Melt like chocolate to the music of Kurly ‘n Topps

Kurly ‘n Topps dream of "taking their music to new grounds." But for them to achieve the so-called higher level, they believe they still have a long, long way to go. They have to continually reinvent themselves that is in tune to the suggestions from people surrounding them.

According to band vocalist Brian Lebumfacil, Kurly ‘n Topps took their name from a popular local chocolate label. But the group changed "c" to "k" and placed an "n" in between to arrive at a Bisdak-sounding and funky band name.

Kurly ‘n Topps initially consisted of two members—Southwestern University nursing student Christian Davio on lead guitars, and University of San Carlos fine arts student Alessandre Galan on drums.

It was middle of 2006 when Christian pooled the other two members to complete the pack. The others are Brian, a Biology graduate of the University of San Jose Recoletos; and Frederick Iway, an Information Technology graduate of Cebu Institute of Technology, on bass.

All four guys knew each other since high school at the Philippine Christian Gospel School. Music bonded them back when they were classmates in secondary level. And it is music that brought them back together.

Kurly ‘n Topps dream of "taking their music to new grounds." But for them to achieve the so-called higher level, they believe they still have a long, long way to go. They have to continually reinvent themselves that is in tune to the suggestions from people surrounding them.

They said they have been undertaking individual training to hone skills pertaining to music. For sometime now, they said, they are struggling artists. Because of this, they have learned to "keep the faith alive so as to put themselves on the right track."

Their first-ever gig, as a band, was when they joined a high school reunion held at a Beach Resort in Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City. "Usually we get invitations to perform in birthday bashes. Most of our clients are friends, aside from family," Christian said, adding they try to observe a thrice-a-week practice.

Kurly ‘N Topps incorporated in their sound the elements of jazz, reggae and alternative rock. And one of their compositions is entitled "Bai Freddie Caridad" which fuses jazz and reggae. This song is about Frederick’s hurting memories of past romantic relationships.

Their musical influences include Goo Goo Dolls ("Iris"), and Mr. Big, a US rock band best known for the acoustic hit "To Be With You." As for local talent, the Kurlies look up to UrbanDub which successfully found a niche in the capital after starting a career here.

Kurly ‘n Topps came up with "Pinalabi" played over 93.1 Smash FM. "Pinalabi" was composed by Brian who said the song is inspired by his recent loss of the girl of his dreams to someone else.

He wrote: Nganong wa man ka kasulti/ karon nako nagmahay/ grabe ra ko kahinay/ kung pwede lang balikon/ ang ugma perming handumon/ kita na unta ron/ usa na lang ka tikang.

To this, they look forward to more hearts melting to the chocolate-coated rhythms of the Kurlies.

Actually, they already have 12 songs and are planning to record three more songs. Soon, they would come up with an album to be produced independently.

One of these three songs is "Mahigugmaon," a song dedicated to Frederick who had his share of heartaches.

By the end of this month, Kurly ‘n Topps will share the stage with fellow Bisrock band Wet Slipperz for a fundraising concert at the Abellana National High School grounds organized by the school itself.

For bookings, contact Christian Davio at 0906-3085531.