The Kitchen: CIUDAD

Ciudad are one of the most adored four-piece alternative/indie-rock band based in Metro Manila, Philippines. Formed around 1994 consisting of members Mikey (Hannah + Gabi, Blast Ople), Jeff, Justin (Boldstar), and Mitch (Sugarfree, Twisted Halo). The band is known for their catchy hooks and choruses, consistent arrangements, and some quirky lyricism just to top it all off. The band started as a group assignment for their Social Studies homework at school. They were still highschool teens at the time but then their friendship grew as the project became a full band by the time they released their first studio-recorded album titled “Hello! How Are You, Mico the Happy Bear?” under the BMG label around mid-2000, the new millennium. Their first album featured the essence of 90’s indie rock/bubblegum rock similar to bands like Lemonheads and Weezer. In tracks like “Parang Si Zab”, “Corina Turina”, “Seems Like You're Not Funny At All”, and “Radio Guy” have been my personal favorites for its wholesome songwriting yet solid display of musicianship the guys have at the time. In conclusion, “Mico the Happy Bear” was a solid reminder that alternative rock was still alive while New Year was bringing in new and innovative ideas of music at the time.

Fast forward to 2002, Ciudad have independently released their second album titled “Is That Ciudad? Yes, Son, It’s Me”, and with that being out in the open in a wider audience, the group has shown their fans what it means to be grown-ups by showing their more sensitive side with “Dance Lessons”, “Give Me A Break”, “Mascot (Justin’s Revenge)”, “Dessie Belle”, and “Richie The Rockstar”. This album also featured more of Mikey’s piano playing, which made his singing the highlight in the project. For others, “Yes, Son, It’s Me” is a classic pop album by Ciudad.

By the year 2005, Ciudad released their third album “It’s like A Magic”, a collection of songs that they wrote way before their first album in 2000. Then by 2008, Ciudad have released what may be their best record to date, Bring Your Friends. Their fourth album houses 13 solid tracks from start to finish. The album spawned one of their greatest hits such as “Until It’s Cool”, “My Emptiness”, “Friday Noon”, and “You Should”. This was probably the time where they’re finally comfortable with the sound they are playing in. From going to the garage rock realm to a now more distinguished sound of fuzzy twee and alternative rock, Bring Your Friends was an adventure for the band. Balancing between the feelings of longing for the person you want to be with for the rest of your life to the lighthearted emotion of actually falling for that person. It’s a romantic album for nerds who feel like they want to express their love in awesome build-ups by Mikey and guitar solos provided by their lead guitarist Justin Sunico and the superb performance of their drummer Mitch Singson.

By the year 2009, the band went abroad to the East Coast of the United States to perform in the CMJ Music Festival in New York. Having your band perform overseas is a big thing at the time and I’m glad to know that they were able to play outside of their home town. Shortly after performing live, they were able to record their rehearsals titled “Brooklyn Sessions” and it’s up for free download in their Bandcamp page.

In 2012, they released their fifth album called “Follow the Leader”, this followed right after when frontman Mikey released a solo EP titled “Haha Yes” under the Hannah + Gabi moniker. The album was directly influenced by Mikey’s lessons in songwriting and techniques in recording for future releases. Its Beatles-esque inspired tracks go along so well, the duration of this album won’t remind you when this album will be finished. “There’s A Lonely Road To Sunday Night”, “How You Do It”, and “When You Get To The Top” are worth the honourable mentions here whenever this album is brought up in discussion. The aforementioned tracks are also worthy contenders in being one of the most thought out pieces written throughout the band’s entire discography. “Follow The Leader” was a sign of growth, and literally we do say this, a path to adulthood for a band that wanted to exceed everyone’s expectations one album at a time.

In 2017, they’ve released a brand new single titled “Caught Me at The Worst Time”. This single was leading up to their anticipated sixth album slated to release later this year (2018) or next year (2019). They’ve released a second single for their brand new album titled “Get You Closer”, the track was a mixture of a wistful piano ballad and old-fashioned indie pop bass and warm guitars backing up Mikey’s earnestness in the jumble.

Ever since Ciudad came in bursting through the young and thriving local music community, the band’s arrival became a magical time for every indie fan out there, until now it still is a special time whenever you see the name “Ciudad” listed in the marquee in your local gig. If you mention the term “alternative” or “garage” or even “local “indie””, Ciudad pops out of the dark like a kid ready to rock out your birthday party. Ciudad is one of the most beloved independent bands that are still playing live even if they’re about to release their sixth album. For a band who still self-releases their albums despite different climates, your band has survived quite a lot from there and this doesn’t mean you’ll stop there. Here’s to another decade of some greater pop music. Check Ciudad out and their entire discography!

HELLO, HOW ARE YOU? MICO THE HAPPY BEAR (2000)