WE’RE ONLY IN IT FOR THE MONEY

Tired of boring FM radio? Tired of boring AM radio? Tired of bland MTV? Tired of machine-line assembly music? Tired of slick production values? Tired of plastic soul? Tired of note-perfect solos that are just the musical equivalent of masturbation? Tired of AOR? Tired of glamour shots on album covers? Tired of choreographed dance steps? Tired of bands jumping up and down in unison while performing on stage? Tired of mosh pits? Tired of useless vibrato in singing? Tired of market research? Tired of high-pitched squeals that supposedly convey passion? Tired of growls that supposedly convey anger? Tired of the high cost of albums? Tired of music critics especially ones who don’t know PJ Harvey? Tired of bad taste? Tired of "good" taste? Tired of – gasp! – music?

Hopefully, all your answers save for the last are in the affirmative. (If not, be advised not to read further on.) Actually, all you have to do is take out all the question marks and – except for the last question – you’ll roughly get an idea of this columnist’s view of the state of modern music. For every Radiohead, you have ten Linkin Parks; for every Polyphonic Spree, you have twenty Christina Aguileras. It gets more depressing especially if you look at the current roster of local acts on the bestseller lists at any of your local record shop. It makes you want to chuck it all in and start listening to Kenny G. unless, of course, you look deeper, way past all the chart shows and advertisements, into what has been called independent music or – to use the now dirty word – "indie."

Search for it in dingy clubs or on stage at your campus, search for it long and hard all the way outside Metro Manila, and you will find your pot of gold. All true music lovers owe it to themselves to find music that pulses and thrives with genuine heart, something that shakes your intestines or loosens your bowels. Something that moves you. If it doesn’t, you might as well consign yourself to singing Barry Manilow in Videoke bars. For those who cringe even when humming Mandy read on.

NERVELINE Demo

This two-man army demolishes competition despite the odds. Never one to back out of a challenge, Nerveline ably compensates for the lack of numbers with expressive musicianship and exemplary songwriting, a trick that eludes even the most popular bands. On this two-song demo, the band stakes its claim, taking back arena-sized rock back to its melodic heart. That’s what they do best: interweaving melody with an aggressive rhythm, walking the tightrope to balance both. That they manage not to fall over despite the obvious risks the band takes in their songs only reinforces the initial awe, leaving the listener to beg for more.

BETRAYED, Never Again E.P.

Ever seen a punk age gracefully? What’s that? Can’t hear you. You have to speak a little bit louder because these ears have just listened to the new release by veteran punk band Betrayed. Once billed as "the fastest band in the land," Betrayed – we are glad to report – has not mellowed with age, spewing bilious social commentary without resorting to hackneyed nor pedantic badgering. It’s not like they need to say anything really; one just needs to listen to the music, and the abandon the band plays every note with. The buzzsaw melodies and the churning rhythm (as well as the alcohol-hoarse vocal) all conspire to give one the impression that they mean it, man. So, sorry what’s that? You’ll have to speak a little bit louder. Oh, can a punk age gracefully? Haven’t you been listening? Are you deaf?

SMOOTH FRICTION

D 2nd Coming

It is this column’s pleasure to announce that the best band in the Philippines today does comes not from Manila, does not have a big bucks recording contract and receives no airplay on either local AM or FM radio. In fact, they come from Cebu, scraped together funds to record their albums and are still struggling to find a radio station to play their stuff. Smooth Friction, as their name suggests, is a band of contrasts, whether it be combining kundimans with heavy metal, or the sweetest of chord progressions with a lewdness that Frank Zappa would approve of. In short, this is a band with a great sense of humor and the musical chops to deliver the punchline. Destined for greatness, if there is any justice in this world. In it for the money, indeed!

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Thanks to Nance Muniz, Carlo Quisumbing, Cris Sevilla and Miguel Quisumbing for their help in making this article possible. Also, special thanks to Igan D’ Bayan for inadvertently inspiring the first paragraph of this piece.

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Notes from the Underground:

The disenchanted and adventurous should go to Gweilos on C. Palanca St. in Makati for their pot of gold. Every Monday DJ Ro delivers the greatest from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s as well as a Happy Hour that extends all night long. Come and be enthralled!

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Send comments and reactions to: erwin_romulo@hotmail.com.