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INDIELIGHTFUL:  No Shackles At Freedom Bar

First up was Imago.  Personally, they were my favorite band of the night.  It would be a crime to even try categorizing their sound, but the uniqueness of the music they play may be poorly described as Cynthia Alexander meets the Corrs meets Grace Nono.  A five-man band led by lead vocalist Aia de Leon and drummer Zach Lucero (yes, he of the only sane morning show on FM, NU 107.5's "Zach and Joey in the Morning"), Imago showcased an awe-inspiring blend of ethnic sound (Aia's powerhouse vocals, coupled with chopped green-dyed hair and diminutive stature, were very impressive) and violin music (courtesy of Michelle Pritchard) that was indeed breathtaking.  Fantastic way to begin the evening and quite an act to follow.  Luckily, Nancy Drool was very much up to task.  The three-lady group played a delicious power-punk mix of self-penned tunes that, despite the volume, I managed to hear, take in and enjoy.  Shades of Elastica and Shonen Knife.  Their original songs were actually very well-written, and I imagine, radio-friendly enough to cross over into mainstream markets.  As a matter of fact, the only thing that hindered my complete enjoyment of this talented trio's set was distortion the size of Makati.  Such enjoyable music shouldn't be drowned in wahwah. Pinwheel realizes this, and perhaps, for that reason, it is Pinwheel that has one of the largest followings this side of indieland.   This incredibly talented quartet boasts of a readily-accessible sound that reminds one of the Dave Matthews Band.  Need I mention I overheard someone call Minco, their lead vocalist, the most gorgeous rocker she has ever seen?  Hmp.  She should have caught him at Jesus Christ Superstar; she would've pissed in her panties.  The immensely popular Sugar Free followed.  I'd describe their performance as nothing short of exhilirating! Their sound was full (considering there are only three of them in the band, excluding Rivermaya's Rico Blanco who couldn't make it that night), loud and hearty. They were very witty (the lyrics are sooo funny), and had great audience rapport. Previous Page Next Page Back To My Music

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