As the people piled in Black Market, I’ve noticed that a lot of the fresh faces in the crowd are a hell of a lot younger than I am. They all looked hopeful and optimistic, far too young to be the jaded hipsters that litter these kinds of events. These kids are pretty much the same age as the guys in Last Dinosaurs. This was their time and this was their band. I can’t say I got it right away, being an old fart and all, but what I knew for sure is we’re in for a show tonight.
The show kicked off with openers Nouvul, fronted by local electronica hero Similar Objects, as they set the mood for the night. People were completely vibing out to the band’s own brand of post-R&B, futurist tunes from their TwinFlames EP. I highly suggest catching one of their shows if you could.
They were soon followed by dance rock band and Wanderland top 8 finalist, Autotelic. The band had the crowd clapping and singing along since hitting their first note. Autotelic’s tight sounding songs warmed everyone up for what’s coming next, the main event, Last Dinosaurs. Even Autotelic’s front man Josh Villena can’t hide his giddiness, proudly announcing that he was just listening to Last Dinosaurs’ album at work when he got the call to open for them. The look of happiness on his face was priceless.
Finally, the boys of Last Dinosaurs took to the stage and started fixing their gear. The young crowd’s excitement for what’s to come is so thick, you could feel it in your bones. Then the band started playing, prompting everyone in the building to go nuts. Last Dinosaurs may have a small following here in the Philippines, but they sure make up for it by being one of the most rabid collective of fans I’ve seen in a very long while.
The band made everyone dance in abandon like its the end of the world outside the confines of Black Market. Even the older set upstairs, with their high heels and long sleeves, can’t help but get their groove on. The Last Dinosaurs was bridging the gap between the young and old.
Everyone in the crowd sang along, hanging on to every word, their young energy palpable. The audience knew all the songs, their voices echoed all over the room. I could see the band’s smiles plastered on their faces, I could imagine that even them were surprised with the crowd’s very enthusiastic reaction. They played 3 new songs from the new album they are working on, which was indeed groovier and more cooler like they told me during our interview. The boys even covered the club hit “Lady (Hear Me Tonight)” from French house duo Modjo to everyone’s surprise.
But the highlight of night, for me at least, was when everyone sang along to the lyric “this is where we belong” making it the truest words ever sang that night. I could see the see the sea of faces of the kids in the crowd and the look of the band as they sang those lyrics out loud, it was more than fun – it was real life.
Because really, that was where everyone belonged that night.
A big thanks to our partners Intastella Burst HK (shout outs to Chi Brotonel!) for giving us the chance to cover the Last Dinosaurs show last November 22, and to Black Market and Finders Keepers for hosting it. There are more big shows to come so best start saving up kids!
Interview and Story by Tomi Uysingco. Photos by Karl Porio.
Zooming to the Future with the Last Dinosaurs