Diaries of a Fan: Humdinger

As I contemplated on my choice for the next band to feature, I was torn between writing about an established band or a band deserving to be on the spotlight. As a glutton for punishment -- please, no BDSM references -- I chose the latter. About 5 or 8 years back, I had been trapped in and happily listening to my elitist bubble of genres until my good friend and transient tattoo artist Kenneth L outted me as a fashion victim and rekindled my love for metal. I had always admired Metal's tenacity and sheer brashness plus its imagery of devils, blood, gore, things on fire, and sharp pointy objects was quite an effective repellent for those religious types. Unfortunately for me, my mother was a strictly religious woman who once went as far as burning my copy of White Zombie's La Sexorcisto Album and calling our church's pastors so that I could be "exorcised". The exorcism never worked though as I covertly listened to metal at my friend's house - however, I was pretty scarred after seeing one of my prized possession burned in holy fire. So enough with my weird childhood, I present to you, lovely readers -- Humdinger.

I can't remember the exact date I first heard these guys play, but what I do remember is the excessive amount of energy they brought on to the stage. I definitely felt the alcohol get shot out of my body and just started head banging along to their songs. It was awesome. Now, for the average uninitiated gig goer - metal is the villain of the underground music scene. As soon as the first few notes are played, crowds suddenly thin out like somebody farted a real stinker... Only open-minded people and those who really like metal remain and show support. I think this is the sad reality all metal bands face and this I think is where Humdinger gets the fuel for their skills - allowing them to ascend mediocrity. 

 
 Their songs show technique without diminishing its intensity. It is heavy and loud but you can discern the fluidity of the notes of each instrument. Their choice words can make even an old maid blush but it is as far and away from baseless anger and plain nonsense unlike what some more popular metal bands currently churn out. Humdinger’s sound compelled me to move. I am not kidding when I say that because even outside a venue, when these guys take the stage - I could feel the molecules in the air vibrate. I consider Ryan, Abe, Ino and Tata as masters of an extraordinary calibre.  Simply put, if you guys would just take the time to listen to Humdinger's music with an open mind, I can assure you that they are very much well worth your affection.

 For information about Humdinger and how to book them - you check their FB page: www.facebook.com/humdinger2012/
 
-p.s: Photos ripped from the Humdinger fanpage

As for me, I will be lurking in the shadows of the OPM music scene - seeking new bands to bring into the light.. armed with an uncommon sensibility and a big bottle of Red Horse Beer in hand. Until next time, kids!

Diaries of a Fan: Consolidar

In line with my earlier announcement, I am starting my revamped blog with a female fronted band. Plus, they graciously said that it was ok for me to write about them. 

Growing up in a musical family, I place a higher standard to a woman's voice compared to man's. I was blessed to have a mother, sisters and cousins who are well-endowed in the art of singing. It is in this writer's opinion that When the female of species sing/croon, it is undoubtedly easier on the ears as opposed to a man's - which now opens up a plethora of faves and raves. The in-tune and the hopelessly out of tune. But please, do not assume that my emphasis for this piece is on the vocals alone or a nod to the feminists out there. A singer will only be as good as the band that accompanies him or her. It is a knowledge so basic that every fame hungry artist tend to challenge its truth to which only a select few have come out completely victorious. So boys, girls and everyone else in between - I present to you - Consolidar.

 

Born of the South, this band has come to rise well above all the new female fronted bands -- who in an unfortunate psychotic trend -- more or less sound like the next Kat Agrado, Adele or even Armi Millare. Not that I dislike the aforementioned vocalists but I dislike complete and total rip-offs (more of that in the coming entries...like a lot more). It is quite easy to emulate your influences to the point that one starts to sound so much like them. Only the brave dare to deviate.

 This I guess is what drew me these guys. They've managed to throw punk, funk, soul, pop and a some cool jazz into a boiling cauldron and come up with something pretty and awesome. I kid you not. If these guys had a record, it would be something that you could slap on the stereo during a boring date or a relaxing Sunday morning drive (a walk in my case because I don't have a car...yet.) and come out with a better disposition and be as fresh as daisies on a sunny afternoon.

 What's even better is that during their last performance at TSP's 5th year anniversary, they added a keyboardist, Kensan, who now makes their sound fuller than ever and I have to admit that I am enamored to their current sound. Unfortunately, I could not find any of his pictures on their fan page. If you are not into the heavy and loud genres, then this band is a highly recommended listening experience. Kat, Neil, Em and Eunice deserve all the support you good folks could give. For info on the band's skeds and booking information, please check their FB:   http://www.facebook.com/consolidarband

 As for me, I shall be prowling these mean Manila streets ~ hanging about in every and all TSP gigs and other local events I chance upon (with my wife's permission of course. :P) drunk and disorderly with a big bottle of Red Horse in hand -- Johnny Muzikero \m/

p.s: photos grabbed from Consolidar page

Caution! Work in Progress...

As one of my resolutions for 2016, I am revamping my blog to publish more of the Pinoy music scene as I view it. It has been long since I've able to write anything of substance (or plain spite against certain realities and the horrors of Philippine Politics ) that I now figure that putting out something about Original Pilipino Music with the hope that it would be a more noble use of my time and bandwidth. The internet is abound of information about anything and everything including said topic so I strongly hope that I could put some vigor and much needed focus on the dying local music scene. The end game is to bring back the romantic allure it once had. I can't say that I am THE definite authority on the subject but what I can offer is an insider's opinion in the eyes of a true fan boy. Some of you may find my articles at times biased, off point, critical and often snarky but I assure you that it will not be in the pursuit of fame or whatever trivial machinations are out there. It will be primarily because it is my point of view and would still be left as prey to the reader's interpretation.
Truth be told, the OPM band scene is chock full of miracles and tragedies that it almost feels like a infinite replay of suicide-inducing TV drama. Victories as I observed are short-lived that almost all aspirants and veterans alike would most likely fall into relative obscurity - deliberate or otherwise - at any given point and time. Revivals do happen but mostly without common courtesy or even the same level of passion. Adding salt to the wounds are foreign bands, moronic fads, and the vicious detractors. And then there's people like me. The ones who see it's grime-covered charm, it's seductive randomness and it's immense sea of talents - to put it into an analogy, One could compare it to a disfigured Mona Lisa, a headless Venus de Milo or even burnt toast. I can happily say that there is something for everyone to love and to loathe. I guess it's just a matter of giving some well-deserved attention. Not just by listening or reading about it, but to experience it in the flesh as well. Stay tuned for the offerings of Johnny Muzikero.

P.S - photo credits for toolmagic and the Elviña Residence..