Held last Feb. 20 at the Aseana City Open Grounds in Parañaque City, GoodVybes Fest provided half a day’s worth of music from today’s brightest indie-pop stars, both foreign and local. Below are some of our favorite moments from the music fest.
1. Good vibes, on and off the stage
Although most (if not all) of the artists on the lineup aren’t exactly new to the scene, the festival was a great way to discover new music to add to our everyday playlists. Apart from the foreign headliners, the solid lineup included budding homegrown talents like synthpop duo Moonwlk (whose vocalist Nick Lazaro proposed to his girlfriend during the band’s set—awww!) and even up-and-comers from neighboring countries, such as Malaysian dreampop trio Tenderfist.
We were also happy to find that the good vibes weren’t just limited to the stage but extended behind the scenes as well.
As the artists mingled and swapped stories with each other, local favorite Kjwan was busy spreading cheer backstage through bassist Kelley Mangahas, whom frontman Marc Abaya fondly calls “Mr. Good Vibes.”
2. Stars gone wild
“I prefer drama. I’m in a band with a lot of dramatic people; I like it when things are spicy,” Stars covocalist Amy Millan had told members of the media backstage before the show. Well, spice is definitely an understatement. It might be their second time in Manila, but the Canadian electropop band certainly brought something different to the stage this time, their collective onstage presence amplified by a bigger venue and a much bigger crowd.
While Millan quietly serenaded the audience with her ethereal vocals in hits like “Dead Hearts” and “Your Ex-Lover is Dead,” feisty frontman Torquil Campbell kept things spicy with his onstage antics. He strutted, yelled at the crowd and even tackled the stage cameraman— and practically anyone within reach, come to think of it. We’re surprised (and a little relieved) that he didn’t dive off the stage.
3. Oh Wonder? No wonder!
If you didn’t know who they were before the festival, we’re willing to bet a year’s salary that Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West have gained more buzz (and a lot more fans) from this side of the planet after their jaw-dropping debut here in Manila. With beautiful, hushed harmonies and languid electropop grooves, Oh Wonder’s set was seamless, their sound as deliciously smooth as a welcome drink on a breezy summer night.
The alt-pop duo from London has been touted as one of the biggest UK breakthrough acts of 2015, having sold out shows across the United Kingdom and the United States just after the release of their debut album. We’re mighty glad we got to see them perform live before they start taking the rest of the world by storm.
4. Chvrches’ raw energy
No stranger to Filipino music lovers, female-fronted Scottish outfit Chvrches came back to Manila armed with a new album and their usual hybrid of high-energy rock and bubbly synthpop. It was glorious. We really can’t expect anything less from the group who’s churned out veritable sing-along hits like “Gun,” “The Mother We Share” and “Bury It.”
Clocking in at about an hour and a half, Chvrches’ set was easily one of the more exhilarating sets of the night, as evidenced by the awesome shots of Lauren Mayberry head-banging to her own music, adorably unruly short hair and all. If you thought she’d disappeared during one of their songs, she didn’t—she was actually singing while lying flat on her back onstage.
5. Passion Pit—finally
As bummed as we were about his show having been canceled last year (reportedly due to a throat condition), Michael Angelakos’ falsetto-loving alter ego more than made up for that as the final headliner took the stage just before midnight. As soon as Passion Pit launched into the first chords of the irresistibly bouncy synthpop track “Little Secrets,” the bone-weary, dust-covered crowd immediately scrambled to their feet and started singing at the top of their lungs.
“I haven’t slept in 48 hours, but I love you guys so much,” the 28-year-old frontman told the whooping fans, most of whom had been there at the venue since mid-afternoon. Angelakos sustained that energy throughout the show, performing upbeat crowd favorites from all three albums, including last year’s “Kindred.” Passion Pit ended the nearly two-hour set with the ultimate fan favorites “Carried Away,” “Take a Walk” and “Sleepyhead.”
Meanwhile, the band provided the occasional welcome breather via the sultry beats of “Constant Conversations,” the sweet grooves of “When the Sky Hangs” and the melancholy ballad “Dancing on the Grave.” If we’d heard it correctly, a somewhat emotional Angelakos commented that it was the first time he’s cried while performing “Grave.” That, and our stark observation that this appears to be his first show in months following a particularly trying year, is what makes this Manila show much more memorable. (Check out the Inquirer’s exclusive interview with Angelakos in next week’s Super issue.)
The verdict: Despite logistical issues and the incredibly dusty venue, the GoodVybes Fest experience offered nothing but great music, good weather and, yes, good vibes all around. We’re interested in checking out what next year’s installment will bring.
