After all this time, my ears are still itchin’ for Itchyworms

 

It was in the early part of the turn of the millennium when I first heard an Itchyworms song. I even thought that this Pinoy rock band’s “Antipara” was an Eraserhead’s tune. Honestly, I became an instant fan because they sounded like Ely, Marcus, Buddy and Raimund's band.

But as years go by, I realized that Itchyworms is not just a one-hit wonder after scoring one hit and another.  “Akin Ka Na Lang” was even my anthem when I was still luring my wife; “Beer” as my motivation to get drowned with alcohol during a stressful day; and “Penge Naman Ako Niyan” every time I beg the high heavens for anything from sheer luck to a glass of tasteful halo-halo.

Fast forward to present time, I am still hooked with the band. And it was such a super uber privilege to be able to meet them in person during the launching of their latest album After All This Time recently.  Itchyworms is composed of Jazz Nicolas (drums, lead vocals);  Jugs Jugueta (rhythm guitars, co-lead vocals); Kelvin Yu (bass guitar, backing vocals); and Chino Singson (lead guitars, backing vocals). The gang rocked Centris Activity Center in a night of great performance of songs their latest offering.

Fan mode on with Jugs

The album was actually released through the support of a local telecom company last year containing containing 10 soothing and sarap pampa-good vibes pero may sipa songs.

1. “Countdown”

2. “After All This Time”

3. “Ayokong Tumanda”

4. “Gliding in an Azure Reverie”

5. “Panahon”

6. “Life Sequence”

7. “Huwag na Sana ‘kong Gumising Mag-Isa”

8. “My Jolly Old Buddy”

9. “Rainy Day”

10. “Lost in Space with Rey Langit”

In the deluxe version which they launched, they added six new tracks including their take on the Heads’s Maling Akala. Other additions are Higher and Higher; Ayokong Tumanda (Tower Sessions and Acoustic); Huwag Na Sana ‘Kong Gumising Mag-isa (Ang Nawawalang Version); and After All this Time (Under the Weather Version).

I easily picked some songs that I can play over and over again and not get tired of it. The title track is a hands down sure choice for fans of the band but I love the pampa-in love sound of Ayokong Tumanda and Huwag na Sana ‘Kong Gumising Mag-isa. (Ang lakas lang maka-high school. The same magic one will feel while listening to Smokey Mountain’s Kailan). I had a laugh trip listening to Lost in Space. I was never bored the whole ten minutes of the track.

This album is one compilation that every fan of OPM songs should have, even if you’re not a fan of Itchyworms (which is highly unlikely if you’re reading this post).