A Look Back at Alive 2007: The houses of the holy
MANILA, Philippines - I’ve had the pleasure of living through two life-changing events. The first was my introduction to rock ‘n roll when I discovered Nirvana at the ripe old age of 13.
The second was going to see Razorback and Wolfgang’s “Alive” concert in January 2007. And now the album, titled “Alive 2007,” is finally on the street after an excruciatingly long wait.
“Alive” was the first time I had ever seen Razorback and Wolfgang, collectively known as the “Flaming Hemorrhoids” live. I had already been a bit of a Razorback fan for months, already owning “Hebigat Sounds Vol.1,” “Beggar’s Moon,” and “Star.” But “Alive” was the first time I ever listened to Wolfgang. And, my God, the sheer ferocity of seeing both bands perform together live was almost overwhelming. Suddenly, I felt like the awkward 13-year-old who had chanced upon “Smells Like Teen Spirit”; almost twelve years too late.
A couple months ago, just after watching Wolfgang’s “Two Sides Live” show at the scene of the perfect crime that is the Music Museum, I had read a review that described the show as some kind of religious experience. Thinking back to “Alive,” I can certainly see where the writer was coming from.
The chemistry that flowed between both bands and the audience was unlike anything I had seen before. I almost felt like a trespasser before an esoteric ritual. I was completely mesmerized by everything that was going on before me, and I wanted to be part of it. I specifically recall how the crowd just went crazy when Wolfgang broke into Arise, and the spontaneous combustion of passion that burst from the crowd as they chanted the words... “I, I am the light, I am the day... I am the light gone astray!”
Where Nirvana was instrumental in opening my eyes to the world of rock ‘n roll, Razorback and Wolfgang opened my eyes to original Filipino music. Suddenly, it dawned on me that I could and did find really good music at home. Despite the number of amazing musicians we have here, it’s easy to overlook just how talented a lot of our musicians are when you hear a majority of what gets played on the radio. Razorback and Wolfgang showed me that not everything involves showbands, pop divas, and wannabe rappers. Original Filipino music, Pinoy Rock, can be this eclectic, original, and beautiful thing.
Simply put, Razorback and Wolfgang made Pinoy Rock cool.
Razorback and Wolfgang are indeed Alive!
“Alive” solidified the existence of two of the most influential Filipino bands. And since, we were blessed with “Villains,” Wolfgang’s sixth studio release, and at long last, we now, too, have a keepsake of that life- changing night. The only thing missing in this now seemingly perfect world is a new Razorback album... Hey Reysorbex, we’re waiting...
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Both CDs, “Alive 2007” and Wolfgang’s “Villains” are now in 26 MetroManila locations as well as key cities throughout the country. Check out facebook.com/Wolfgang.Music.
