Old and New Favorites

This post is still related to the H&M Close the Loop event.
My brother and I went to Megamall to watch the H&M Close the Loop event, mainly to see Up Dharma Down. The last time we went to Megamall was to see—who else?—UDD. But back then, we were late. We arrived around 5 PM when they were scheduled to perform at 4 PM. Buti na lang we still caught “Oo.”

Anyway, we left earlier this time, afraid that we might be late again. We left around 3 PM for a 4 PM gig. Lo and behold, when we were already inside the MRT, the train lost power/signal so we had to wait for a while before operations resumed. Of course, we couldn’t wait. Damn you, MRT! Why now? So we decided to get a refund on my stored value card and walked a few meters to catch a bus instead. We rode an ordinary (non-aircon) bus because, well, we had no choice.
To make a long story short, we arrived around 4:30 PM, just as they were performing their second song. Our goal was to be right in front, but since we were late, we couldn’t pull it off.

Up Dharma Down never fails to amaze me. Their sound was very clear, not distorted or muffled like a typical band's audio. I think that’s because they have their own sound engineer on the side handling the technical stuff. Other bands didn’t have that kind of sound control, so their audio wasn’t as crystal clear as UDD’s.

They sang “Oo”, “Tadhana”, “Indak”, “All the Good things” and “Sana”. Armi was funny in between songs. She was making jokes.

I will never, ever get tired of watching UDD. I just can’t.

Maybe the biggest surprise of the night—well, one of them—was The Cheats. Prior to this event, I had never heard their music. Because, well, as I mentioned before, I’m old, stuck with 2004–2010 bands, and have no energy to listen to new ones. Thanks to H&M, I was able to see and discover The Cheats. As of this writing, their debut album is on repeat on my iPod and Spotify.

The downside was that, unlike UDD, whose sound was so clear, The Cheats' guitars and other instruments overpowered the sweet voices of Candy and Saab, as well as Jim’s rocking vocals. I couldn’t understand the lyrics. But on the bright side, their energy was great! They were so engaging, and I could tell the songs were good. After all, Ely Buendia is their album producer, so they must be really solid. They kept moving around the stage, headbanging, and just—well, rocking out, for lack of a better term!

As you can see in the pictures, they are moving around or closing their eyes like they really feel the song they were singing.

In between songs, they were doing their spiels in a coño way, but it was actually quite cute and funny. Even though I couldn’t understand the lyrics during their live gig, I downloaded their songs (legally!) afterward, and they are actually so good. I’m currently loving “Summer” and “Newspaper Girl.” I’m just hoping that next time I see them live, the sound will be better because their songs are definitely worth listening to.

So if you have time, please give The Cheats a listen! They are worth the memory space on your iPod and will definitely unleash your headbanging skills.

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Before the year ends..

I got the chance to watch and listen to today’s musicians. First, is Rock the Riles. I’ve been dying to be in this event since the first Rock the Riles in 2006.

But due to some reasons… I wasn’t able to watch one.. Until now..

I just learned about the even about 2 or 3 hours before it started. I chose Ayala station because  I miss Up dharma down. I also like to watch Dicta License reunion concert but, well I am a big Armi fan. 

Unfortunately, Up dharma down is the only band I know in the line up. But the bands that played didn’t let me down. They were good. 

I am loving Yolanda Moon’s set. Despite their typhoon namesake. Then Pulso played. I thought at first that they are just having a sound check, but it was about 3 to 4 minutes long. then on their 2nd, 3rd and 4th song.. it was all just sounds no lyrics.

Maybe I need to listen to them to digest and to understand what they really want to say since, I am no music genius.

Then Up dharma down played 4 songs, but it was worth the wait and it was the best MRT experience I ever had. A little side note: I always ride MRT (Taft, Magallanes, Ayala route) and of course my MRT experiences were not the great. So having the rock the riles event was a change in MRT’s bad image, although I think the event is about celebrating human rights. 

Oh I just need to write about how I like Armi’s look and the way she performed “Turn it well”. When she flipped her hair.. whoah… Up dharma down proves that even in small crowd, or places they still perform very well.

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When I feel down I need some Up dharma down

"Di mo lang alam.. ako'y iyong nasaktan"

I found them again! at last... I terribly need their company after a very stressful week commuting... 3-4 hours from Makati to Pasay?? insane right...

Anyway, Up dharma down washed away my pain. They said their set is around 7 pm, but of course it started around 9 pm.. Filipino time at it's finest... We waited for 2 to 3 hours.. but it's ok.. it's up dharma down eh.. and for the 2nd time (haha) I have some company. I always watch gig alone because it's less stressful for me.

It's quite annoying, because my friend who is a fan of  up dharma down (daw) can't even name the vocalist. she said "nandyan na ba si Nikki?" "Sinong nikki?" I asked... "Yung vocalist ng up dharma down" Oh.. right bravo you are a big fan of the band... I do like tell trivia like, Ean Mayor is from Malibay Pasay or Armi us from UP... haha Or I saw them at MOA while buying a guitar from RJ. but of course I didn't...

Techy Romantics also performed... I really pity them... because they are really good, I love their songs... but of course I think among the audience I am one of the few who knew some songs... I really wish them well. I hope they will be famous outside the country... Here in the Philippines?? I doubt it.. They will, if they make it outside the country. That's the sad truth.. Oh and after they finished their set, I saw the vocalist get her bag on stage. Sorry vocalist, I like you but we laughed and said "Uy si Ate nagmamadaling umalis". 

I also saw DJ Dylan or is it Karen of the late NU 107 with her husband and kid. I read her blog post. Check it out: http://reformedrockstar.wordpress.com/  I never thought she lived that kind of life. just check that site to find out her story. 

The Ringmaster also performed. I never heard of them or him(?) They are only 2 on stage. A drummer and the vocalist. The vocalist used some techy stuff for the bass or electric parts. 

Then Up dharma down. they performed I think 7 songs. They sang 1 song that I didn't recognize. Maybe it's from Bipolar album. There's a phase in my life when I didn't like their music (sorrry.. I hate that part of me. I am ashamed to admit it). But I am back...really back liking their Music. and I'm also liking Bipolar album. Check Unspoken definites! 

I know, I am quite a hipster.. "Oo" shouldn't be my favorite song from them...But it is just so beautiful.. And they performed it!! and I melted...

They sang Tadhana, Indak, Luna, Night Drops and Turn it Well..

And oh by the way, i like to tell that Paul Yap seems a friendly dude. He is the only one, before the show walks around the venue, makes pa picture and drinks beer. hahaha!

Thank God for Up dharma down. Please don't make them disband. I need them in my worst days...

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First Bill I would Pass..

Just a random thought came to my mind. If i would be a legislator, the first bill I would pass is:

NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO COVER OO BY UP DHARMA DOWN.

Fine: 6 months in solidarity confinement with Manny Pacquiao songs music on repeat mode.

I'm just tired of people singing the greatest song ever written in the Philippine Music Industry. It's my favorite song and it pains me everytime they try to imitate Armi's unique style.

OO IS FOR ARMI MILLARE ONLY

PS: if you want to see real life weird bills click this link: http://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/50883/spotphs-top-20-crazy-laws-in-the-philippines/10

posted from Bloggeroid

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Up Dharma Down Experience 2.0

The first time I saw UDD perform was at a school event. At the time, Armi (their vocalist) had that shampoo-commercial long hair.

I got to see them for the second time at a Galleria event. This time, Armi had short hair, which really suited her. Enough hair talk, though! They released their third album, Capacities. It is very different from their first two albums, Fragmented and Bipolar. Their sound is much more upbeat and even danceable.

What's awesome about that event was that even though it was only a mall gig, it felt like they turned that small space into a high-end bar. I’m not really a dancer, but when they played, I couldn't help myself—I danced like no one was watching!

They even played my all-time favorite song, "Oo." I didn't expect it since they were promoting Capacities, but they definitely knew what the crowd wanted. I know Armi might be sick of singing it (I think I read that somewhere), but when she sang it, she didn't show it at all.

The gig was so good that even though I’d already illegally downloaded the album, I bought an official copy for 500 pesos. It was pricey for a local CD, but UDD is just too good not to support. They deserve every bit of it so they keep making good music.

photos grabbed from tumblr.

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The different tune

I bought “Fragmented” and “Fuchsiang Pag-Ibig”. I bought it because it caters different tune. It’s quite relaxing. It is also a break from that ordinary rock sound that I usually hear.

Album Title: Fragmented
Content: 12 tracks plus 3 bonus songs
Label: Terno Recordings
Album Artist: Up dharma down

Review:
Fragmented is an album that is quite different from the albums that I have. Up dharma down’s music is not the usual rock like what most bands today serves us. For me, it’s a jazz, rock and kinda acoustic. I like the melody, sounds, and effects in the album. Armi Millare’s singing style is different. I’m not fond of listening closely to the sounds of the instruments but thanks to them I learned to understand, listen and not underestimate the sound of the instruments. For those who don’t know about up dharma down they are Armi Millare on vocals and keyboards, Paul Yap on bass, Carlos Tanada on guitars and Ean Mayor on drums.
They are independent artist under the Terno Recordings the same record label of radio active sago project.

1) Layag- great song.
2) Maybe- I think it’s their 1st single from this album. At first I didn’t like it because I can’t understand the lyrics. But as soon its getting popular I begin to like it. I also saw the lyrics so I now understand what it means. It means having second of thoughts of making decisions. Like choosing between yes or no.
3) Oo- I really love and like this song. I can understand Armi now. The song basically tells what the girl feels after a break up. Like remembering those days when you are together. Then now he has a new girl. Even though your relationship has ended you it still hurts you when you see him and his new girl. Hay… a really excellent song.
4) Lazy Daisy- I think lazy daisy is a kind of stitch in cross stitching. I just love the effects and the sound of it. In this song I think the sounds stand out the most. Its quite relaxing.
5) We give in sometimes- nice song. Yup… it’s true we give in sometimes.
6) Oo (Remix)- just a remix of the beautiful song oo.
7) Fragmented- the shortest of them all. It is only instrumental. I kinda like it because as I said I love their sounds and effects. It is unique.
8) June- I love the melodies and everything.
9) Sleep talk- one of my favorite from the album. The song is quite hurtful and tagos sa laman. If it happenes to me ay naku ewan ko na lang. its about a guy who talks while he is sleeping. The worst part of it is he says things that he denies the song makes me sad, but I really love it.
10) Broken Mirrors and Screaming Turtles- another instrumental… bagay siya when you’re relaxing.
11) Malikmata- no comment. Really great!!
12) Pag-agos- another tagalong song. Up dharma down’s style is really great.
13) The world is our playground and we will always be home- Quite long title but it’s really meaningful. Just read between the lines.
Packaging: hindi siya nakalagay sa cd case pero mahal pa rin. I thought mga 250 yun pala 299. pero infairness worth it naman kasi 15 track siya.
Overall: I’m speechless. Astig. Another album to have. up dharma down may not be the most famous band but I know they’re one of the best that needs to be heard. 4 ½ rock stars.


Album Title: Fuchsiang Pag-ibig


Content: 12 tracks
Label: Universal Records
Album Artist: Silent Sanctuary

Fuchsiang Pag-Ibig

Silent Sanctuary is my newest favorite local band. So when I heard they will release their debut album, I buy agad. Why not? With the 12 track album and full of excellent songs you would definitely ask for more. If you don’t know them they are compose ofcellist Anjo Inacay, violist Jett Ramirez, and violinist Chino David. they heavily skew the with bassist Paolo Legaspi, drummer Allen Calixto, and guitarist/vocalist Sarkie Sarangay.
If you really don’t know them then you are missing out something. Their music is rock-orchestral plus their own silent sanctuary style. They have always catchy chorus and really simple topics that people can relate to but again with their own personal style. This album is like a compilation of love story. It also has different situations about love like falling in love, breaking, moving on and crushing on somebody.

1) Rebound- the song that let me thinking of buying the album. It’s a love at first hearing the song. Really relaxing but will make you sad for a while because of adding the line “re-rebound mo lang pala ako”. I really love it and it will be added to the list of songs that I will not get tired of listening to.
2) Sandali Lang- the band goes slower. It’s a ballad and it’s another heart-breaking song.
3) Ikaw lamang- a perdect “ligaw” song. They talked about the happiness and the feeling in the beginning of a relationship. It’s like saying sweet words or for a Filipino term “pang bobola” but you know this words can make any girl’s heart melt in happiness.
4) Kundiman- uses clever wordplay on the title (kun’ di man tayo). The lyric of the song is like my poetry. Hahaha. it’s describing his personal feelings to something. Is it the continuation of “ikaw lamang”? this is what happened after all the sweetness, happy memories they have. They aren’t meant to be.
5) Ingat ka- I love the chorus part of the song. I love the lyrics and the tone of Sarkie’s voice pati na din yung sound. It’s beautiful. Maybe continuation of “kundiman”. Hehe. You go on separate ways but of course even if you’re already not together there’s some feelings pa rin with that person.
6) Pink 5ive- it’s actually about pink 5ive and I think she is a girl. It’s a fun song. Medyo upbeat ito. Quite great.
7) For tonight- first English song. So they’ve parted ways already but of course there’s a feeling parin. The song is about thinking someone in the night. Why night? Because its more relaxing, more peaceful and it’s dark. Hehehe. But you know like me I can think of things, problems, love ones at night than at the morning.
8) Parol- parol is a lantern that we display during Christmas time. Instead of light as the “light” of their life they used parol because I think it’s a December affair or if not they don’t want that their love will be just on the month of December.
9) Kismet- they are back with an English song. a piano ballad that steers close to pinoy r&b territory… a lot of people will probably like this coz its sacharinely sweet but its the least silentsanctuary-sounding song on the record. Mala south border.
10) Nagtahan- another up beat song. Yung first sound pa lang it’s like eraserheads. Yung sound pati yung lyrics. Great song. I love the line “sana ako na lang ang pumirma sa mga liham” very meaningful yet beautiful.
11) Summer Song- of course about having fun during summer. It’s fun song. I also like and love this song. I ove the line “sana ako na lang ang pumirma sa mga liham” very meaningful yet
12) 14- why 14? 14 ba ang naging girlfriend nila. Another English song.

Packaging: I love the black and pink theme. Well because that’s my favorite color.
Overall: More!! They should include more songs. It’s really a cool album and if you’re a band fanatic like me have this because Silent Sanctuary and their sound is really different from other bands. Astig maging iba. So 4 out of 5 rock stars.

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