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Twisted Halo: Independent
Many people in the independent rock scene probably
know the band called Twisted Halo. But for the benefit of those who
are hearing about them for the first time, the question has to be
asked: Who – or what – is Twisted Halo?
Angels with twisted haloes
Twisted Halo is a band
known for their principled, uncompromising approach to rock music. And
it’s not just in the music, but also in how they deal with the
peripherals of rock and roll: the business, the events, and the
causes. They understand the business of rock music and at the same
time they are uncompromising about the essentials of what they are.
Twisted Halo’s music can be described as “controlled
violence.” There is tightness, a synergy that is borne of discipline
and at the same time the passion, the emotion that is inherent in the
lyrics is also translated in a sonic manner.
The music incorporates elements from the alternative,
rock, punk and noise genres to generate a virtual wall of sound that
in one moment can be spare and haunting, the next a crescendo of
distortion and feedback.
The lyrics aren’t the standard fare for most of rock
music; the words that go with the music are reflections of what is
happening in our local society. These songs talk about the darkness
within the collective soul. There is, too, catharsis: by addressing
that darkness, there is redemption – connection and communication.
It is in this manner that Twisted Halo creates a
rapport with the audience: they sing about the unsaid, and in that
manner helps the listener confront and assimilate what is in their own
minds.
This is rock music for today’s youth. It is
unpredictable, it is aggressive, but it is also perceptive and
truthful. It is reinvented rock for interesting times.
The Bolo Brigade
In Loving Memory of the Fearless Exploits of the Bolo
Brigade is their first full-length album, after their self-titled
Twisted Halo EP. Released under their own label, Guilty Pleasure
Records, the album is the next step in the band’s journey.
In World War II, the Bolo Brigade was a group of
Filipino resistance fighters who assisted the American Forces when
they returned to the Philippines. Poorly equipped, armed with little
more than bolos, they went up against superior Japanese forces. Many
died, and there has been little recognition for their courage and
perseverance. It in their memory that the album is dedicated to: what
they fought for in World War II is still very much what many people
today are fighting for, if not in blood then in anguish and
frustration.
The album cover is a painting by renowned Filipino
artist Fernando Amorsolo, from a private collection, used with
permission by the owner. The idyllic scene in the painting is an
epitome of the peace and tranquility that the Bolo Brigade – and
Twisted Halo – dreams of for our society.
The first two singles from the Bolo Brigade album are
“Breakable” and “Miron.” These songs are but a taste of what is in the
album, and what is to come.
Revolution
Twisted Halo is devoted to bringing about a
revolution in music; not through physical violence, but in
understanding and perception of what rock music can and will do. Music
has always been a mouthpiece for the audience that listens to it, and
in this case, Twisted Halo is one of the most uncompromising, aware of
the responsibility and doing their best to make sure that what should
be heard, will be.
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Upcoming gigs |
October 14, 2004
Admit One Fundraising Event
Conspiracy Bar, Visayas Ave.
October 15, 2004
Jack Daniels Compilation Launch
Manila Polo Club, Forbes Park |
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