KORONADAL City, South Cotabato (December 20, 2007)—Everything evokes gloom and boredom. The stage backdrop is stark black. The lights change color repetitively that I can tell when it will turn red or green. The audience number less than two hundred.Then Lemata, a five-member band, starts playing—and virtually turns the gymnasium of Notre Dame of Marbel University into a stadium jampacked with rockistas.
The group stands out in all aspects in this finals night of NDMU battle of the Bands. It bests four other finalists to earn the title “Band of the Year”.
Lemata has surely come a long way. Its members show much more confidence and verve compared to their performance last year, when they were proclaimed second runner-up.
They have the winning skills. But, for me, what makes the young musicians truly deserving of the top spot is their winning attitude.
When our organization, the Political Science Society, asked the fab five to play for a benefit concert last semester, they readily agreed (as did seven other bands). It was a proof of their humility and willingness to share their music.
They have the winning skills. But, for me, what makes the young musicians truly deserving of the top spot is their winning attitude.
When our organization, the Political Science Society, asked the fab five to play for a benefit concert last semester, they readily agreed (as did seven other bands). It was a proof of their humility and willingness to share their music.
Quick notes on the other contenders:
Martyr’s Brigade—young and a bit high-strung; remix of “My Heart will Go On” draws attention but band doesn’t display energy much
Wasting Moonshine—good compositions (all three they played are original); best line: “If I tell you that I love you would you really care?”
Know Your Mushrooms—good choice of songs but band falls a bit short in handiwork
Agoraphobia—crowd-pleaser (what else to expect when 4/5 are girls and they sing teenage songs); the band to watch out for; My dormmate Cheyserr is the vocalist. Way to go!
My Choice:
1. Lemata
2. Wasting Moonshine
3. Know Your Mushrooms
4. Agoraphobia
5. Martyr’s Brigade
The Judges’ Judgment:
1. Lemata
2. Wasting Moonshine
3. Agoraphobia
4. Know Your Mushrooms
5. Martyr’s Brigade
Note on the Contest: I prefer the format last year, when the bands had to perform two cover songs and an original composition. If we want our bands to be noticed in mainstream media, they must have their own trademarks.
(Pictured: Parakersrakers, 2006 Band of the Year. Some dormmates and I have gone out of the gym when the MC announces the group’s performing. So we rush back, listen from afar, and feel the night’s complete)
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