Reviews

Is Daspan En Walis This Generation’s Juan Dela Cruz?

Sampaloc-based five-piece blues and hard rock band Daspan En Walis sweeps in their debut EP, ‘Askal Projections Vol. 1’

By
FacebookTwitterEmailCopy Link
daspan en walis askal projection vol 1 debut ep
Photo from Daspan En Walis


Sampaloc is home to many universities in the capital city of Manila. Being at the center of the University Belt, it is known for its significant concentration of college students and is, by proxy, a hub for youth culture. Sampaloc is also home to a neophyte five-piece band, playing hardcore blues rock between injections of rap verses. Their name is Daspan En Walis

Askal Projections Vol. 1 is a debut EP recorded in rough tape hisses, rugged distortion, and guitar solos that almost feel out of tune in the most charming way possible. The blues rock quintet have released numerous singles prior to the release of Askal Projections — it contained the same vitriolic energy as their previous singles like “The Boomback Effect”, “Sa Bahay, Sa Paaralan, Sa Bahay” and “Manyanaman.” They’ve honed sharpness to their songwriting, and adapted a school of thought wherein Askal Projections is a tell-all of the life they live, struggling to make ends meet, while living as members  of an independent rock band. 

Their lead vocalist, Anchong Espanto, spits and howls the catchiest hooks to the point of straining his voice in tracks like “619 (Comfort Zone IV)” and “Money Harmony” — both showcasing the frontman’s range in singing and rapping. The best tracks in the EP tackle social issues like the rising jeepney fare hikes (“Compute to Commute”) and the power to rebel against authority (“Therefore I Conclude”). While there are admittedly lapses in instrumental passages, and pacing flaws such as the outro of “Therefore I Conclude” and “Money Harmony,” the band manages to get back on track, showcasing the chemistry between the back-and-forth vocal duties of rhythm guitarist Calinawan and vocalist Espanto. 

All in all, there’s so much promise that Daspan En Walis can showcase in the future and Askal Projection is evidence of their progress as a band. They embody the attitude of a 9-to-5 worker and a student rebelling against the powers that be. Daspan En Walis also have a reputation for their live performances — their drummer, Jhong Capuno, wearing a green pale over his head, Calinawan belching out RELX smoke mid-performance and Espanto ripping his vocal cords apart. 

There is more to Daspan En Walis than what meets the eye. It’s like Juan Dela Cruz if they watched rap battles. Their combination of Juan Dela Cruz’s signature playing style and their very own influence of hip-hop culture will take them to many places. It only feels appropriate that the torch of “pinoy rock” will be passed on to Daspan En Walis. They’re ready to rock and roll way beyond their hometown. 

Latest Issue
RS PH cover

Rolling Stone Philippines Magazine — Coming Soon