Blues and Rock N Roll, that’s all that matters. At least, that’s what this group opines and believes. These guys from Las Piñas and Muntinlupa area calls themselves Black Wolf Gypsies. The band was conceptualized last August 2010. They are Mike Twain on Guitar & Vocals, Bryan Pernis on Bass and Jun Divinagracia on Drums. With a rich background in Blues and Classic Rock, each member envisioned a return of Rock n Roll in the local music scene.
“I’m more of a classic rock person and listen to more contemporary Rock 'n' Roll biggies like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Queen, The Beatles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Eric Clapton to name a few. Later, Guns N Roses, The Black Crowes, Razorback, Jet, and Oasis complete my influences. I grew up in a household that played music the whole day and it was typically my father’s music that’s probably why I listen to more classic rock. Music was always encouraged in our house; thus I had classical piano lessons. I eventually shifted to guitar. Especially after watching Razorback live back in 1994. Our collective influences as a group are Guns N Roses, Razorback, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Jet and Black Crowes. Of late, we have been inserting a more Eraserheads and Beatles sound to our compositions”, says Mike. “Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s I listened to a lot of Grunge and Glam Rock. It just kind of fell on my lap at first it was the guitar. During drinking sprees with barkada, ako yun ginagawang taga accompany ng kakanta. But as I grew older I realized there were too many guitar players so I decided to pick up the bass. I was a bassist ever since”, says Bryan. “The Who, Eraserheads, The Doors, The Beatles and GNR, are the bands that keep me rockin’. Lately I listen to Greta Van Fleet. In my school I am the go-to drummer during events.” asserts Jun.
Mike has always been particular about being deliberate with how would they sound. Jun and Bryan on the other hand, try to spice it around improvisations. Mike grew up playing blues so he understands improves as time goes by and quite well. Most people think that Mike thought of the improvisation side of things when they play live because its guitar driven. But it is actually Jun who loves those. Bryan is a very steady bass player so they bridge the gap comfortably. Bryan thought it was very different for them to gel in their first few years because they all came from different bands. On writing songs, Mike comes up with a riff presents it to the rest and adds some ditties and comes up with lyrics. “In rehearsals, we work out the bass and drum lines through Mike’s vision for the song. Arrangement wise we approach it collaboratively. Jun usually likes the more eccentric arrangement and as long as that does not get in the way of main idea of Mike’s vision for the song it is usually added in. So there is a good balance of deliberateness and playfulness”, admits Bryan. “I’d like to believe we are somewhere between Guns N Roses, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and Jet. Well, at least that’s the sound we are trying to pursue. I like to experiment with different ideas and themes. Some of our songs talks about the socio-political state of our country and some are everyday bliss, sometimes it’s simply imagination. I’m just particular about the poetry and play of words and sound”, muses Mike.
Jun and Bryan played for a band called ‘Timog’ when their guitar player migrated to Canada they ended up inviting Mike from ‘House Of Ravens’ to fill in. Oddly, “Timog” and “House of Ravens” disbanded on the same day. After a few days weeks of contemplation and drinking sessions, the trio settled with Mike’s suggestion for a band name ‘Black Wolf Gypsies’. “It was difficult getting it started. It took us a few years to totally move forward and survive each other’s work style from our former groups. In a way we think our first big success is surviving each other. The second is that now we have found our internal culture’”, reveals Jun.
They released an independent full length record last 2012 called "Good Morning Paranoia". And a 2nd one last April 2016 called "House of Ravens". The band is currently halfway in recording through their 3rd album. ‘One Night Stand’ and ‘Momma Got High’, are two of their compositions that really rock. “The Classic Black Wolf Gypsies stuff is nostalgic and the new ones are better crafted”, says Mike. But they don’t promote sex and drugs, must you ask. “Oh no, songs lang yan, and about life and stuff. I don’t really consider any drugs. We have our heavy drinking days but it is less now. It’s probably age. As for the sex part I’ve been married for 7 years and been separated for about 2 years. Before I knew it “sex” is for relationships for me. None of that one night-stand stuff. Back in college and high school, before marriage I always took relationships seriously. I had a few intimate flings but nothing in excess in a “Rock Star” context. As for the Rock N’ Roll I think it’s better than ever for me. “I never really touched drugs, even the thought of it. I was quite the sportsman back in high school and college. ‘Hindi lang pang pamilya, pang sports pa!’ In our Early Black Wolf Gypsies day was such a heyday in heavy drinking and partying it simply just got old especially now that we have to provide for our families and other responsibilities. As for the “sex” part I’m a married man and quite happy I may add. Music on top of the hierarchy over substances and sex”, confesses Jun. “Drugs and Alcohol is quite typical for me in my younger years now it’s just drinking. I’m the eldest, never been married though I have a girlfriend now, so that’s where the sex goes. That is where the Rock N Roll that drives me”, says Bryan with a sneer.
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