Sonnet 58

MANILA -- Shoegaze band Sonnet 58 will release their debut album, "Crossing Oceans," on vinyl this coming December 30 at 70s Bistro -- 23 years after they first recorded the songs.

The band -- vocalist Gonzalo Alfonso, guitarist and keyboardist Dale Marquez, guitarist Ron Cajayon, bassist Romel Cajayon, and drummer Elmer Macaraig – was greatly influenced by English shoegaze bands Ride, Chapterhouse, and Jesus and the Mary Chain. Along with Sugar Hiccup, they carried the torch for Philippine shoegaze and dream pop back in the 1990s and were Club Dredd and Mayrics regulars.

They went in the studio in 1996 and recorded 12 songs under the album title, "Owe No Homage Unto the Sun" (that would eventually be renamed as "Crossing Oceans"), but the band didn’t attract any attention from the record labels.

Sonnet 58 opted for a self-released extended play album of five songs after which they uploaded the full album online.

Although they never called it quits, life got in the way with Marquez and Macaraig moving abroad. The band received a jolt when their vocalist Alfonso suddenly passed away in 2017 after a heart attack.

“In the back of the minds of the remaining members, we had the imperfect ending,” related Marquez. who has gone on to record with Apple Orchard and Some Gorgeous Accident. “Several months ago, I was talking with my old bandmates as I was going to Manila for a short vacation after being away for two years and we talked about a lot of things. Of course, we talked about performing but it was tough because Alo wasn’t here anymore. So we needed a reason. The we thought, ‘What if we release the album on vinyl?’ And that is how this record and show came to be.”

'Crossing Oceans' in vinyl

With shoegaze music more popular than ever and independent releases more acceptable nowadays, the timing seemed right for Sonnet 58 to put out their old music. And on vinyl to boot.

“I had all these different feelings inside of me when I first held the record in my hands,” recalled Marquez. “We had a 4AD Records feel to the album. It is an emotional release so to speak.”

“In the last seven years, we saw the reformation of My Bloody Valentine, Ride, Swervedriver, Lush, and Slowdive – all shoegaze stars in the 1990s – and they have all put out albums,” added Marquez. “The genre also got a push from acclaimed soundtracks such as 'Lost in Translation' that gave the scene and the music a big push.”

Even here in Manila, the shoegaze scene has exploded. “I am pleasantly surprised that there is a shoegaze community here that is thriving with a shoegaze stage during Fete dela Musique.”

Much to Marquez’s surprise, it didn’t take too long to re-master and cut the songs on vinyl. “We had 300 records pressed, but I brought only a 100 copies to Manila. Let’s see how it does.”

Aside from the December 30 show at 70s Bistro, Sonnet 58 will also perform on December 28 at Mow’s. “It has been a long time since we performed together. Let’s see how we will sound (Marquez and Ron Cajayon will alternate on vocals for some songs with some guests singing lead on the others),” wondered Marquez. “But releasing this... it is a good feeling. Perfect for the holiday season, and finishing some unfinished business.”

"Crossing Oceans" will be sold for P1,500 and will be sold at Sonnet 58’s show at 70s Bistro and local distribution labels.