Kamikazee's head-banging sound continues

MANILA, Philippines – It took Kamikazee three years to release a follow-up album to its double platinum sophomore record Maharot (where the hit single Narda was included) not because the rock band has ceased to do head-banging sounds after one of its members, rhythm guitarist Led Tuyay, had been involved in a drug-related case in Dubai in December last year (the case was dismissed and Led was sent back home after being detained for a few weeks). Tight gig schedules, band members Led, Jay Contreras (on vocals), Jomal Linao (vocals and lead guitars), Jason Astete (bass) and Allan Burdeos (drums) affirm, do not allow any of them to write songs that would fit to its genre.

“After the release of Maharot, we hardly found the time to relax, so after every show all we want is to rest,” Jay offers. “There were times we tried to sit together and compose a song but ended up with nothing or it took us days to finish just one song.”

Having been in the music scene for nine years has also made Kamikazee realize the need to release a new album with Jay seemingly saying with lament, “Biro mo nine years na kami, pang third album pa lang.”

Thus, the group made an effort to come up with an album where its power to cut through different beliefs — political or personal — are incorporated in its heavy rock-sounding tunes. Titled Long Time Noisy, under Universal Records, the album is full of heavy instrumentation, pop sensibilities and witty lyrics that urge listeners to put meaning to the humorously titled tracks.

“All the things that happened around us in the three years that we didn’t record an album are related in some of the songs. Halo-halo nandito… mixed emotions,” Jomal says.

Does Kamikazee intentionally touch on political issues in Wala?

“We try to come up with a song about everything we saw on TV or heard in the news… personal observations,” Jayson answers. “But actually Wala is for everybody. Parang sinasabi wag ka na lang mambola,” Jay adds.

The album also speaks of love in Ikaw, Hanggang Tingin (with heavy instrumental accompaniment which is unusual for a love song) and Alay. Songs like 4:20, Unang Tikim and Hot Mami reflect the band’s tendency of putting double meaning but witty lyrics to its compositions. Lalandiin is a funny spoken word that gives a new twist to Mr. Suave while Eschoos Me sounds like a rock anthem. The band also has its version of Francis Magalona’s Meron Akong Ano. Listeners will have a grand time with Chismosa and M.M.K. The funny yet meaningful lyrics surely deliver.

“It may sound corny but each of the tracks is our favorite as we devoted precious time to finish it the best way we can,” Allan replies when asked which song in the album is their favorite. He and Jomal are in charge of blending the right sound to the lyrics while Jay, Jayson and Led compose the songs. Allan, too, has a hand in the album’s cover, “I’m putting into use what I’ve learned in school.” The members are Fine Arts students in UP Diliman when they met and formed Kamikazee.

Does the band feel it had lost its momentum due to the long gap it took to release another album? Are the members affected by Led’s Dubai experience ?

“It doesn’t matter if it takes three, five or even 10 years to have a new album. What is important is to be able to come up with the best sound that people will enjoy listening,” Jomal avers.

“We all learn from that (incident) and no one blames anybody. We just charge it to experience. What we did was pray and something good came out of it,” Led says.