For artists and fans alike, the revolution of the local music arena has been a walk and a journey. So, we would like you, our dear indie enthusiasts, to keep on the look all for the love of OPM. That said, we listed down rising OPM bands which we think could be your next artists to obsess over and gatekeep (kidding!).
The Ridleys
Oh Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Fertility– a title track from the first EP of an indie alternative-folk band The Ridleys was initially released in 2016 and it has received its much deserved attention last year. The four-piece group composed of vocalist Benny Manaligod, lead guitarist Jan De Vera, bassist Joric Canlas, and drummer Bryant Ayes illustrates stories through their music.
Whether you’re in a bus staring out the window, riding a train home, or couching in during a gloomy afternoon, a shuffle of their songs certainly hits emotions. Be it ‘Meaningful Silence’ or ‘Running To Vancouver’, their discography is a runthrough of words we might have thought of but were never said.
the vowels they orbit
The Vowels They Orbit (thetvo), this Manila-based band, who stepped into the music scene in 2019 with their hit single ‘Selos’, details in their songs the romantic experiences devoid of favorable outcomes– in a mixture of pop, alt-rock, folk, soul, and jazz. The latest single ‘If You Come Back To Me’ reflects on one’s realizations over a relationship that, as Gen Z’s call it, wasn’t giving, and how she finally understands she deserves better.
Behind these songs is the artistry of these young minds Nikka Melchor (vocals and guitars), Hannah dela Cruz (keyboards and guitars), Jeremy Sayas (drums and vocals), Gene Santiago (lead guitar), and Patch Javier (bass). Being in the game for a few years, a list of tracks that intertwines both the wins and losses of love deserves to be given some attention.
Nameless Kids
Formed by merging two groups, Nameless Kids began strumming in 2019 under a band name that, as it may seem, is a product of fun suggestions. Its members Tati De Mesa (bass), Kyle Perry (vocals and guitars), Kim Allen (vocals and guitars), Imay Alconaba (drums), and Nhiko Sabiniano (keyboardist) bring to life songs that are sort of youthful and experimental.
Nameless Kids’ records are all but sounding the same. Their compositions are of different soundstyles that similarly capture our ears. This indie pop-alternative band has been recognized at the 34th Awit Awards as Best Performance of a New Group Recording Artist and their catchy, romance-filled song ‘Sa’yo (Ang Mundo)’ starred as the official soundtrack of a reality show Sparks Camp.
Similar Sky
Venturing on the intermixture of 70s and 80s new wave, ballad, synth-pop, and pop-rock, Similar Sky offers a subgenre of melancholic music. With the distinct vocals and interplaying accompaniment, their records ‘Naghihintay’ and ‘Panandalian’, in some way or another, stirs the ‘sad girl’ in its listeners.
Vocalist Ion Bulawin, guitarists Lyndone Valenzuela and Hana Joyner, drummer Matttew de Guzman, bassist Karl Santos, and bassist-keyboardist Cholo Domingo make up the indie band. Since they started their music journey in 2019, the songs they have released vividly narrate the ordeal of a deteriorating relationship and may catch you longing for a love that used to be.
Flu
Just like other great OPM bands, Flu was established during their college days while trying to comply with their thesis project. Deus Vergel de Dios (vocals), Dieter Bautista (bass), Randall Enriquez (drums), John Rae Rebano (guitars), and Luigi Aganinta (guitars) combine soul, funk, R&B and disco to their masterpieces, usually an upshot of trying to write out of a hobby.
Flu released their first song ‘Fine Day’ in 2019 and has then brought songs that are both fresh and flashy to our music sensor. Out of confusion for a seemingly blooming romantic affair, ‘Is This The Love That I Need?’ contemplates on mixed signals and conflicting feelings. More of these storytelling songs are lined up in their music profile.
Modern Day Dream
Giving us the classic nostalgia feel of their Tagalog songs, vocalist and guitarist James Mollo, bassist Vinson Esteban, and drummer Nico Navarro are at the backdrop of these melodies. The pop alternative band lay in their collection a handful of beats unknowingly familiar.
Their compositions remind us of what we encountered along the way– letting the fleeting moments pass by, withdrawing from the comfort of accustomed people, and begging for some things to stay a little longer. ‘Ulap’, the debut single, revolves around the struggle of turning away and moving forward while still holding on to that paper-thin chance.
Make sure to check these OPM bands and get a feel of what they have to offer!
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