Superstar lineup puts the ‘rock’ back in rock ’n roll
BY PAUL JOHN CAÑA Contributor
People have started calling them a “superband,” but for the members of Franco, it’s a term that makes them very uncomfortable.
“For us this is just another job. We don’t want to be called a ‘supergroup,’” says guitarist Paolo “Ocho” Toleran. The Queso axeman is joined in Franco by Gabby Alipe and Janjan Mendoza of Urbandub, Buhawi “Buwi” Meneses of Parokya ni Edgar and frontman and band name source Franco Reyes.
For almost two years, there were murmurs of this all-star lineup that played rock music as it should be played—raw, unhindered, uncompromising and powerful. Franco would pop up intermittently in surprise gigs around the city, but never quite got together long enough for a proper introduction. Until now.
On Saturday night, Franco launched their much anticipated debut album at Eastwood City Central Plaza. Catching all five of the superstar rockers at one time was an event itself, and prior to the show they had time to tell the story of Franco, the band.
“We’ve all known each other for more than 10 years,” Toleran says. “We all lived in the same village. Of course Gabby and Janjan knew each other way back from Cebu.”
“I’ve known Franco for close to 15 years,” Gabby says. “He’s a musical genius. It was actually Janjan who all got us together and suggested we jam a few songs.”
“In the beginning it was like that, just jamming,” Meneses adds. “Then MCA offered us the chance to record the album.”
But before then, the band members had to convince Reyes, who was then based in the United States and only flew back to the motherland from time to time, to come home for good.
“Most of my loved ones are here, and really the Philippines is home for me,” he says “As they say, home is where the heart is.”
Despite all coming from different bands who are all established in the mainstream, it was not difficult for the five friends to come together to produce new music. The mix of different styles—hard rock, pop, funk and even a little reggae—all came together and became the “Franco sound.” “It’s positive music,” Gabby says. “The lyrics carry positive vibes. There’s a message to every song.”
At the Eastwood Central Plaza, fans snapped up the album for the chance to meet the band and snag that much coveted autograph. Taking to the stage, Reyes, who wrote and arranged all the songs in the album, could not help expressing profound gratitude to everyone who’ve helped in some way to bring him and the band to where they are now.
“Salamat sa pagtangkilik sa musikang Pilipino [Thanks for patronizing Filipino music],” he said.
Franco went up onstage in front of a packed Eastwood Central Plaza. With layered guitar riffs, a booming bass and incessant drumming, the band played the kind of rock music we rarely ever experience in this day of pop star divas, rap and hip hop hybrids and lukewarm, tasteless rock star wannabes. The melodies weren’t lost in the ear-splitting rhythms and head-turning grooves. Reyes vocals soared over the instruments, like the cooler version of Chad Kroeger.
Alipe, already a master front man with his work with Urbandub, let his Franco brother bask in the spotlight and was content in providing the occasional backup vocals. Standout tracks that would soon undoubtedly adorn countless Facebook walls and quoted on Twitter status messages include lead single “Castaway,” the rasta-infused “Touch The Sky” and latest single “This Gathering.”
Time will tell how this new project will work out, especially since all the band members admitted that, unlike the old days, it’s not the easiest thing in the world to get all five together to play. But for those thirsting for some genuine OPM rock music without the bull and the fluff, the eponymous album is a must-own and will satiate any longing for ball-busting, ear splitting rock and roll.
No comments:
Post a Comment