This Show Went Off, Indeed! T.S.A. At Hades Bar, February 12, 2011

Back in February of 2010 T.S.A. was in town to play a one-off gig and launch their CD called Back To Kindergarten. As most of you may have already known, this is generally an album of covers, mostly well-loved Pinoy punk and hardcore tunes circa Twisted Red Cross and beyond. T.S.A. paid homage to their punk idols with this outing, and personally I think theirs is one of the best local cover albums in recent history.

Fast forward to 2011.

The Singapore-based T.S.A. had returned for a brief visit, as it is becoming to be their habit every Chinese New Year. The Bulakenyo lads played to a smoldering filled-up venue aptly called Hades Bar at Quezon City (yes yes I know what you guys are thinking, and the answer is yes), supported by some of the very people that they have paid homage to in their recent album.

It is a night replete with booze, ghost scares (LOL!), memorable songs, body slams, and the all-too-familiar old school vibe. I missed the gig last time and so I made sure I attended this one, even enlisting my minute help to Bisikleta Productions' Hilboy just so I will not have any reason to miss out on this event.

Al Dimalanta to a frenzied crowd: you were here, yes? Yes?!

So the story and insights.

Mean mean Jun Idiot

With Hard K

Jun Idiot had two sets, one with  The Imbeciles (hahah :P), the other with Hard K. I have to say that Jun has always been an acquired taste, but for me, and for many people who grew up listening to George Imbecile and The Idiots, and later on, Hard K, Jun Idiot will always be Jun Idiot: brash, loud, can rip the flesh off your bones in his meanest, and yet with a heart. Age may have added to his frame, but the attitude remains, and for that he will always be one of the prominent figures of Pinoy Punk.

Against man negotiates with the punks

Against Man are younger than the rest of the bands that supported T.S.A., but their collective mindset belies their age. I have always liked them for their low-key easy-going nature and their musicality. Will an album be ever out?

Always awesome: Tame The Tikbalang

Orgasm donor^^

Russell!!!!!!

Tame The Tikbalang has always been fierce, and the wild response from the audience reaction is always to be expected. Russell Eustaquio has been and will always be cool in my book (goes way back in the university), and this may sound biased and such, but well, the heck. Forever shall be, Russ. ^^

Al and his "men" :P

"Putang-ina, tatlong lalaki na ang humahalik sa akin ngayong gabi!" (Ugh, hahah am not gonna translate this :P)

That's Al Dimalanta shouting over the microphone after one overjoyed punk after another went up to him and gave him a hug and a kiss. The performance of Al Dimalanta, backed up by the boys of T.S.A.and referred to in jest as Al D and the Architects, has got to be one of the highest points of the night. Seems like Al has yet some tricks up his sleeves for us to marvel at this year. You can never put an angrily creative - or creatively angry? - man down, really.

Buddy and Betrayed: Good to see you again

Yes, Betrayed also played. Yes it is so good to see Buddy Trinidad play after all these years. Yes the set is so familiar, having listened to it so many times. Much as I try not to wax sentimental about Betrayed (because I am, more often than not, UNsentimental), some pangs of stinging memories hit me occasionally during their set. How many times did I see them play, practice in recent times? Originals like Ain't Gonna Fight For You, Betrayed By You, Never Meant To Be This Way, and covers like Babylon's Burning, New Rose and Big Deal are the very tunes that I hear being practiced on a bass guitar within hearing distance in the house where I live in, up until now, not so long ago. [And yet it feels like a lightyear away....]

Pleasant surprise: The GoSignals

And, woooh, The GoSignals came over for a surprise visit. Again, the question begs to be answered: when is the album coming out? Or is it out? Mel, out with it, man. :)

Ojie and Bimboi, T.S.A.

Pedro and Ojie, T.S.A.

Ojie, T.S.A.

Then, of course, T.S.A. The star of the night. The level-headed guys who have represented the local punk scene in Asia and beyond on a good number of occasions. Bimboi. Ojie, and Pedro have created a mark of their own in the Pinoy Punk scene, a path that is definitely less taken. The support that was given them by the pillars of Pinoy Punk during this gig, and in their past ones as well, is more than enough proof that T.S.A. has carved their own spot in the sun.

To T.S.A., all my respect, admiration, and support. Til we meet again. (Thanks by the way for the sisig, peanuts and beer and other things, burp. :P)

LOL LOL

See you again at the gigs y'all.

This Show Must Go Off! And A Playlist To Match! Woohoo!

Eto na! Pardon the use of the quintessential Al Dimalanta quote, but this is what my sentiment exactly is, right now. Eto naaaaaaa!

By now you must have known that T.S.A. is doing a one-night off at Hades Bar on February 12. If you don't, then check out this poster, yea? This is brought to you by your reliable friendly neighbourhood Bisikleta Productions, as well as this blog Trash Radio Manila and Music Speaks Productions.

This is also the perfect opportunity to update my (heehee) sleeping playlist. All-Pinoy, as usual, with the songs coming from the bands who have a lot to do with the guest artists and the main attraction on February 12.

NOTE: Mixpod Player is fucked up, so I am using the BOX Player temporarily. Just Click play. I will try to remedy the situation asap so that you get your music playing the moment you load the Trash Radio Manila blog site.

1. T.S.A. - "Hoy!"
2. Betrayed - "Ain't Gonna Fight For You"
3. Tame The Tikbalang - "Forever Shall Be"
4. G.I. and The Idiots - "The Flag"
5. Throw - "Walang Hustisya"
6. T.S.A. - "Violent Dispersal"

See you all on Saturday!

Up next: Pinkcow did it!

TSA is back again!!!

Hey guys, no no I am not dead, I am not relocating (yet, heheh), I have not gone crazy or what (as far as I am concerned that is, so by me this statement is not to be disputed :P), nothing much to account for my absence except the usual grind. But, I (meaning, in my capacity as one of the whipping kids behind Trash Radio Manila and Music Speaks) have been getting a bit involved lately. I will give you some updates in the days to come.

For now, I've got to tell you this. T.S.A., the hard-working, hard-hitting, hard-playing, and just simply, hard (yay!) Bulakenyos consisting of Bimboi, Pedro, and Ojie, are coming back! They will be doing a one night off gig over at Hades Bar in Quezon City on February 12. The support bands are awesome. Bisikleta Productions is producing, and Trash Radio Manila and Music Speaks are helping out in their miniscule way.

This by far is your best option for your Valentines date and Year of the Metal Rabbit celebration. This one, I am sure, will be a lot of fun! ^^

MY TOP 5 ALBUMS OF 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

I have made the resolution of keeping this blog updated. So here I am, off to another fresh start. I know I promised you a list, didn't I? Well here it is.

My Top 5 Albums of 2010.

The truth is, I wrote this post in early December. Before posting this article, I just had to make sure that this did not appear elsewhere. Having confirmed this yesterday, I now post where I think this article should be most appropriate: HERE. JUST HERE.

Please read on, and tell me what you think.

My Top 5 Albums for 2010

Selecting my Top 5 for this year has been trickier than difficult. I can easily spew out titles of albums whose songs stuck to memory and made an impression, but the process is trying, to say to the least. One of the things that I loathe doing is to leave out equally deserving works. There are clearly many bands worth a listen whose works remain lurking in blog sites, unearthed only by a few persistent music lovers who are on a constant quest for novel stuff.

My choice is definitely reflective of the year that has been. But shouldn’t music serve to be reflective of the times? My list is made up entirely of Pinoy artists: all have been around for quite sometime (the youngest of them being Goodleaf). Their albums contain songs that bespeak of the political and economic times: the turn-over of political power, the society’s persistent ills, and such. It is almost like reading the editorial section of the newspaper.

So here is my list.

1. “Believe” – Throw

Throw, as every self-respecting punk and underground music scenester may have known by now, is a powerhouse band made up of Al Dimalanta, Dennis Maniego, and son Spyk. This album came out in January, paying tribute to late hardcore luminaries Jay Dimalanta (Dead Ends), Luis Guiang (G.I. and the Idiots, Put3Ska), and Je Bautista (Betrayed, Music Front, Beatdown Boombox). Albert Ascona of The Beauty of Doubt and Bad Omen played guitars on this one. This album is definitely a group effort and not an Al Dimalanta show at all, which I feel is what Al had been quite conscious about throughout Throw’s existence. The title track and “Choose” (which happens to be my favorite), for instance, are written by Spyk and Al: both songs are riveting melodic paeans of hope and of deciding wisely. This one is probably Throw’s more melodic outputs.

2. “’Wag Kalimutan Ang Ingay” – Throw

Sadly, Throw disbanded last month after ten years in the hardcore scene. While Al has assured that he will continue with the acoustic gigs, I will certainly miss Throw. The band left us with this effort, “’Wag Kalimutan Ang Ingay”, dedicated to the memory of Al’s parents Ernesto and Ophelia (who both passed away this year) and his brother Jay. For this album, Against Man guitarist Alan Roldan plays for the band.“’Wag Kalimutan…” is clearly angrier than its predecessor, a reaction to the recent political changes. My favorite track will have to be “Karapatan”, which is part spoken word and all aggression that has always been Al’s trademark.

3. “ No Hero” – Coffee Break Island

Coffee Break Island is one of the most hardworking bands around. “No Hero” is their long-overdue sophomore album. While there is no clear stand-out song in the mold of their very popular song “Party Song”, the tracks are more cohesive. CBI is just as politicized in their own way, if you manage to get past the strong groove of their songs and give the lyrics a listen. I like “No Hero” and “Walang Hanggan”

4. “Dubpilipinas” – Goodleaf

Their gigs do not come all too often, leaving a good number of people wondering what exactly these guys play, except for the genre generally termed dub. People who have seen this band perform live swear that they know their dub pretty well and that they are able to incorporate numerous musical elements in their works. Goodleaf has, finally, come up with an album that showcases their skills. Listen to the title track, “Digital Roots”, and “Solusyon Ka Ba o Problema?”

5.  “Back To Kindergarten” – T.S.A.

T.S.A. is a bunch of Bulacan kids who grew up playing hardcore. All three members are now in Singapore, continuing to wreck hardcore havoc on our Southeast Asian friends who seem more pleased that offended about this fact. Ojie, Bimboi, and Pedro, as far as I know, have long been raring to make a tribute album, their own interpretation of punk and hardcore tunes that have largely influenced them. The body count can easily be guessed: Dead Ends, Urban Bandits, Betrayed, R.D.A...mostly from the Twisted Red Cross era. Some may have criticized their album as “too clean”: maybe so, but it is not a problem with me as we speak of eras that are decades and technologies apart. My favorite may well be reflective of my bias towards the band that they have covered, in this case: Urban Bandits’ “Hoy!”

I know that I have missed a lot, as my disclaimer states. Either I did not get to hear them yet (like Juan Isip's new EP) or I just ran out of slots.  There are bands whose works I await (calling The GoSigmals, Tsunami Tsunami ... ) and more bands to unearth. It is all a learning experience, and all we have to do is open our ears and minds.




Next in the list of items to update is the playlist. I will get back to you really soon. To keep you company in the meantime is a video from Coffee Break Island's second album launch called "Walang Hanggan".

The Events Past, Present And Future [Andy Deported! Manila Ska! T.S.A.! DIYPinoyHCpunk Anniversary! And More!]

Oh snap. Where do I start?

Let me just give you a rundown of what to expect in the coming days. Full details in the posts to come, okies?

You will be reading about an account of Andy Deported's last gig before he left for the US. It will be remembered that he did a series of shows here backed by Bad Omen. I sure regret having seen Andy perform only once, his set was very engaging and a lot of fun, but luckily I got introduced to this affable guy by Albert Ascona.

Also on queue is the recently concluded highly successful Manila Ska at Cubao X which I attended ... in spirit. (Dum de dom, I sure hate it when, after I have planned to attend a gig many weeks beforehand, something - fatigue, appointment, accident, whatever - suddenly comes up and I end up missing the affair.) I am excited about this upcoming post by a guest writer. That she writes well (of course I can say this in all honesty, having read her works online) is somewhat of an understatement - the link to one of her sites is on the siderail. Make a guess.

Also have to mention that The Resurrection Issue of Konspirazine is now out! I got to thank Jep Peligro for his generosity. You guys try to get hold of an ish. The zine is a treasure trove of information, yhough for me what is best about this issue is that it features an interview on ... Biofeedback! I need not say more. Just grab a copy.

Guess who's representing the Philippines in Denmark right now?

These Bulakenyos have really gone a long way. The ÅRETS STØRSTE INTERNATIONALE KUNSTFESTIVAL in Denmark started last August 26 and will be until September 12. One of the features of the Contemporary Arts Festival is a music fest that includes T.S.A. (Hård-høj-hurtig og agressiv old-school-punk! Yay!) So who says only the likes of Lea Salonga, Cecile Licad and Charice Pempengco can represent the Philippines in the international cultural map? (And why do I find myself snickering right now? Hahahaha!) I daresay, the local music scene owes a lot to T.S.A.

The DIYPinoyHCpunk, Bisikleta Productions (via Rude Maynila), and the people behind Manila Soul have some gigs for you in the days to come. I should be coming up with a new playlist as well. Hold on to your hats, keep yourselves updated, and zoom in the gigs when you can. Show your love to the music that speaks to you and the artists that sing the songs of your life.

The Andy Deported Gig Series

If you are one of those who missed out on the matinee show at Ten02 last Sunday (like I did, heehee), there are many more dates to catch Andy Deported and The Outsourced. Tonight is one of those dates.

They will be at B-Side The Collective located at Malugay St. in Makati. Was talking to someone about this, the place not fully registering in my head until I finally remember that this is the warehouse type place akin to Cubao X. Exact address is 7274 Malugay St. Makati City. Malugay St. is parallel to Buendia. If you are taking public transportation, you can probably get off at Mayapis St. (the street nearest to the railroad tracks if you are coming from EDSA) then walk until you hit Malugay. If you are driving, turn right to Pasong Tamo, then to Yakal, then to Mayapis, then finally to Malugay St.

Entrance is free, people, if free gig is your incentive. See you guys laters. Hai!^^

Get to know Andy Deported and The Outsourced here.

*****
Aaaaaaah! Stay tuned for more updates, including...T.S.A.'s Danish campaign this September! Woohoo!

Exploring New Blog Features, Making A New Playlist, Updates Galore

Time to make some changes, explore the features of Blogger, and essentially update. Kumusta na kayong lahat?

At sino ang mga ito at ano ang ginagawa nila rito sa post na ito?! (Peace out! ;) )

New playlist coming up real soon. Stay tuned.

Mamayang Gabi Sa Sazi's Bar!!!

Kitakits!

T.S.A.'s Back To Kindergarten: Paying Homage To The Pioneers

T.S.A., obviously influenced by the people who started the mayhem that is called Pinoy Punk, is coming out with an album called "Back To Kindergarten".

It is finally done, yep, as I am quite aware that the boys have been working on this for quite sometime. (First heard this from them around two years ago. Could be more. That long ago.)

T.S.A. will be back to perform on February 20, 2010 at Sazi's Bar in Espana. The new album will be sold at the gates. I received some tracks from the benevolent bounty of Ojie, T.S.A.'s ferocious drummer, and I am playing them now. The tracklist below:

1. Violent Dispersal (originally by R.D.A.) - T.S.A.
2. Hoy!!!!! (originally by Urban Bandits) - T.S.A.
3. Flush The Attitude (originally by Dead Ends) - T.S.A.

Doing covers is both fun and dangerous. To cover a song demands both the right intentions and the right treatment, and most bands. while having the noblest of intentions, fall short of injecting their creativity and flavour. I have yet to hear the entire album, but so far, it seems that T.S.A. is on the right track. Find out more when you guys get hold of the album.

The Weekends That Were

Waaaaaaah!

The wailers: Dennis Maniego, Albert Ascona, Jun Quiane, and frenzied pair during T.S.A.'s gig over at the Leprechaun Bar, September 18, 2009

I sure missed a lot these past weekends. Though I was lucky enough to catch the fantastic T.S.A. during the September 18 gig at the Leprechaun Bar sponsored by Filter Zine (Huwaaaaaaat? Antagal na pala? Shame shame. :( ), I missed the Bisikleta-sponsored T.S.A. sortee at Ten02 bar. Yes I also missed the Tarlac gig last October 10 (featuring Throw, Tame The Tikbalang, Bad Omen, and a whole lot more, my apologies for not having posted the poster, very very sorry), and I friggin' missed The Bing Austria Show the day after and the "Picking Up The Pieces" fund raising gig last October 12. Please don't ask me what has happened to me these past few weeks, it is something very very horrendous and not worth sharing here. (Sob sob sob, I sure hope to get over this year in one piece, I seriously do!). Suffice to say though that while things were battering me up to pieces (grrrr...), all seems to be alive and thriving this side of the music scene.

Will be posting my backlogs real soon. Below are some photos taken from T.S.A.'s Leprechaun gig and the October 10 Tarlac gig. (Thank you so much to Mina for the incredible photos of the Tarlac gig. Are you the female Andy Rosen? :))) )

T.S.A., Leprechaun Bar, September 18, 2009

Ojie of T.S.A.

Pedrobandido, T.S.A.

T.S.A. with Arnold Morales doing "Blood In Every Heart"

Throw with Ojie of T.S.A.

Tarlac, October 10, 2009

Russell Eustaquio of Tame The Tikbalang

Jun Idiot

Jun, Boyet, Al, Russ, Albert

Tarlac Kids

T.S.A. Fest This Weekend!

Our Pinoy hardcore friends from Singapore will be playing on Friday, September 18, at the Leprechaun Bar and on Saturday, September 19, at Ten02 bar. This is a rare chance for you guys to see Bimboi, Pedro, and Ojie play together in Manila because, for you to see T.S.A. play, you have to be living or flying over to Singapore, where the boys are currently based.

We here at Trash Radio Manila have always raved at how T.S.A. play, for a good reason. These guys are fast and fierce, yet melodic at the same time. Just to let you know what to expect this weekend, do listen to these tracks off their Break The Silence album.

1. Abusive Authorities - T.S.A.
2. Lie To You - T.S.A.
3. Wala Nang Mura - T.S.A.

Want more? Here's a video clip from YouTube showing T.S.A. captured live at The Guiness Theatre in Singapore. Really steady playing there. T.S.A. will be supported by equally able and larger-than-life bands such as Throw. (Check out the posters.) See you guys at the gigs this weekend.

The Bing Austria Show on a Very Very Wet September Night

The rains had been pouring in torrents the whole day yesterday, which was such a bummer because, really, non-stop rains can put anyone's spirits down the gutter. Especially so perhaps when you live, or have to report to work in one of those places notorious for flooding up at the slightest downpour. España, the location of Sazi's Bar and the current home of The Bing Austria Show, is one of these places.

Thus, it was quite a miracle that the affair was still decently attended. Not jam-packed, it's more like being in a dingy (pardon the term, it was the first term that came to mind when I entered Sazi's last night - their aircon was out of order!) jazz bar with a sizeable crowd of regulars on a weeknight. Except that the music playing on the stage was a combination of ska, rockabilly, hiphop, mod, and punk.

Unfortunately I missed the performances of Bembol Rockers (wow, labo, how could I have possibly missed these guys?) and AMPON (wow, ang labo talaga, isa ko pang na-miss). Also missed Coffinride, which I was told gave a solid performance. Some bands did not show up: Gut Reaction, Tango Bitoy, Steady Movin' Beat, Skies Of Ember. Pity.

Neighbors did perform (haven't seen these lads for so long, though I expected the line-up changes), as well as The GoSignals, who at present have been regularly including their original, "ELISA", in their set. Also saw Life Without Francis (with the Umble Uno horny guys), Earthlings, and Pusakals. Ojie of TSA (occasionally donning the "Pharaoh" look), was likewise present.

Some photos here. [In order: Pusakals, Neighbors, Earthlings, The GoSignals, Life Without Francis]

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Coming Up!

The boys of T.S.A. are playing this weekend: Friday at the Leprechaun Bar, Saturday at Ten02. Something to look forward to. Watch out for updates. have a good week ahead, and don't let the rains get you down.

The Homecoming To End All Homecomings Of 2009 (aw000t!)

Here it is. The real deal. Bulacan's hardcore specialists T.S.A., now collectively based in Singapore, will be back in town for a brief visit. We've written about them many times, played their fast and furious songs a couple of instances here on Trash Radio Manila. If you haven't seen these guys yet, here's your chance. Stay stuck for more announcements in the coming days.

[Kaya Jam naman diyan. Kahit isang kutsara lang, sa bulsa ng mga maruruming damit. For old times sake. :(]