Very few bands locally convey their witticism and angst thru their songs. Kwadro is one such band that will hype up one’s adrenaline and would want seconds.
Formed in 2004 with, then, 4 members, thus KWADRO, four sides. “We all have our own bands before and we were all rivals during battle of the band within the country. Doon na kami naging magtrotropa dahil kami lagi magkakalaban kahit saang battle of the bands”, declared Dante Lazalita (vocals). Dante and Jon Navarette (guitars) used to be members of Alagad ni Kalantiao and Bulkan. Francis Pitas, (guitars) was with the band Iking Bulataw, Capra Hircus, Clearhaze, Drivetrain and Blues and Rock Force. While Niño Mallari (drums) was with Titanium Priam, Iking Bulataw, Capra Hircus, All Most Late, Brown Dawgs and Shoelace. AJ Recto (bass) was with Kanyon ni Mang Simyon, Vertuso and still active with Sarsaparilla. He also do session gig for Mike Hanopol. Collectively, these guys were on 10 different bands and more than a handful of band competition.
Dante is Brian Garcia's tattoo artist, who happens to be Pepe Smith's manager before. Impressed with their musical dexterity and passion for Pinoy rock, Brian offered to manage the band and eventually was asked to play for Pepe as his touring band.
They play Classic Rock, Funk, Rock n' Roll and Blues. Their influences includes Juan Dela Cruz, Maria Cafra, Asin, Sampaquita, and others. Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Rolling Stones, Hendrix, Jaco, James Brown, Elvis Presley and the Beatles completes their foreign influences.
Dante calls it unorthodox when they write songs. They would come up with the melody first, depending who is in the mood or who was inspired or both. “A guitar riff would wail a while and when we hear a beautiful melody, we would help do the intro and extro of the song, lay in the drum tracks and play it in a while, then we all help throw in the lyrics we thought is cool and represents us”, says Dante, who is also a renown tattoo artists here and abroad.
One of their original compositions "Problema Ng Mundo" is what they consider their best composition yet. It tackles how resilient Pinoys are in times of dire needs. The song encourages every Pinoy to fight for any struggles, trials and battles in life. “Laban lang ng laban”, so goes the song. Aya De Guzman, Lukaret Clothing proprietress and the band’s handler considers them as peers rather than her underlings. “These guys are the best when in comes to displaying their wares in music. At times they are on the off side of their wits, but they really play good” , reveals Aya.
Still working on their initial album, which they target to release by 2020, their 6-song lineup are all jump starters in rock and blues. They cherish their time with Pepe Smith in their gig with him. “Memorable sa amin lahat ng gig, Oktoberfest, Red Horse Musiklaban, Playboy….”, counts Niño. They were also privileged to perform at the “Ugat Concert sa Araneta”. The chance to share the stage with Pinoy greats like Sampaguita, Lolita Carbon of Asin, Heber, Gary Perez, Jun Lopito and many more is a dream come true for these guys. “We also jammed with Bamboo, Eli Buendia, Karl Roy and went on the same stage with Slapshock, Greyhoundz, Razorback, Hijo, Kamikazee and Parokya Ni Edgar”, declared AJ.
“After our day jobs, pag may free time, madalas kmi magkaayan mag two bottles, una't huli lang ang binibilang. Dun kami nakakapag meeting about sa mga plans namin sa banda, brainstorming and sharing our new ideas for our music”, finishes Jon.
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