Let's Talk About That Haunting Guitar Work In 'Ang Himig Natin' by Juan Dela Cruz Band
The legendary Filipino rock anthem "Ang Himig Natin" by Juan Dela Cruz Band has a haunting and eerie guitar solo at the tail end that does not get talked about as much as it should be.
The band’s 1973 hit single is often credited as the one that kickstarted Philippine rock era or “Pinoy rock” as more groups started shifting toward heavier and guitar-centric sounds popularized by Western icons like Led Zeppelin.
The pioneering '70s rock outfit, which consists of Filipino music icons the late Joey “Pepe” Smith, Wally Gonzalez, and Mike Hanopol, will forever be immortalized in this slow, bluesy rock anthem that remains timeless decades after it came out.
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"Ang Himig Natin" is a five-and-a-half minute song that made waves upon its release at the time. It was also often edited on the radio, cutting short the aforementioned ethereal guitar lead, which was masterfully performed by the late great Gonzalez. The guitar work makes its presence known throughout the song with subtle bends to accompany the bass-note heavy acoustic rhythm guitar and the upright piano.
Gonzalez’ two and a half long solo keeps a steady and smooth journey up and down the scales instead of mind-numbing shredding. The soulful symphony of hammer-ons and pull-offs of the lead guitar accentuates Pepe Smith’s raw vocals, sucking you into a call to belongingness from a bygone era.
If you are looking to get lost in some iconic songs from the same era and atmosphere and great guitar work, below are a few to put on repeat.
Some Dreamy and Bluesy Local Manila Sound Tracks To Listen To
1| "Bato Sa Buhangin" by Cinderella
This 1976 slow burn, melancholic ballad cover from Cinderella also conveys this haunting quality from "Himig Natin," but this time on the fickle nature of love. The title of the song, which literally translates to "pebbles in the sand," is a metaphor that is constantly used to describe fleeting affection and how fragile love can be.
2| "Panaginip" by Hotdog
A slow rock classic from Manila Sound pioneers Hotdog, "Panaganip" presents appropriately felt dreamy vocals by the late great Ella del Rosario. A slow snare drum beat is played in symphony with era-appropriate keys and strings. This timeless love song is one that you will not want to wake up from.
3| "Pinoy Blues" by Juan Dela Cruz Band
Another 1970s classic from the so-called grandfathers of the Philippine rock genre, "Pinoy Blues" shows off the band's love for traditional blues rhythm riffs and explosive percussive beats. Gonzalez also plays bluesy lead guitar licks that would make the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix proud. A true head-banging blues-rock cut that is in stark contrast to the haunting "Ang Himig Natin."
