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By Angelique Manalad Contributor
With the H1N1 pandemic in full
swing, the fall out of the global economic crunch and the Con-Ass
debacle, these are alarming times to say the least. Amid these
troubles, it is wise to let music do all the healing for our weary
souls. Thankfully, this country boasts a lot of musical talents and
Pisenlav is one of the many.
Composed of drummer Benmark
Favorito and bassist Fernando Se, Pisenlav was born in the campus of
the University of Santo Tomas. The duo was playing music in a band
since 2000.
The Eraserheads and The Beatles
heavily influenced Pisenlav’s repertoire. Favorito and Se
described their songs as belonging to the alternative rock genre.
In 2005, they recorded a five
tracked independent EP but also experienced the hardships of being
an unsigned band with members coming and leaving, going to unpaid
gigs or having to sell tickets in order to be able to perform. But
not losing hope in pursuing their passion, they contacted Jethro
Estacio (Guitarist) and Fernando’s high school classmate, Jinky
Golifardo (Guitarist). As a four-piece band they formed Mister Eddie
Wagwag with Favorito doing the vocals.
Adding a certain twang for the
band, Kate Lozano (Main Vocals) who was Favorito’s high school
classmate became the final puzzle piece. Although some members
resisted the idea of having a female vocalist, in the end they
finally agreed that it was one of the best decisions that they made.
Combining different influences,
Pisenlav gave birth to distinct chill-out sound blended with pop
rock, alternative and reggae. Their songs, while being thematically
linked to love, transports you to a place that bears the ambiance of
a seaside escape where you can relax on a swaying hammock.
The band collaborates in writing
their songs and hopes to finish their first independent album by
this year with Lozano’s hypnotic voice in each track promising
nothing but sweet serenity for those who will lend their ears.
Today Pisenlav is busy making it
through the barriers having their song “Fill You Up,” debut last
week at RJ 105.9 Underground Radio’s Daily Demo Delivery. The band
also got to play their music for a good cause when they performed
for the World Health Organization during the “World No Tobacco
Day” held at the Rajah Sulayman Park, Roxas Boulevard.
According to the band, they are
currently seeking ways to connect to a wider audience. “We
launched the beta version of the official band website at
www.pisenlav.tk,” Estacio shared. “It’s not yet fully launched
as we will be adding more stuff soon. Like the official band blog,
wherein we write about the life and times of an indie band in the
Philippines. Also, we are planning launch a contest on the website
wherein winners will win a free copy of the album.”
Thankfully, there’s still
enough Pisenlav to go around.
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