Filipino band Imbue No Kudos (INK) started out as most bands usually do – being high school friends - sharing eclectic and discriminating taste in music. Olongapo City, known to be one of the few breeding grounds of musicians in the Philippines, was the birthplace of what would be a pivotal journey of five talented individuals in the Philippine music scene.
In 1998, INK found themselves writing original material and soon came up with the EP, “Specimen A.” At the time, the boys were highly influenced by the music of the Deftones and Incubus, to name a few. Their reputation spread in the Olongapo and Manila underground music circuit, which eventually encouraged other bands to write their own material as well.
A few years after trying to solidify a distinct sound and image, the boys of Imbue No Kudos were granted an opportunity to record newer material, this time carrying a heavier arsenal of screams infused with, ironically, passages about love. Eric Perlas, the creative mind and force behind Tower of Doom studios eventually took notice of the young lads and helped them release their next EP, “In Patience We Live,” in 2005. This was the first attempt of INK to get their music out in the mainstream and make it commercially available at major music stores all over the Philippines. Feedback was truly overwhelming as stocks were almost always sold out. Then in October that same year, Imbue No Kudos were again recognised, this time on an international level, by independent label Broken Vinyl Records of Malaysia by including INK’s hugely popular single, “Karisma,” in the Southeast Asian independent compilation, “One Hand Stands Another,” which featured other respected independent bands from Japan, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. The compilation also included another Filipino band Typecast, who, along with INK, was a struggling act back then. On its own, the single “Karisma,” gained massive popularity at every gig INK played at, which makes it still a crowd favorite.
Since then, the boys have been touring extensively in and around Metro Manila, almost always being invited by huge productions and shows which includes massive tours like INVASIA and the local Siege Tour, sharing the stage and gaining the respect of other immensely popular Filipino bands like Kamikazee, Urbandub, Chicosci, Sandwich, plus international acts like Love Me Butch from Malaysia, Furcurve from Australia, and Brand New Sunset from Thailand. The band also finds itself being sponsored by well-known international brands including Ben Sherman and Red Horse Beer – a staple favorite of Filipino rockers brewed by San Miguel Beer.
These days, Imbue No Kudos is extensively promoting the release of their highly-acclaimed full-length album titled “But What If We Will” under Tower of Doom Records, distributed locally by Galaxy Records. Since its release in December 2007, stocks have almost always sold out in major record stores and the label finds itself reprinting copies regularly due to the huge demand.
The first single, the melodic and feel-good track “Behind A Paper Wall,” which has claimed the top spot at Underground Radio 105.9 and peaked at 3 at top rock radio station NU107's Stairway To Seven countdown, is now a favorite among old INK fans and have gained a new mainstream audience as well, as evidenced by the surprisingly warm reception of the crowd at every INK gig everytime it’s played.
Just this month, the band has just released their second single, the anthemic ballad, “To Hold Everything Above,” to glowing review of critics and fans alike. The video, directed by Odin Fernandez, which has just been serviced to both top video channels MYX and MTV Philippines is now being eagerly awaited by fans. The single too has been receiving massive requests in radio as well, and is expected to gain serious chart action as well.
The album also includes the much-loved WBOB entry “The Test,” and the hard-hitting “The Beautiful” and “Recover.” Expect to hear more buzz about Imbue No Kudos in the coming months as they are touted to be one of the bands to watch out for this year.
To Hold Everything Above(official video)
Directed by Odin Fernandez / DOP: Mike Babista
