Now that the airwaves are rife with rock bands, the stage has been set for another outing of ranging guitars and crashing drums from Cebuano rock band Urbandub. Titled “Under Southern Lights,” this album follows the release of the band’s “Guillotine” single which debuted at the number 1 spot on NU 107 charts.
Gabby Alipe, the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter, says of the song, “It’s about the choking feeling a person gets when they find out that the person they love the most is with someone new.” The accompanying video was directed by Pancho Esguerra,who also directed the band’s song “Frailty” (from the “Embrace” album).
Urbandub has already justified three albums namely “Birth” in 2001 and ”Influence” in 2003 under an independent label here in Cebu. “Embrace,” Urbandub’s third album and their first album released under EMI Phils. in November 2005, has sold more than 10,000 copies already and delivered the instant hit “First of Summer” which peaked in March 2006.
“Under Southern Lights” features 10 brand-new songs. “The name is our tribute to Cebu City where we come from and where we did most of the writing for the album. It’s also a metaphor for our families in Cebu, being that they’re our inspiration and guiding light,” explains Gabby.
The band recorded the album at Tracks Studio (Pasig City) assisted by par excellence sound engineer Angee Rozul. “The recording was a great learning experience for the band. It was our first time to record with 2-inch tape rather than digitally which we were used to when we were still recording in Cebu. We also were privileged enough to be able to use specific types of equipment that we felt were needed for the songs, like different kinds of amplifiers or synthesizers,” bassist Lalay Lim added.
In addition to being musically adventurous, the band doesn’t shy away from confessional, confrontational lyrics. “Inside the Mind of a Killer,” en emotive track and a duet with guest artist Kat Aggarado of the band Sino Sikat? keeps an argument between two lovers; while the flowing “Cebuana” shows Alipe letting his guard down and trying to express what it really feels like finding a new love.
From the chugging riffs and serpentine guitars of “An Invitation” to the steely rage of “The Fight is Over” to the tender lament of “Evidence,” Urbandub is determined of getting their music across the masses.
Urbandub comprises Gabby Alipe, vocals/guitars; Lalay Lim, bass; John Dinopol, guitar; and Janjan Mendoza, drums.
“Under Southern Lights” is now available in record stores nationwide.