ESKAPO kick-off show @ cuerdas bar review...

Last night was the kick-off party for Eskapo's Pilipinas Tour. Everyone was psyched especially Rupert of Eskapo who was getting sweaty palms all over while we were on the way to the venue. A nice thick crowd was already forming in front of the venue when we arrived. No parking slots available near the venue so we had to parking somewhere else.

A little problem was facing the organizers that night because the bass drum had a hole in it so they had to look for a quick replacement to start the show. Fortunately, eveyrthing worked out and at around 9:45, the show started with the debut of SDK. They are a three-piece band playing melodic punk rock. The crowd was elated when they did a cover of 'Bikeage' from Descendents.

To really kick off the show, HALF THE BATTLE went on stage and proceeded to start the hostilities. The crowd was a bit stagnant at first but a stage-dive from the amps provided the catalyst for the crowd to finally sweat it out. People kept hitting the ceiling fan that afterwards they had to stop the fan from getting utterly destroyed. Great set once again from HTB. S who's on our guest list? EVERYBODY!

Up next was The Beauty of Doubt minus Ronald. Crowd went nuts singing along. Ray from Feud sang 'Ampanonarchist' to the delight of the crowd. The crowd helped the band do vocal chores that night and it was great having the entire room singing along to TBOD songs.

After TBOD, ESKAPO began setting up their equipment. You could say this is the culmination of all their hard work in Vallejo, California. What delight it is to have them playing in front of their 'hometown' crowd. I had goosebumps before they started their set and a busted lip and bruised thigh afterwards. Holy mother. These guys absolutely destroyed that night. They played songs from their two-full lengths. The crowd was flying around, singing-along. Highlight material: Tagalog, Manila Sunrise with Rupert and Loi charging to the crowd. Shit.

THROW was next and were their usual selves. The crowd enjoyed all the Dead Ends songs. Al D never fails to deliver. BETRAYED was up next and after more than 25 years, they still got it. They played some anthems from the 80's and some new songs i believe.

Last, but definitely not the least to play was TAME THE TIKBALANG. I swear, these guys get better as they age. They played songs off their 'Forever Shall Be' CD. We egged them on playing one last song and holy shit, did they ever did. 'Sailin On' by Bad Brains was the definitive closer of the night and the crowd just went ape-shit. Fuck yeah.

Definitely another night to remember. Great job from the MAIM guys. I hope to see more shows from these guys.

Catch Eskapo tonight @ Freedom Bar and then @ Green Papaya tomorrow night. Bystorm will be playing with them on Thursday @ Ten02 Bar, Quezon City. Make sure you're there and wear your dancingshoes. Should make a hell of a night.

Currently listening: Eskapo 'Wind of Hell', Ignite 'Live at Winnipeg bootleg', Gehenna 'Upon the Gravehill'

ps. sorry for not posting any pics. will do later when i get home.