All-Filipino, true-Filipino “revolution rock” group Bonifacio Republic launched their first album, titled Unang Sigaw, a war cry of a five-song EP against societal ills, from government corruption to religious hypocrisy.
Each track on the album is charged with powerful calls for awakening, delivered in the band’s signature sound of alternative/punk crossed with a touch of grunge. The mix allows the songs to rise from being mere ra-ras bawling for change into controlled frenzies that let fans catch their breathe and regroup, before charging on for another heart race.
Off the top of the album is the song “Woodman”, which is characterized by the band’s effective change of pace. The lyrics is inspired by the poem of 19th century poet George Pope Morris, titled “Woodman, Spare That Tree”, while the flow slows down and ramps up at perfect points. The other songs in Unang Sigaw include “Sa Diyos”, “The Cause”, “Magnanakaw” and “Lumot”, with a bonus sixth track.
Named after the Philippine revolutionary Supremo, Bonifacio Republic was formed in 2010 and is composed of frontman Aldwin Maralit Tolosa, bassist Dino Villamayor, guitarist Neil Vergara and drummer Paolo Vivas.
The band first launched Unang Sigaw on Jam 88.3’s The Punk Connection on May 13 with a live performance of the album’s five tracks.
Next up for the group are a string of shows on May 27 at Cabin 420 Bar and Bistro, A. Venue Mall in Makati Avenue, with performances by Dead Sperm, Gin Rum N’ Truth, Isidro Project, Calebral, Punk Magalona, Subalit, The Last Rites and Johnny Cross; and on June 2 at the Roadhouse Manila Bay in SM Mall of Asia By the Bay with Pusakal, Black Wolf Gypsies, The Class and Gin Rhum N’ Truth.