"Malufet Na Show" Gig Review
Whenever I hear 123 Block, I remember all the gigs that featured foreign bands brought in by Sleeping Boy Collective before the pandemic started and what better way to acquaint myself with the new location of 123 Block than by attending the first SBC gig in years. The Sleeping Boy is finally awake!
The new venue is located in Mandala Park and surrounded by other establishments - much like a strip mall in the US. Which is a good thing because there's a 24/7 KFC near the venue for an early dinner or post gig meal. The new 123 Block is definitely smaller than its previous iteration but is still cozy enough to hold events. I've seen some setups were the "stage" is set up just outside the entrance but on this night, the stage was inside the venue - underneath the hanging bars of the gym the venue houses in the morning. The sounds were clear even through all the harsh noise and can even be heard outside the area - something that they need to control. You can technically "watch" a gig without having to pay the entrance. You're just paying for the privilege to see the bands in person. Overall, I like the new venue. Even with all the moshing and people, it wasn't as sweltering as you'd expect.
The show started with a skate punk set from Sleeping With A Gun. It was upbeat and fun. No moshing yet but a just a warm up. Grindcore/industrial trio Limbs was next and it was an experience. Beyond the screaming was layers of other hardcore genres that kept you guessing. Their last song even featured FEIFEI on guest vocals. Mathrock/emo trio The Mind Is A Terrible Thing were next and are always a joy to watch regardless of how many guitars and tuning time they need to perfect their sound. Calix's set was refreshing to witness - it didn't have the multitude of anti-establishment songs that you'd normally hear. Yes, he played his hits but he also played songs from his recent EP - proving he can still deliver bars at a rapid pace without him losing his breath. Next was pinoy Turnover band bird. with their steady and grooving set. Shout out to Eco del Rio for noticing the film camera I was using that evening. Next was the set where I almost died. Barred just unleashed everyone's pent up energy. From start to finish, people were moshing - inside and outside. I saw my life flash before my eyes when I saw overhead fists coming at me. Thankfully, nothing happened. Clips from that set can be gifs and pics can be memes. Thrash/grind punk band Conformist was next and kept the mosh energy going with their melodic hardcore set. Kampon was last for the evening and their prog metal style was refreshing to watch.
Gigs are back and people are still looking for places to watch. I'm glad 123 Block was able to open it's doors again for fans and bands alike.
Check out the performances below!
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