Hebigat Sounds, Vol. 1

Filipino band Razorback plays some of the best American Southern rock to be found anywhere on its 1995 debut album, Hebigat Sounds Volume One, released on Philippine independent label Alpha Records. Razorback's sound here reveals a strong influence of such stalwart Southern bands as the Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Black Crowes and others. Razorback features a powerful two-lead guitar front line, a la the trail blazed by the Allman Brothers Band and followed by numerous Southern bands. The sizzling interplay between Razorback's two guitarists, David Aguirre and Tirso Ripoll, is the highlight of Razorback's sound, and is heard to forceful effect here. Aside from the sterling guitar work, however, the songwriting is also strong, with cogent, tightly written songs that stand on their own, and not just as showcases for guitar fireworks. The rocking "We Gotta Move" for example, is an excellent vehicle, displaying both imaginative guitar work and a punchy melodic chorus as sung by vocalist Kevin Roy, assisted by a gospel-based female harmony. Like Southern rock in general, the band displays an admirable affinity for the blues, as heard on "Summa Cum Laude." Listeners worldwide would probably be surprised that Southern rock can sound so good coming out of the Philippines.