Bombo Pluto Ova

Whereas Tiger Pussy owes their sound to punk, their labelmates in Bombo Pluto Ova are more indebted to guitar-based experimental music that recalls early Sonic Youth, Shit and Shine, and Skullflower, to name but a few. With three albums as well under their collective belt, Bombo Pluto Ova is out to prove that there’s more to the local music scene than just your typical underground band whose sound is often too condensed and easily digestible. In fact, listening to Bombo Pluto Ova requires lots of patience as they tend to stretch their free-form jams to as long as more than 30 minutes just like the appropriately titled “Epic of Gilgamesh” from their most recent album “Oeuvre”. And as if that wasn’t enough, Bombo Pluto Ova guitarist John Caing even self-released a 12-hour composition that’s sure to test even the most dedicated local music fan who would happen to come across it. Good thing that didn’t stop Mike Watt – legendary bassist for 80’s hardcore punk band Minutemen who then went on to form several other projects with a more experimental bent – from finding out about Bombo Pluto Ova and playing them in his Watt from Pedro podcast . It’s just a bit unfortunate that the Manila-centric music scene has yet to fully catch on with Bombo Pluto Ova despite having performed at an annual experimental music showcase very recently as the band’s defiance of musical conventions is what makes them an exciting listen.

Cebu’s own music scene obviously has a lot more to offer than Tiger Pussy and Bombo Pluto Ova, which is why all those regional music scenes in the country shouldn’t be outright ignored. Who knows, your next favorite band might just be outside of Manila after all.

Phantom (2012)

Aorta Gun (2014)

Filioque (2014)

The Trembling Robot (Circuits Transform Into Veins) (2014)

Oeuvre (2015)