Bring back the grunch and the groove in the 90’s Overload
The 80s and 90’s Generations knew exactly what to see and hear – expectedly – when the rockstars paraded before them in The Theater of Solaire last November 17. Dressed up to the nines – formal or otherwise, casual or chic – they arrived.
All 12 recording artists of the 90s appeared in their motely looks and garbs, though distinct and descriptive of their personalities and music genre. As announced, the musical group was set up together by Wency Cornejo, whose collegiate appeal is slightly shaded by a tad of weight gain.
The show was appropriately titled, “’90s Overload,” participated by twelve music artists from the 1990s. They were set to gather onstage for the concert that aimed to relive their heyday and celebrate the robust rock music scene of their generation. It featured Jek Manuel of IAXE Band, Paco Arespacochaga of Introvoys, Perf De Castro of Rivermaya, Glenn Jacinto of Teeth, Naldy Padilla of Orient Pearl, Dodong Cruz of The Youth, Stephen Lu of Rizal Underground, Noel Palomo of Siakol, and Cornejo of After Image. A trio of still curvaceous female rockers, Cooky Chua of Color It Red, Lei Bautista of Prettier than Pink and Myra Ruaro of Put3ska jammed with the male rockers as well.
In the video wall, Jet Pangan of The Dawn remarked, “The 80s music is more fast beat. In the 90s, Grunch was introduced, it was kinna’ grooving.”
Cornejo’s charm and appeal never vanished, though in some instances, his voice was drowned by the extremely-high-rock-decibels. His effortless lucid tenor voice remained intact. Arespacochaga was another very popular among the group. “Still yummy,” mused by a not too elderly woman with her female gang behind my back. I could only thought, “Gee, I thought we came here for the music. But she was right.” He definitely possessed a more youthful look and sensual appeal than among the obviously elderly line-ups.
Incidentally, the women, Chua, Ruaro and Bautista,whose voices remained clear and significant, their physical statistics remained appealing as well. Ruaro reminded me of Cindi Lauper’s energy and acts.
Powerful and commanding voices were the vocal signatures of Manuel, Padilla and Palomo. Not only possessing potent vocal range, but De Castro’s technique and skill on the guitar were outstanding as well. Mr Cool was Jacinto but with a kick. To single out, Cruz, in his long wavy tresses and stylized singing, was in another level. Later, Lu, in a leather outfit, dared to take off her jacket and bared himself.
In the finale, the twelve artists were gathered togetheron stage with their designated 5-member band and accompanied Jet Pangan in the video wall, they rendered, “Salamat at tayo’y nagsama muli. Salamat at may gabingnakalaan na kaunting kasiyahan…”
“Gusto pa ninyo?!” yelled Arespacochaga, asking the audience who turned uncontrollable expressing their electrically-charge appreciation and enthusiasm. Cornejojoined him and stated, “The 90s won’t be complete without this group.” He called the Manoeuvres, resulting to shrieks and screams from the spectators. But with a bit of delayed due to the technical glitch that necessitated a comical repartee from the rockers. After which, the four dancers flicked and flirted in their musical repertoire to the audience delight. They ended the program still with overpowering energy of rock and roll.
A tad of sadness to think that 90s Overall was for one–night–only show; when in fact, due to the patronage and response of the audience, we should more from this group – every weekend.
