PINOY GROOVE EXPERIENCE (Philippine Popular Music Revisited):
Lokal Brown - “Messiah” (1988)
A Filipino studio only supergroup formed by producer Ed Formoso of Dinosaur and consisting of members of the legendary Pinoy Folk band Asin (Lolita Carbon, Saro Banares, Pendong Aban) as well as members of Music & Magic (Eva Caparas), The Jerks (Chikoy Pura), and Labuyo (Mon Espia). This line up lasted one record THIS IS LOKAL BROWN that received more of a cult following. Another line up formed for a second Lokal Brown record but that slipped quickly into obscurity.
Uncommercial and experimental, Lokal Brown has a special place in the history of Pinoy Rock. It's use of tribal indigenous instrumentation melded together with 80's new wave, Pinoy Folk and Pinoy Punk attitude while overtly nationalistic and political. It's an interesting mix that doesn't always stand the test of time, but the attitude and intent is inspiring.
"Messiah" is a minimal and haunting track catapulted by Lolita's distinct voice.