As part of BusinessMirror’s campaign to promote everyone’s safety and well-being during the global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have invited established and independent artists to perform at least one song in their own homes while urging everyone to stay indoors.
Along with Wolfgang, Razorback have pretty much defined Filipino hard rock music during the 1990s and beyond. Beginning with 1995’s Hebigat Sounds Volume One, the band continues to garner acclaim with every new release.
Songs like “Giyang,” “Tabi ng Bulkan,” “Payaso,” “Ikot ng Mundo,” “Munting Paraiso,” “Voodoo, Wh Do?,” “Paghihintay,” “Minsan Lang,” and “Daan-Daang Dahilan” are just a few of Razorback classics that have now become staples of their live sets.
Over the years, the band has undergone several line-up changes including the departure of longtime vocalist Kevin Roy and the untimely demise of drummer Brian Velasco last year. In recent years, the boys of Razorback, now led by founding guitarist Tirso Ripoll have taken a more collaborative approach and have featured a revolving door of guest vocalists, both in the studio and in their live sets.
Dong Abay, Wolfgang’s Basti Artadi and Sandwich’s Raymund Marasigan are featured on “Palasyo,” “Stargazer” and “Bubog sa Aspalto” respectively while Nicole Laurel Asensio (ex-General Luna), Kat Aggarado (from Sinosikat) and Nino Mendoza of the Blue Jean Junkies have been fronted the group in their live sets. Other musicians the band has collaborated with in the past include violinist John Lesaca, percussionist Denise Celdran and guitarist Ira Cruz.
Nino also recorded “Love Pusher” with the band last year. Nino wrote the lyrics for the bluesy rocker from the title suggested by Tirso. The song’s studio version featured the line-up of Nino on vocals, Tirso and Manuel Legarda on guitars, Louie Talan on bass and the late Brian Velasco, who Nino says approached him about the collaboration, on drums.
For their SoundStrip Live & in Quarantine session, Razorback featuring Nino Mendoza on vocals and harmonica bring the house down as expected with a butt-kicking quarantine version of “Love Pusher” that also features Marco Cuneta on bass and Francis Aquino on drums. Hebigat ito, pare!
1 comment