Indie rock fans, mark your calendars for November 7 and 8. That’s when Filipino-American band Plus/Minus {+/-} is playing for the first time in the Philippines. The New York City-based group, composed of James Baluyut, Patrick Ramos and Chris Deaner, is an offshoot of Versus, the highly revered alternative band fronted by James’s brother Richard Baluyut (James played guitar while Patrick was drummer).
Producing and staging the concert are film directors and Blast Ople band mates Quark Henares and Marie Jamora, who were able to convince Plus/Minus to stop in the Philippines as part of their “2008 Authentic Asian Food and Beverage Tour” and make their first homeland appearance —the first night at Warehouse 135 in Makati with supporting acts Ciudad, Taken By Cars and Ang Bandang Shirley; the second night at Mag:net Boni High Street, with openers Us-2 Evil-0 and the reunion of Itchyworms side project Boldstar, Jamora’s former band.
“We’re super excited to be returning to Japan and Taiwan after a two-year absence,” says Plus/Minus, “but I think we’re most excited about making our debut in the Philippines!”
Richard Baluyut will also be flying in as a very special guest, whose presence on both nights will make it a virtual Versus gig, which should please both bands’ rabid cult following.
Plus/Minus will be playing cuts from their new album “XS on Your Eyes,” which was released on Oct. 21 through Absolutely Kosher Records.
Warehouse 135 is located at 135 Yakal Street, Makati City. Mag:net is located at Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Shows start at 9 p.m.