The Underdogs of Underground

Oct 29, '08 8:52 AM (An article for good brother friend band of mine ^_^)

Thunder Torta, photo by moi

Thundertorta demonstrates to us what is like to be a real underdog.


“Madaliin mo na ‘yung mga konseptong iniisip mo nu’ng mabagal ka pa.”


This excerpt from the Markus Highway interview that I recently read from a magazine made me realize one thing: “Puta, may atraso pa pala ako. Eto na gagawin na!”


This article has been way overdue. But I think there were pros why this feature has been delayed for months now.


I had an interview with this band last March, the same day I had the interview with Ultimate Ube. Imagine, after finishing my OJT in Malolos, I went straight to SM Marilao to interview the Ube boys, and then straight to Sta. Maria just to have this… uh, formal conversation with them. It was a very awkward moment that time, trying hard – as in literally trying hard – to cope with these guys that I barely know… well, that was 7 months ago.


After being invited and joining their gigs in Manila, and after joining their sessions, I finally realized – this are the pros from the con. This band is deep. I can’t write an article about them without dissecting. There’s a need to enter and understand their cosmos. This is new shit.


And indeed, their shit is good – even glorious. I may be overstating it, but damn, there’s something good in this band.

THE ‘T’-BOYS OF DOGTOWN


Fusing the terms and giving reverence to Bulacan’s livelihood and one of Filipino’s favorite dishes, Thundertorta suffice a tinge of pop-rock that is truly a fireworks display in progress.


“Walang problema sa’min kung tawaging pop [yung music namin],” says frontman Patrick Ignacio. “Kasi dun talaga nag-fuse lahat.”


During the interview, along with band members Ron Sucgang (rhythm), Edmon Germar (lead), Pablo De Guzman (bass), Herbert Maniquiz (drums), and now their former bandmate Rowel Peregrino (popularly known as Supermunggo), the Torta boys dug-in deeper and shared their darker days when they were still starting as a group.


“Sariling kagustuhan ni Pat,” Edmon jokes.


“Parokyang-parokya ‘tong interview na ‘to ah?” Patrick laughs. The frontman shares, “Hindi naman. Nagsusulat na kasi ako before [ng mga compo],”


Edmon continues, “Tapos kami nito (referring to Ron), high school pa lang nagbabanda na kami. Eh matagal kaming di nagkita nito [after HS]. So nung nagkita ulit kami, nagbabanda na sila so kinuha ako. Yung drummer nila dati estudyante ni Pat. So pinakilala sa’min [si Pat] kasi mahilig din sa banda.”


Fast forward. During the first two weeks of October. We were in Edmon’s pad minus the presence of Patrick due to his duty as teacher. They were re-arranging this compo and were planning to give it a re-birth for their upcoming gig. After sharing a platter of pancit canton and booze, Edmon just blurted out, “Gusto mo talagang malaman kung paano nabuo ang Torta?” I was astounded by those words, realizing that they didn’t tell-all during their interview. I just nodded, “Biglaan lahat. Biruin mo iniwan kami ng drummer namin sa mismong unang gig namin? Desperado na kami n’un. Buti na lang dumating si Bert, may isa pa kasi siyang banda noon. Sumesiyon siya sa’min n’un. So parang sapilitan lahat maka-tugtog lang sa gig na ‘yon. Pero after n’un dun na nag-jive lahat, dun na talaga nabuo ang Torta.”


Flashback, the interview. We were now getting the hang of the conversation. I  asked them about their gig experiences, but Patrick just answered, “Nung simula kasi, kung idi-describe mo yung core nung kung anong gustong mangyari ng banda sa’min, na-form siya dahil sa mga experiences na puro pangit. Kaya yung mga kanta namin halos puro battle cry na badtrip kami. Dun kami bumabawi, resbak.”


‘Revenge’ mode as they describe it, this band have experienced the downside of all downsides, like being a part of a production were they were isolated in the line-up, coz everyone was into metal, and there was this production were the lights turned off while they were performing. “Kung sa ups and downs, mas lamang kami sa down. Yung nga lang, yung ups namin na mga pinakamasarap na gigs, ‘yun pa rin yung mga gig na galing sa downside. Yung tipong minutes na lang before ka sumalang wala pa kaming gamit,” says Patrick, frankly and proud to admit that they’re still unequipped with the instruments they need. “Bihira yung ups namin. Pero at least matatandaan yun,” Edmon affirms, “Sabi nga namin dati, ‘tumutugtog ka nga, pero masaya ka pa ba?’ ”


A clear yet sharp question. Indeed, these guys are a sui generis in any band that I personally know, living in a place that is like the ‘dogtown’ of Bulacan. 


Holy crap, they must be the Lords of Dogtown!




PARADIGM SHIT


When asked about the ‘late’ Supermunggo (co-vox of Patrick), Patrick admits that he’s the one who created Torta’s mascot… though they don’t want them to call him that.


“Nabasa ko kasi sa PULP na sa mga battle, kailangan sa umpisa hindi naman mahalaga na manalo ka. Ang mahalaga yung matandaan ka,” says Patrick, “Kailangan may visual effect, may edge.”


Supermunggo was a hit to everyone who watched them perform. How could you not keep your eyes off a guy whose costume is a plastic bag helmet (but then upgraded into a boxer’s helmet), goggles and a blanket or curtain used as a cape? Their visual effect was a success, but not for long.


Now Supermunggo’s gone due to indifferences and change of priorities, Thundertorta’s taking a risk, taking their music from a happy-go-lucky theme to a more serious level. “‘Yung first compos kasi was very light na nakadikit pa sa Kikomachine, yung pinaka-framework nung banda, pero sa umpisa lang. Di naman namin idi-deny na nag-cover kami ng ibang kanta. Simula nung banda happy-happy lang. Pero ngayon iba na. Nand’un pa rin yung tugtugan namin, minus lang yung pagkahappy-happy. Sana ma-appreciate pa rin kami kahit wala na si Munggo,” Patrick hopes.


But the risk was worth it, proving that their music is much appreciated than the ‘edge’ they created.




THEY’RE ON THE ROAD WITH THEIR SCOOTER… NA MAY MOBILE!


They humble themselves as still a small town band that is still struggling to penetrate their music in the underground scene. But never underestimate this small town band, coz they have attended a handful yet big-time productions outside Bulacan, like Voltaire Prod. (a production of, obviously, VOC’s drummer), Creed of Rock Production, Exegesis Production (consist of indie bands all over Manila), and the opportunity to be a part of the ever hardcore Tower of Doom.


In every major gig that they perform, like a real fireworks display, the band always showcases the true meaning of a small town, underground band. “Proud kaming sabihin na halos wala kaming gamit. ’Yun yung nagiging fire ng banda namin eh,” boasts Patrick, “Kami yung underdog, sobra. Kung iniisip ng ibang banda na underdog na sila, ano pa kami kung underdog na kayo, underarmpit?”


Yet their music is such a robust that they have made their spot in their hometown. How can you abide their songs? Like the ‘revenge’ song Pangit at the Disco, the very poetic ultimate love song Discuss Throw, with the clever lines:


“di matanaw ang umagang wala ka
gumising sa araw ng dakilang pag limot
tulala sa bagyong di ko na alintana
pagkat lumapag na ang langit…
sa bawat sulok
ng pagkatao
nakalathala parin
ang ngalan mo…”


How can you resist this brilliant lyric?! And of course, their set will never be enough without their in-demand song Scooter na may Mobile, which is the angel in disguise for the band.


“Blessing ‘yung kantang scooter, kasi nagkaroon ng sariling buhay,” Patrick proudly brags, “Nagkaroon ng ‘hook’. ‘Yung bounce ng kanta na parang sa brigade na rally yung dating.”


So what can we expect more for the underdogs of Bulacan?


“More compositions, more exposure,” says Edmon.


“Kung ano yung privilege na dumating sa’min susulitin namin. ‘Yung mga privileged masyado sinasyang lang,” Patrick adds.


Our interview meets its end, “So any last words?” I asked.


Unexcpectedly, Bert the drummer speaks, “Wasakin na natin.”


Everybody smiled and nodded on that thought.






-Rima Santos






*You can check ‘em out and listen to their rough demo on their sites:
myspace.com/thundertortamusic
friendster.com/thundertortaforce
thundertorta.multiply.com