Whenever music is described as “heavy,” most people would immediately assume pummeling rhythms, chunky guitar riffs and an overall sound that pushes the sonic boundaries to its limits. After all, it’s what primarily attracts younger music fans in the first place: the overall ability to challenge conventional formulas of music.
But any true fan of the genre will tell you that there’s more to it than just a thundering beatdown of the senses – as most musical giants of the art form have showcased an ability to deliver heaviness through pensive and emotionally stirring lyricism, melodic dynamism, and overall adventurous arrangements. In short, there’s always room for that one single that can cut through above the din and capture listeners on the other side of the musical fence.
And modern hard rock/metal outfit HERE+NOW is taking that journey with their latest single “Paglaya,” which is now available on all digital streaming platforms.
“’Paglaya’ is us breaking free from the archetype of Pinoy rock and fusing different soundscapes… it’s challenging the status quo of what it means to play OPM, what it’s traditionally been sounding-like,” shares vocalist Paco Santos. Alongside his bandmates – guitarist Patrick Poblador, bassist James Magallanes and drummer Franco Aguila, the band was also assisted by their peers in the game, notably Gelo Cruz (of DECEMBER AVENUE fame…) and Alex Fuentes, of seminal rock group EFFINBOICHE. “Lyrically, it’s all about self-affirmation for recovery and acknowledging the weight of your past: your mistakes, your achievements and being able to answer the question of who you are right now…”
Alongside the release of the new single – which was released today and immediately hit the Fresh Finds playlist on Spotify – comes the release of the official music video, which offers a way-too-realistic-that-it-hurts narrative that fits perfectly with the track’s moody musical vibe.
“We wanted a video that represented everyone’s emotions about the song, and how we individually felt about it,” Poblador states. “It was directed by Kiko Meily and produced by Nicole Torres and the band was directly involved from conceptualization to post-processing, working hand in hand with the editor Vaughn Lazaro and the director of photography AJ Agcaoili” the guitarist reveals, and adds: “It was really a great experience.”
Just in time for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations in the country, the release of the single is bound to create even more clamor for Here+Now. Notably, the group has been changing the game and keeping the flame for heavy music alive this 2023 with the release of their first two singles “Runaway” and their debut “In My Head,” which is still currently in the MYX Charts (on its sixth week…) and drew attention from various corners of the globe.
Meanwhile, both Magallanes and Aguila reveal that they are just as excited as the people who are waiting for the next phase of the band.
“We’re currently geared towards rehearsing and planning shows,” says bassist James. “Everything that’s happening is pointing to the next step: playing live,” he adds, while drummer Franco finishes: “Things are heating-up – we can definitely feel it ourselves, and I can say that it’s an exhilarating feeling – we can’t wait to go out there.”
