The Dawn: Almost 40 and still shining bright
The Dawn, a name synonymous with OPM (Original Pilipino Music) excellence, celebrated nearly four decades of musical brilliance last Feb. 22 with their The Dawn Almost 40 concert at the Music Museum.
I first watched them live when I was 15 years old, at a concert titled Dreams of Peace in ULTRA. I was front and center, pushed against the metal stanchions by fans of the band, along with fans of After Image and Advent Call who were also playing.
Watching them again in concert last Saturday brought back all the feels. And the best part was my Gen Z son, Basti, was there to enjoy the music with his Gen X mom. Music bridges generations and educates today’s younger folk on Filipino music, after all.
History, for the younger folks
Formed in 1985, The Dawn quickly rose to prominence with their unique blend of alternative rock and new wave influences, a sound distinctly their own in the Philippine music scene.
Their debut album solidified their place, but it was their subsequent releases that cemented their legendary status. Songs like Enveloped Ideas, Iisang Bangka, and Salamat became anthems of a generation. These tracks are still widely popular today—a testament to the band's enduring appeal and timeless music.
Past members include Teddy Diaz, Clay Luna, Atsushi Matsuura, Kenneth Ilagan, Buddy Zabala, Carlos Balcells, and Mon Legaspi. Current members are JB Leonor, Jett Pangan, Francis Reyes, Rommel (Sancho) Sanchez, and Bim Yance.
JB and Jett are the remaining original members.
This Gen X waxes nostalgic (Kai)
The Almost 40 concert wasn't just a concert; it was a pilgrimage. For me, The Dawn isn't just a band; they're the soundtrack to my life.
Their music defined a generation, and it defined me.
To see them on stage last Saturday was overwhelming in a good way. The energy was electric, even if there were a few more gray hairs in the crowd (and maybe on stage, too!).
They played all the classics, of course, and the crowd sang along to every word. It wasn't just a concert; it was a massive singalong, a shared experience of pure joy and nostalgia.
Their new song Missing Hearts was a pleasant surprise. They haven't lost that signature The Dawn sound.
There's a depth and richness to their music now that wasn't there in the beginning, a wisdom that comes with time and experience. It's like catching up with old friends; they've changed, but they're still the same people at their core.
The Almost 40 concert wasn't just a celebration of their music; it was a celebration of us, their fans. We've grown up together, and their music has been there every step of the way.
The Dawn Almost 40 was a testament to the power of music to connect us across time and generations.
A Gen Z perspective (Basti)
Going into The Dawn's Almost 40 concert, I had no prior experience with their music. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much.
But their performance was a revelation.
The energy was infectious, and the music, while undeniably from a different era, resonated with me in unexpected ways. The Dawn reminded me of another 80s band I love, Depeche Mode—a comparison that speaks to their sophisticated blend of melody and texture.
What struck me most was the richness and diversity of their sound.
Their early work, exemplified by tracks like Enveloped Ideas, showcases a vibrant post-punk influence, with dramatic tempo changes, powerful keyboard lines, and Teddy Diaz's unforgettable guitar solos.
This energy is evident throughout their catalog, but their evolution is fascinating to observe. Little Paradise, for instance, reveals a softer side, incorporating new wave and jazz influences into a heartfelt love song. The shift from the raw energy of their early work to the more polished sound of later tracks like Salamat highlights their versatility and artistic growth.
Even their more recent songs, such as Missing Hearts, demonstrate a continued willingness to experiment and evolve their sound.
The lyrics also resonated. Songs like Alam Ko, Alam N'yo felt both familiar and fresh, echoing themes of youthful longing and hope found in later Filipino bands like Eraserheads, yet possessing a unique energy all their own.
The band's ability to craft songs that are both timeless and relevant to different generations is a testament to their songwriting skill. The concert was a masterclass in musical storytelling, each song a chapter in their ongoing narrative.
The Dawn’s music transcends generations, and I left the concert with a newfound appreciation for their artistry and a deeper understanding of the musical landscape that shaped Filipino music.
