Biography
The blues-infused, gospel-hued character of American Southern rock forms the central wellspring for Filipino rock band Razorback. Their dual-lead guitar configuration, echoing outfits such as the Allman Brothers, demonstrates striking dynamic interplay. Doubt surrounded the group’s prospects after one guitarist departed in mid-1999, yet his reappearance in late 2000 opened a new chapter.
Razorback assembled in 1990 with guitarists David Aguirre and Tirso Ripoll plus bassist Louie Talan, all three of whom appear on each of the band’s albums. Jose Mari Cuervo supplied the original vocals and Miguel Ortigas occupied the drum chair. The members first took stages in nightspots, delivering covers of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, and the 1970s Filipino act Juan De La Cruz.
Original songwriting followed, and five years after formation the band secured a contract with Manila independent label Alpha Records. Vocalist Cuervo exited before tracking began, prompting the recruitment of Kevin Roy. Razorback’s 1995 debut, Hebigat Sounds, Vol. 1, displayed accomplished Southern-styled rock that highlighted the group’s affinity and command of the idiom.
Drummer Ortigas stepped away in 1996; Brian Velasco took his place. Recognized for its recorded and live prowess, Razorback moved to major imprint Epic of Sony Music Entertainment Philippines (SMEP). The Epic debut, Beggar’s Moon, arrived in April 1997 and broadened the band’s palette through several Hendrix-styled riffs.
Media coverage and sales responded favorably, bringing the album close to gold certification (20,000 units). Given rock’s limited presence in the Philippines, the result stood as a notable accomplishment. Aguirre received Guitarist of the Year honors at the 1997 NU107 Rock Awards; the next year Talan earned Bassist of the Year at the 1998 NU107 Rock Awards.
October 1998 brought the third album, Star, which tilted toward metal and hard rock while retaining Southern touches on select tracks. Guitarist Tirso Ripoll was named Guitarist of the Year at the 1999 NU107 Rock Awards, and the video for “Voodoo, Who Do?,” drawn from Star, captured Best Music Video. Aguirre’s mid-1999 departure struck a severe blow, although Razorback continued promoting Star with a replacement guitarist.
Aguirre’s late-2000 return prompted plans for a U.S. tour and a fresh studio album. Razorback members also joined Wolfgang vocalist Basti Artadi in a side project that produced the acoustic-styled rock record Brain Salad, issued in August 2001.
Razorback assembled in 1990 with guitarists David Aguirre and Tirso Ripoll plus bassist Louie Talan, all three of whom appear on each of the band’s albums. Jose Mari Cuervo supplied the original vocals and Miguel Ortigas occupied the drum chair. The members first took stages in nightspots, delivering covers of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, and the 1970s Filipino act Juan De La Cruz.
Original songwriting followed, and five years after formation the band secured a contract with Manila independent label Alpha Records. Vocalist Cuervo exited before tracking began, prompting the recruitment of Kevin Roy. Razorback’s 1995 debut, Hebigat Sounds, Vol. 1, displayed accomplished Southern-styled rock that highlighted the group’s affinity and command of the idiom.
Drummer Ortigas stepped away in 1996; Brian Velasco took his place. Recognized for its recorded and live prowess, Razorback moved to major imprint Epic of Sony Music Entertainment Philippines (SMEP). The Epic debut, Beggar’s Moon, arrived in April 1997 and broadened the band’s palette through several Hendrix-styled riffs.
Media coverage and sales responded favorably, bringing the album close to gold certification (20,000 units). Given rock’s limited presence in the Philippines, the result stood as a notable accomplishment. Aguirre received Guitarist of the Year honors at the 1997 NU107 Rock Awards; the next year Talan earned Bassist of the Year at the 1998 NU107 Rock Awards.
October 1998 brought the third album, Star, which tilted toward metal and hard rock while retaining Southern touches on select tracks. Guitarist Tirso Ripoll was named Guitarist of the Year at the 1999 NU107 Rock Awards, and the video for “Voodoo, Who Do?,” drawn from Star, captured Best Music Video. Aguirre’s mid-1999 departure struck a severe blow, although Razorback continued promoting Star with a replacement guitarist.
Aguirre’s late-2000 return prompted plans for a U.S. tour and a fresh studio album. Razorback members also joined Wolfgang vocalist Basti Artadi in a side project that produced the acoustic-styled rock record Brain Salad, issued in August 2001.
Albums
Acoustic Ng Ina Mo
2015
Jamtracks: Tabi Ng Bulkan - EP
2013
Three Minutes of Glory
2012
Razorback
2002
Star
1997
Beggar's Moon
1997
Hebigat Sounds Vol. 1
1995
Singles
