IYA

There's a pretty interesting band called IYA, it is a Batangas City area band that offers a pop punk structure, and there goes the vocals, these guys are contributing back up vocals that make it sound more interesting. Apparently, they named their band after a popular actress in the country, Iya Villana (ever wonder why?). The music is poppy, catchy and happy at all times. I guess the first thing that struck me when hearing their songs was they sound like The Starting Line and other bands alike. I read their interview from Batangas HC Punk zine, that the band's influences are The Starting Line, Underoath, Taking Back Sunday and The Used. The Ambassadors is one of their local influence too.

They have independently produced an album which was released early last year and SHURIKEN FIST had helped them out. The group members consist of Shesther Alvin, Paul Andrew V., Paul Tomas C., and Shallum John R.

To be honest, it's been a long time since I last listened to this type of music. I'm not usually a big fan of pop punk but hey, their songs got off the ground and rock out til the end.

Listen to IYA on Myspace.