Bisrock, According to THE FERVENT

This month brings in chilly mornings. Especially, if it rained or drizzled the night before. Listening to middle-eastern music while enjoying cheap, black tea can be stimulating to the senses during these waking hours. The hypnotic voice of Cairo-based Arabic singer, Natacha Atlas, or the soulful tunes of Lebanese diva Dania take the mind to hot warmer spheres for an hour-and back.

It's interesting how certain places are associated with music. Manchester is noted for techno. Goa is known not only for its beaches and churches but also for trance music. Havana is a haven for Afro-Cuban hip-hop. Seattle is identified with grunge. And Cebu is home to Bisrock.

The Fervent, the four-member Cebuano rock band that's slowly capturing the local audience with their guitar-driven singles and their "pure fun" attitude, hopes to bring Bisrock to the level of established world music genres. After an hour of conversation at Big Gerry's cozy sofas, microphone guy Joyouz Harry "Joy" Bendoy, and axeman Alberto "Abet" Bastasa revealed much of their musical vision, their concern about Bisrock colleagues losing musical substance and their being not a Christian band.

Answered Prayers. Two years ago, songwriter-vocalist, Joyouz prayed that Abet's group, The Creatures, would disband. His prayers were answered. The break-up led to a search for two more members. Drummer Joharni "Jorny" Bendoy, who is Joyouz's brother and bassist Glenn Tiro Rayos finally completed The Fervent. The quartet rehearsed and honed their songwriting talents and performing prowess from day one. They played gigs in the underground scene, and their first followers were fellow bands and musicians.

Not A Christian Band. "We are a band that carries positive values," opened Joyouz. "We are not into drugs or illicit sex. My band mates might find this challenging, but I'm not going to lead them into the wrong path."

Perhaps, that's what keeps the band intact. With their songwriting skills coupled with a vision to uplift Cebu's band scene, the group finally recorded materials that in a few months time developed into a full-length CD, where "each song will have an effect on a certain individual."

"Some people thought that we are a Christian band. When people hear Christian music, it seems to scare them. But we don't really care if they call us a Christian band or not; we are Christians and that is something that we are not ashamed of. We don't just write songs for and about God, but also about the realities of life and love. And we don't preach about religion," explained Joyouz, who started writing songs since he was 12.

Modern-day Songwriters. Fervent's guitar-driven sounds are influenced by the current alternative scene. Pop-cultured and vernal baritones ride on ear-friendly power chords, which crisscross a groovy drum and bass framework. Already, "Heroes Anthem," a song laden with emotionally inspiring lyrics, delayed guitars and a blistering drum and bass tempo, is currently played on the radio station, 92.3 Killer Bee, Cebu.

"He (Joyouz) started the lyrics and the basic chords. I added guitar riffs and modify the chords and then we got a new musical environment of which we can freely work on," said guitarist Abet, who is a full-time musician. He added that while they've been influenced by groups such as Switchfoot and POD, Lifehouse and local artists like Kitchie Nadal and Rocksteddy, their songs are still a summary of four individuals with varying lifestyles and musical tastes.

Abet's guitar works can also be heard on "Dili Mo Lubad," another single which is on the playlist of 93.1 Smash FM. The song reveals his brilliant acoustic guitars and clean, multi-layered distorted guitars and some minor chord cadences.

"We edit and re-edit our songs. We promote positive values just so our songs must sound good," said Abet, who had stop schooling for sometime to focus on music.

The Confusions in Bisrock. In the course of the conversation, both musicians expressed their concern about Bisrock bands losing musical substance in their newly released materials. "Currently, some songwriters just write anything to make people laugh or to catch attention. This is not what Bisrock is all about when it started. We think it's time for all of the bands to review the themes of their songs and also for the radio stations to take a look and play materials which really promote the Cebuano culture."

"Bisrock" was coined by local newspaper columnist Januar Yap back in 2002 to describe the music of Missing Felimon, an unsigned band that specializes on songs using the Cebuano dialect. In late 2003, radio station Smash FM, spearheaded by DJs Ram and Brey promoted Bisrock on air as a new rock sub-genre. This triggered Cebuano bands to record and submit their songs to the station for that chance to be heard over the airwaves. With the mainstream audience supporting their cause, Bisrock became a household name and the bands, the favorites of Cebu's music scene.

"Fervent believes Bisrock is not just music in Bisaya but also means Cebuano talent and music in general. Bisaya nga mga rockers," said Joyouz when asked about their own definition of Bisrock.

Nevertheless, a number of Bisrock materials now talk about having fun while eating a local delicacy, the joys of being poor, or a feeling of self-pity over a personal situation. Some lyrics are even sexist. For a religious city like Cebu, the locals will always criticize these songs, most especially those with "hollow" content. In a developing country like the Philippines, majority of listeners want to hear songs that will uplift national pride and contribute to nation-building.

"Fervent is hoping Bisrock will mature in a sense," said Joyouz in a hopeful tone, as he took off his glasses.

On the contrary, there are songs like "Kabataan para sa Bisrock" (Agipo), "Sinesine" (Missing Filemon) and "Negatibo" (Indiephums) that do promote positive values and the importance to appreciate local heritage to today's young people, majority of whom listen to Bisrock.

"Bisrock should bridge the gap between Manila and Cebu and loosen regional differences. We love Bisrock and we are thankful that Bisrock is here," both Abet and Joyouz shared when asked for their message to the listening public. "It's high time for Cebuanos to take a stand and support their local talents. That also goes to radio stations that play a vital role in the music industry."

Bisrock is only a few years old. These years might prove to be most confusing and musically chaotic for bands participating in the invention of this new musical sub-genre. It is, therefore, enlightening that The Fervent, though young and newcomers, has the guts to speak out their real thoughts and insights.

Cebuano bands, nevertheless, should define more through their music what should be the primary elements that will best represent Bisrock. Local culture is slowly deteriorating because of modernization. By way of rediscovering their musical roots, The Fervent and the rest of their fellow musicians should keep that Bisrock sound rolling and evolving as an exponent to boost our identity as Cebuanos.

The author wishes to thank to Insoy, DJ Ram and Elaine for some infos.