"14 Is For The Hopeless" Gig Review

FREE. Free gigs or events are usually ones that happen at a mall activity center on a weekend or holiday and not usually at a smaller venue on a weekday, let alone in the middle of a week. This one came a surprise due to a number of things - a great line-up usually seen on weekends, it's free, it's at Saguijo, and it ended early. Usually, weekday gigs would only have a handful of attendees but the place was packed this evening.

Making their return after more than 2 years, Pastilan Dong! - and don't forget the ! - played a reverb and fuzz drenched set featuring all their hits. Cinema Lumiere was next and played a tight set featuring more of their new songs - a sign of maybe a new release soon? spacedog spacecat turned up the noise with their fuzz-driven set even though not all the mics were cooperating. Naga-based band Anesthesia graced Saguijo with more indie rock after having to travel hours and miles to play. I missed watching them and still trying to get my hands on one of their shirts. Lastly, We Are Imaginary played an extended set to celebrate more than a decade making music. They played a lot of classics mixed in with their new material in a stripped-down trio setup since Khalid came down with COVID (get well soon!) but it didn't take away from the core of the music and the celebration.

The event was supported by an international agency that was kind enough to give their time and effort to the bands who played this evening and I hope more support is given in the future by everyone. More opportunities for bands to ply their craft equals more fun and music for everyone!

Check out the performances below!