MANILA, Philippines - Faces were anything but blank at Blanc Gallery in Katipunan last Saturday, a night when indie label Number Line Records launched their newest vinyl compilation “Anthology LP†with a gig. The likes of Tarsius, the duo of Similar Objects and Eyedress, and newcomer No Rome brought the white walls down with their sludgy, outer spaced beats—a fitting way to celebrate the distinct vibes of a label such as Number Line.
“We were so glad to be able to do it at Blanc Katipunan,†says Number Line’s Micaela Benedicto, who also doubles as one half of quiet-pop sibling duo Outerhope. “We wanted to do the party in a special venue this time to differentiate it from the past shows we’ve had and the turnout was great!†They credit Jay Amante of Blanc Gallery who, as they reveal, executive-produced the record, and helped them out in so many ways. “He really believed in this project and the artists,†adds Micaela.
With regards to the compilation itself, the feeling to finally put it out there was a relief like no other. “The idea for this record first came about in early 2012, which feels so long ago,†recalls Benedicto. “(We’re) really glad it’s finally here, and that it looks and sounds incredible. Bobby designed the jacket and I thought he did a really great job.â€
As to the mastering, it was all a matter of choosing quality collaborators at the onset. The mastering for “Anthology LP†was done by Jon Chaikin, for instance, who not only did some work for Shelflife Records but worked on remastering albums like The Pains of Being Pure at Heart’s self titled LP in 2009 and other independent efforts. The lacquer mastering, meanwhile, was carried out by Kevin Gray and pressed by Quality Record Pressings, which, in Benedicto’s words, “really cater to the audiophile market.†—Ralph Mendoza
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“Anthology LP†is now available at The Grey Market (Bellitudo Lifestyle Strip – 79 Katipunan Avenue, White Plains. Reach them at 0939-3064642 or 791-8704) and soon at Heima Brixton.