Masha releases "Satellites"

Masha, which I think is one of the best sounding experimental alternative rock band to come out of the underground indie scene, has just released their single "Satellites".

Prolific artisan and vocalist, Alvin Aleria, together with guitarists Weak Domines and Paulo Rodriguez, bassist Chris Mercado, drummer Tobs Tobio and synth-sampler specialist Howie Manalaysay dishes out a sort of rock trippy song, leading the listener into a emotion packed ride reminiscent of Kula Shaker's droning grooves, the gritty guitars of Foo Fighters/ Deftones, Incubus' sound experimentation, all wrapped in good old pinoy style rock alternative.

Featured Band: H.M.K.

 

Another band that I got the pleasure of watching at Sokehs Rock is the instrumental band "H.M.K.".

I can best describe their music as a fusion of jazz, blues and funk played with such precision, with such an amazing display of technical prowess, and a harmonic collections of climaxes and hooks that leaves you astounded and wanting more.

And the guitarist is also an accomplished architect. The more I find out about this guy, the more I'm impressed.

Featured Band: Yotsuya Jihen

Yotsuya Jihen (or Incidents Yotsuya) is a jazz-pop-fusion band based in Yotsuya, Tokyo, which I was able to catch a live performance of at Sokehs Rock. Now I am not really into jazz, but their brand of fusion was able to get me riled up during their set.

As indicated in their FB page, they started out as a "copy band', emulating Shiina Ringo's  Tokyo Jihen, but started to do their own thing as time progressed for the group.

To me, they sounded like a jazzed up 'Every Little Thing' with the playfulness of Shiina Ringo's earlier solo work, creating a jazz-pop fusion that they can call their own.

Featured Band: Chunk Dela Cruz

Mixing the eloquence and groove of bands like 311, Sublime and Incubus with the rhythm and power beats of homegrown Pinoy rap metal, Chunk dela Cruz delivers a wide range of Rap-South beach style-Alterna-Rock music that is guaranteed to get you headbanging and moving to their original stuff.

I was first drawn in to this band while I was skimming through reverbnation (i think) and listened to their song 'Takbo', which instantly became a favorite of mine. Another song to look out for is the soulful yet groove-laden 'Peri'.

This group who used to be known as 'Chunk Crew', changed their band name to 'Chunk dela Cruz' to pay homage to the bands from the 90's Alternative band explosion in the Philippines that influenced their growth and development as musicians.

Do check out their site for more news and songs about this band.