Diaries of a Fan - HIJO

 For this week's feature, I wanted to highlight this band even though they obviously need no help in the popularity department which makes it a turkey shoot. However, as I stated in my opening article, spare me from whatever machinations your malicious minds can conceive. I like this band not just because they are my friends. I am not writing this so that I can gain any sort of compensation other than the satisfaction of seeing these guys in action. So, ladies and germs, I present to you - Hijo.

Last time I saw these guys play was in a quaint bar inside BF Homes, PQ called Maso.. I was surprised as it pretty much consisted of members from a largely famous band which is now defunct and whose name shall not be mentioned in this article (because I am an evil man who wants to make you people exercise your brains a wee bit..). As soon as they started to play, I was completely enamoured. Afterwards, they became hermitic and I thought we had once again lost something great because people in the Philippines never even gave it a proper chance - not unlike so many great talents in the local scene, fading away into relative obscurity.

Fast forward to 2016, I was privileged to have witnessed their sort-of mini reunion on the 2nd leg of the TSP 5 year anniversary series in Quarry Bar, Las Piñas and I am proud to say that I am still enamoured - I guess more so now than ever before. The bar is a spacious, semi-open venue but they were able to make the sound they created hug each and everyone within 5 meters of the immediate area. Watching such a star-studded group, you would expect a good set but what I got that night was bordering the orgasmic. I can't even begin to describe the tenacity of their synchronicity and all I can muster now is that it's your fault for not being there to have experienced it. Nathan, Ira, Junjie, and Paolo show something that even the most famous of bands lack - a deep respect for each other and unbroken lines of communication. How they could play and create music at the same time is I guess part of their magic - added to fact that they can make it look so seamless. Music has always been transcendental to me and Hijo's music comes close to formulating a rational coefficient so as to explain it's essentiality to me. All I can say to everyone else on this planet and beyond the universe, Hijo is A band to see and hear.

For more information on the band, please do check their fanpage on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HijoBand

As for me, I will still be lurking in the shadows of the local OPM scene. Showing support and seeking the answers to life while being as drunk as I could ever be. See you next time kids!

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