Anyone who says “OPM is dead” needs to do a little bit of digging in our local music scene. Stalwarts such as Sandwich and Gloc 9 have been keeping the scene alive, but there are tons of up and coming acts like Reese Lansangan and Ourselves the Elves that have hit the ground running. But beyond these familiar names, there are more amazing artists that have largely remained hidden from the mainstream view. We’ve got 8 of the best right here for you.
Kapitan Kulam
Kapitan Kulam. Band Rehearsal, Full Version of Fugazi Cover Shut the door.
Posted by Rodolfo Sabayton Jr. on Friday, October 21, 2016
You may be familiar with Radioactive Sago Project and their biggest hit, Astro Cigarettes, but did you know that frontman Lourd de Veyra has another band called Kapitan Kulam that plays doom and sludge rock? The four piece usually plays one of their smashing live sets in all-white attire, so be sure to catch them at one of the metro’s bars if you can.
Alasmedya
If you’re looking for a chill group to listen to, look no further than Alasmedya. With acoustic guitars accompanying Sean Cedro, JR Reo, and Jack Majadas’ vocal harmonies, this four piece acoustic group create the perfect music to wake up to.
Devices
The first thing that comes to mind when listening to alt rock band Devices is, “Damn, they sound like the ‘Is This It?’-era Strokes”. While that might not be a fair assessment of their range of abilities, Devices takes notes from Julian Casablancas and co. and turns it into their own. An outstanding example of this is Flowers, a catchy pop rock melody and great instrumentation to boot.
Wilderness
Wilderness’ music is a funky, groovy mishmash of good old psychedelic rock and roll. Their latest offering “Ballroom Dancing” is 10 songs of strangely energetic music that will make you want to get up on your bed and dance along.
Lions and Acrobats
One of the newer additions to the post-rock scene, Lions and Acrobats boast five solid tracks filled to bursting with beautiful guitar work and intricate layering of melodies. They are also a wonder to listen to live, as their three guitarists meld their technical abilities with lead singer Icoy’s soaring vocals.
BEAST JESUS
BEAST JESUS, who call themselves Manila’s post-internet hardcore band, is definitely an act to watch. They rose to internet consciousness as a meme page but, more importantly, they create beautiful, organized chaos unlike any act we’ve heard before. Check out their EP’s In Various States of Disassembly and Eros Obfuscate, an ambitious 17-minute track that can swallow you whole.
Calix
Calix is a rapper who spits verses extensively about Philippine politics and social justice, a refreshing change of pace from radio’s sex-heavy rap music. He drops angry truth bombs on dope beats care of skinxbones (Tomi Uysingco). Watching him live is a must; his righteous anger is infectious and will surely get you shouting for Marcos’ head, too.
Sound Architects
This atmospheric rock group started in 2014, but already have an impressive list of tracks under their name. They’ve also scored for local movies, so you may have heard them in cinemas. You can lose yourself in their heavy but strangely cathartic songs, especially their latest offering Icarus.
What’s on your hidden gems list? Share them with us below!
