Munimuni’s sophomore album, Alegorya, blends sound art, drone, and ambient elements that, compared to their earlier work, delve deeper into the band’s “inner psyche” and “humanity’s unseen corners,” according to the album’s linear notes.
Composed of members lead guitarist and vocalist Adj Jiao, flutist John Owen Castro, bassist Josh Ferrer, rhythm guitarist Ben Ayes, and drummer Josh Tumaliuan, Munimuni, in this release, has evolved from their roots in makata pop — a genre of music that details lyrics of pastoral life in a poetic delivery, paired with acoustic folk elements like lush instrumentation and progressive chord writing. In contrast, Alegorya embraces an identity that’s closer to the tradition of post-rock through instrumental freakouts and drones, well-composed string sections, sparse acoustic and flute melodies in quieter moments
Now, the Quezon City-based band is venturing into cities across the Philippines. On February 1, they announced plans to take Alegorya on a nationwide tour, much to the excitement of long-time fans across the country who have eagerly waited to experience the album live. What started as a crossword puzzle that had fans guessing which city they’re playing in, the band took to social media on February 11 to finally reveal the tour dates and co-presenters for each leg of their nationwide tour, including Gabi Na Naman in Metro Manila, Sigaw ng Kuwago and What the Fog Productions in Baguio, White Box Collective and film&print in Lucena, Filla Killa in Cebu, indie CDO in Cagayan de Oro, and Holodeck Productions in Davao City.
Munimuni shared that touring in these locations is an opportunity to reach current and new listeners alike. “In locations that are further away, although we can’t possibly reach every city, we had it in mind to choose venues that are accessible to as [many] of our listeners as possible,” the band shared. “Another factor would be the existence of local productions, as we wanted to collaborate with and support local scenes.”
Independent production teams from provinces outside Metro Manila are buzzing with excitement about what Munimuni’s tour will bring to their cities. Emil Ortega, one of the organizers of Sigaw ng Kuwago, shared with Rolling Stone Philippines: “[Napansin] ko, since years before, may gig sila every year sa Baguio for tours or special visits. This time, we’re looking forward to an intimate gig where Munimuni can connect with our local acts, and introduce newer audiences to fresh, vibrant local music. We want everyone to feel at home at our gigs, and to celebrate the power of live music together!”
Karl Lucente of Cebu-based independent label Filla Killa, co-presenting the Cebu leg, recounted his first experience with the band during their performance at the AXEAN Music Showcase in Bali last year. “It absolutely blew my mind. Ever since that experience, [I’ve kept] thinking when and in what way they might perform in Cebu.” Lucente emphasized that regional cities deserve to experience talent from across the Philippines, exclaiming, “Di pa nakatugtog si Munimuni sa Cebu, ever! Deprived [na] kami sa good stuff.”
Details for Munimuni’s Alegorya Philippine Tour will be announced soon via the band’s social media pages, including date, venue, and ticketing info.
