I had no idea who Joee & I or KLMBRNG (short for kulam barang, a reference to local witchcraft and sorcery) were, but I’d been seeing a lot of buzz about them on Facebook. They were going to perform in Sweet Selection Thursdays, a weekly themed event at Boho Sarapsody Bistro, and it felt like the perfect time to see and hear what they were about, so I dragged a bunch of my friends and I’m glad they obliged — thanks guys!
Trekking to Quezon City, where indie joint Boho Sarapsody is located, was both fear-inducing and exhilarating. The unsafe feeling of Cubao’s tight, unlit roads lined with vacant taxis and drivers smoking in the street contrasted with the welcoming feel of this house-turned-underground-bar. When we get there close to 10pm, we enter the small pedestrian gate that’s left open for guests to walk in and notice a makeshift garage where a couple of sofas, table and chairs have been occupied by people in their mid-20s.
There was a foreigner documenting the event, and on an earlier visit, we’d seen foreign exchange students, we’re guessing they’re either French or American, but we’re sure they’re white.
On one of the walls near the entrance to the bar, there’s a graffiti mural, with hanging incandescent bulbs casting a warm glow on it. Inside is just as bohemian. In the unisex toilet is a giant blackboard and some chalk sticks, and you’re free to write whatever. I’m surprised I didn’t encounter obscenities on this visit, but a sample of a recent post, as seen on their Facebook page: “Hi person peeing, you don’t deserve the pain you feel. Love, Kegel Muscles. PS: Take care.”
WTF, right?
Adding to the relaxed ambience of Boho are the accommodating servers and the option of running a tab on your first visit. There also a standing invitation to an open jam to anyone who wants to play music.
Apart from beer (PHP50), they also serve cocktails and food. We tried their version of a White Russian (PHP160) and their mushroom fries, and both were excellent. Our damage, for 10 people in their 20s having a good time: PHP2,000.
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Around 15 minutes to eleven, Sweet Selection Thursdays officially started. The first performer of the night was Joee Mejias, also known as Joee & I. Armed with a laptop, a MIDI controller, a xylophone and her voice, Joee & I gave off this somewhat pop-like sound akin to Björk.
If I had to be more specific, it was like listening to Björk’s Vespertine album: unusual beats accented with melodies from colorful instruments, accompanied by the occasional guitar. I felt like the sound system didn’t do her performance justice. I would like to see more of her gigs in the future, that’s for sure.
The last performance of the night, by local electronic act KLMBRNG, comprised of three guys, was something else. Dark and heavy bass lines mixed with glitchy hip-hop beats, it was something I wasn’t expecting to hear that night. I thought that they would have a sound similar to that of the previous performer, considering that most music gigs have a roster of artists with an identical sound.
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KLMBRNG started their set with brooding crescendos that built into beats which were highlighted with dirty bass lines that ended with harsh noise, whereas Joee & I’s sound was more chill. If it wasn’t for the unsettling character — and I mean this in a good way — that their sound gave off, I’d give every chance to see these guys live again.
To be completely honest, I hope that Boho will continue hosting these types of events because Sweet Selection Thursdays left me wanting more. Although the lack of a central theme may appear to be an inconvenience for those who want to know what exactly they’re getting themselves into, I believe that that feeling of uncertainty is one of the key parts of the experience. Everyone should try and give Boho’s events a shot if they had the time for it.
Boho Sarapsody Bistro, 272 Ermin Garcia St, Cubao, Quezon City; +63 917 7538561, www.facebook.com/bohosarapsody. Mon-Sat 6pm-2am. LRT: Anonas.
Photos: Daryl de Veyra
