Slapshock real rock solid

MANILA, Philippines — Safe to claim that Slapshock is the longest actively performing major Filipino band with members completely intact since its formation. The five-man musical force was formed in 1997.

That detail alone is a big check when analyzing what makes the rock act significantly alive the past 22 years.

“What’s magical is the fact that I’ve been doing this thing with the same four other guys I’ve been doing it with since Day One,” frontman Jamir Garcia made note earlier this month during an interview prior to the launch of the music video for the group’s latest single Bandera.

Those four, whom Jamir proudly refers to, are guitarists Lean Ansing and Jerry Basco, bassist Lee Nadela and drummer Chi Evora.

To say that this quintet is a bunch working on the same page sounds almost like an understatement. Acting on one’s own is simply not in the group’s dictionary.

That basically endeared them to fans dubbed Slap Armies whom they appreciate so much to the point they dedicated a song for them, one valued as their most melodious yet. “This song talks about the people who come to our shows showing their flags and their support,” explained Jamir. “It’s our way of paying back, giving them a soundtrack.”

The music video shows the group at what they do best. That is, performing live in front of the beloved Slap Armies. The track is anthemic in nature, distinctively radio-friendly, especially that it comes from a band that can’t be bothered to write something as ordered for the public at large.

“We know where we are. We’re not trying to invade other territories and we don’t give a damn to what’s happening elsewhere. We have our own scene and musical journey,” Jamir related.

Slapshock has so far released seven albums, two EPS, two compilations and numerous singles/music videos in their long, stellar career. Bandera is its 30th single to date.

The band is currently doing the Bandera Tour 2019 that has placed the boys in various venues, to include provinces in Luzon and two foreign countries, Canada and South Korea. Slapshock will perform on April 30 at the famed Bangus Festival in Dagupan. Next month, the group will be in Rizal (May 3) and Olongapo (May 11).

Come June, Slapshock is headed for Laguna (SM Sta. Rosa, June 8; SM Calamba, June 12) and Batangas (June 15 and 29), as well as Pampanga (June 22). That should be poignant considering the province’s current state after being hit hard by the Luzon earthquake last April 22.

Jamir expressed, “Bandera is for people with purpose. Kung magaling kang tatay, you never try to wave off or ibaba ang bandera para sa pamilya mo.”

Bassist Lee Nadela added that the proper use of social media has helped them reach new fans. It proved worthy that the members never let themselves to get stuck with the same nu metal sound they were initially associated with, always finding ways to inject new music in their work. Maturity always plays a crucial role in musically keeping up with the changing times.

On how they keep their brand likewise solid, Jamir further commented, “We go with the flow and we are always up to the challenge to prove ourselves to both old and new listeners. We’re still hungry and we still like to surprise ourselves.”

In July, Slapshock, for long the endorser of Dickies and obviously its Rockstar Loyalty Card, will fly to Canada for a tour: Vancouver on July 6, Edmonton (July 7), Winnepeg (July 13), Toronto (July 20), and Montreal (July 21). On Aug. 4, the band will entertain live in Seoul, Korea.

To last more than two decades and counting is a mark of a true dedicated act. To have done it with the same faces on board makes the feat extra special and worth-emulating.