The launch of 'Bandang X Vol. 1' had all 12 bands featured on the album hitting the stage

MANILA -- The '90s are back from the casual wear, band t-shirts, and cargo pants; to the gadgets of yore such as Discmans to Walkmans; and even to the fan-favorite television series "That 70s Show" that has been re-titled, "That 90s Show." 

So yes, the Alternative Nation years are back.

Locally, the production known as Bandang X -- that group of '90s kids who have kept punk and grunge alive and kicking in the past several years -- have put out a sleeper of a compilation album simply titled “Bandang X Vol.1.”

Furthermore, in true '90s fashion, the album is available only on -- you guessed it right -- compact disc!

Among the '90s outfits that were played on the now-defunct LA 105.5 and NU 107 that are featured in the compilation album include Agaw Agimat, Anibughaw, Violent Playground, Erectus, and Mondo of The Pin-Up Girls, among others. 

The styles featured include grunge, metal, and indie rock among others. And listening to the songs, this isn’t just filler stuff. There are really good songs here making this a must-have for any fan who wants to relive the '90s or learn what it was all about. 

“Although I am an '80s kid, the '90s saw the breakthrough of alternative music, and there is a lot here that I just discovered and I think it is great for the local fan to revisit or listen to for the first time,” bared Rory Breaker Records bossman Gerry Borlagdatan who put out this album. 

The decade of the '90s saw alternative rock become the mainstream. Local major labels signed bands left and right as they jumped on the alternative rock bandwagon that swept the entire planet. However, poor marketing and vision by the labels, and poor material from bands that were not ready eventually hurt the scene.

As a result, many acts fell through the cracks. Through Musikero, the production arm of Rory Breaker Records that is run by Agaw Agimat drummer Renmin Nadela and vocalist Wendy Villanueva, it is more than a nostalgic production. 

“It is a movement,” emphasized Nadela. “While 'Bandang X' is your time machine back to that decade, our partner bands are not living off past glory. They also have new songs with some new members to perform them. Ang galing pa rin nila.”

Among the underrated bands included in this compilation are Anibughaw and their dynamic frontman Sael Agag; Half Life Half Death that chipped in one of the best tracks in “A Wish (Dragonflies in Summer Skies)"; and D’Wala?’s “Mamimiss” that would make great for singing over beer and whatnot.

Some songs, too, are new such as metal outfit Mutiny’s “Engkanto” that was recently released by the band on vinyl, compact disc, and cassette.

Other bands also featured include Dahong Palay, Dead Nails, Erectus, Kerplunk, Madfish, The Next, and Warlak.

The album "Bandang X Vol. 1" was formally launched last July 13, at 70s Bistro with all 12 bands featured on the album hitting the stage. The album is the third release from Rory Breaker Records following The Republicats’ "Disconnected" and The Edralins’ "Saturn Days" that were released on vinyl (the former also came out on compact disc). 

“When we put out 'Bandang X Vol. 2', we will feature a different set of bands,” divulged Borlagdatan. “That is how big this whole movement is. Whether it is the '90s or not, good music is good music. Fans of Filipino rock should get this.”

"Bandang X Vol. 1" is released locally by Rory Breaker Records and is priced at P700. Fans can order through the Facebook page of Bandang X.