admission was filled to the brim.

The concert was not the only entertainment that night. The usual fare of rock fanatics and bollocks livened up the place even before event started. While Araneta employees were busy selling pizzas, hotdog sandwiches and overpriced sodas, a lot of chants, heckles and cat calls were going about.

There were sports fans shouting "GINEBRA!! GINEBRA!!" (a famous basketball team in the PBA), and "DEFENSE!!! DEFENSE!!", like I was in a basketball game than a concert.

Then there were threats directed at the security group; "DI MO KAILANGAN MASAKTAN PARA SA P350 LANG" ("you don't have to get hurt for 350 pesos" which I think was their salary. Usually in the Philippines, concert goers at the upper levels rush the fences to get better seats). I was laughing at all of them.

And a hearty "Word Up" to the DJ who performed and the Lightintg Director, who we referred to as Mr. Lighting Guy, for all his slammin' moves while manning the boards.

Hell to the Yeah, the night was a real doozy.