A live act guide to Brixton Block Party

MANILA, Philippines - It really is all about the music this Saturday. The Brixton Block Party celebrates the vinyl LP launch of Ang Nawawala’s soundtrack —the first original Filipino soundtrack to be pressed on vinyl in 30 years, and the fifth local vinyl record to be produced this year — with live performances by local greats and musicians who were actually in the movie. How ‘bout we take a look at who’s who before we crash the party?

DJ Toti Dalmacion

Toti Dalmacion is the wise man behind Groove Nation (a popular mail-order record store in Amorsolo street back in the mid-‘90s) and Terno Recordings (responsible for acts like Radioactive Sago Project, Drip, Up Dharma Down, and Orange and Lemons). He is like the headmaster of music and Brixton is fortunate to have him spin a DJ set for sentimental time’s sake.

Pulso

A band under Terno, Pulso is an experimental ambient-driven band fronted by Robbie Mananquil. Thye hope you “find a song that will complete the soundtrack of your life.”

Hannah + Gabi with outerhope

This is the side project of Ciudad’s Mikey Amistoso, and tomorrow night, you’ll hear him with acoustic act Outerhope. Both acts have soft, gentle sensibilities about their music. Expect to relax.

Pedicab

A local party classic. With a cool lineup of Mike Dizon on drums, Raimund Marasigan on keyboard synths, Jason Caballa on guitar, Diego Mapa on lead vocals, and RA Rivera on visuals and multimedia, this band has all the dance-punk (or “dunk”) you’ll ever want. Get ready to have all sorts of girls dance up on stage like they always do every gig.

Tarsius

Remember that scene in Ang Nawawala where the group goes out to an art gallery and a live two-man band is playing upstairs? That was Tarsius. Comprised of Pedicab’s Diego Mapa on synths and Radioactive Sago Project’s Jay Gapasin on drums, this pair is the house burner you’ve been waiting for.

Dr. Jakol & Mr. Hyde

As the drummer and bassist, respectively, of Itchyworms, Jazz Nicolas and Kelvin Yu have morphed into Dr. Jakol and Mr. Hyde. Knowing the ins and outs of pop rock, this duo is expected to entertain. Who knows what notes they’ll hit as half of the ‘Worms that night in Brixton?

Ebe Dancel

Ebe fronted the well-loved power-ballad trio Sugarfree from 1999 to 2011, but he’s gone solo ever since. Expect to hear material from his album “Dalawang Mukha ng Pag-Ibig” as well as some patent Sugarfree hits if the audience is lucky.

Daydream cycle

Yes, you definitely read that right: a rare set from Daydream Cycle. They’re set to bring their dream-pop on, recalling an early 2000s scene that has been sorely missed. Hopefully, the original lineup of Kathy Meneses on vocals, Japs Sergio and Jerome Velasco on guitars, and Dok Sergio on bass will be present.

Surprise musical guests

Two indie DJs and one veteran crooner are set to surprise everyone that night. Your guess is as good as mine.