The words, when read, do seem a trifle quaint but they take on a whole new sound when they come with the hard-driving music of Siakol. One of the groups that emerged during the band explosion of the early ’90s, Siakol makes music that is a raw, grating, free-wheeling kind of Pinoy rock that echoes an unpolished Juan de la Cruz. The fans who saw the Eraserheads falling prey to the vagaries of fame eagerly welcomed Siakol, crudeness and all. It has been more than 10 years since but Siakol still continues to rock. Their language is still poetic and their music is still an ear-blaster. And because Pinoy rock seems to be in a state of neglect these days, local rock fans couldn’t be happier that Siakol is still very much around.
Hiwaga is the title of Siakol’s latest outing. In keeping with its image, there is no attempt to smooth out the rough edges in the album, so be prepared for searing anthems that will churn your insides when you put the CD in the machine. There is a great deal of enthusiasm throughout, the kind one only expects from new groups angling for that first hit. Truth to tell, the only telltale thing in the album that says, hey, this is a band that has been around for almost ages is soloist Noel Palomo’s powerful vocals. He carries the day in every cut and he does it with the confidence of a rocker who has been through everything but has survived with his music and principles intact.
The group, if I remember right, has also remained intact. That is, save for the drummer which was once James Rodriguez and which is now Oyie Bunao. Miniong Cervantes still plays lead guitars and Wowie Flores is on bass. These two sound great. Aside from being the main singer, Noel is also Siakol’s songwriter and he came up with 12 new ones for Hiwaga. The group’s followers from years ago will love Matulog Ka Na, which certainly sounds like vintage Siakol. Those who like their rock enigmatic and dreamy in a nightmarish way might take to Hiwaga.
But no matter what your rock tastes are, you are assured of lots of hardrocking sounds with Hiwaga. Other cuts in the album are Malapit Na, Huling Halakhak, Walang Hanggan, Katapusan, Dulo, Umayos Ka, Iniwan Mo Akong Nag-Iisa, Ikaw Ba Yan? Kung, Sa Isang Boteng Alak, Manibela and Hardin.