6 Cyclemind ‘nervously’ releases album with new line-up

You can tell from the onstage gestures of new frontman Tutti Caringal that he was not in a relaxed mood. In fact, he was profusely sweating and seemed unsure of what to say first.
But you can't blame the guy.

Although a vet of the band, he was now emerging from his place behind the drums to become 6cyclemind's new vocalist and facing a packed crowd on Wednesday, June 27, at 70s Bistro in Anonas, Quezon City.

So nervous, he wanted to throw up

To make matters even more nerve-wracking, he and the band were launching their new album with him as vocalist.

Former vocalist Ney Dimaculangan had been the face of the band since the outset, his distinctive vocals behind hits like "Sige," "Princesa" and "Sandalan."

"Nasusuka ako," Tutti admitted as much to the audience. "Medyo nakalimutan ko na ang pakiramdam na ganito."

Ney in the audience

It's been three years since the last 6 Cyclemind album, which had Ney and guitarist Chuck Isidro in the line-up. Ney had jumped ship after burning out from the constant touring, but Tutti told the audience, there was no animosity between the old guard and the new.
In fact, the friendship seemed intact as Tutti announced, "Palakpakan po natin si Ney at nandito siya."

Then, after some anxious moments, it came time for Tutti to prove his worth. With new recruits, drummer Vic Aquino and guitarist Herbert Hernandez, and mainstays Rye Sarmiento and Bob Canamo, they ripped into some pop rockin' songs included in their new album "Good By Sunday."

Album fit new vocalist

Tutti was understandably more comfortable singing the new 6cyclemind songs than doing his spiels.

Band manager and "sixth-cycle mind" Darwin Hernandez insisted he and his mates made sure the songs in the new CD fit Tutti's vocal range and style which he developed way back from his early work with band Protein Shake. They seem to have succeeded in dealing with that.

But they also needed to contend with skepticism and comparisons when Tutti takes on the old tunes identified with Ney.

Standing on its own merit

It helps that the band scene remains strong and that 6 Cyclemind's fan base is loyal.

It helps that their latest video has already shot to the top of the music channel MYX charts and that their playing, especially Rye's engaging backup vocal work, is inspired.

It helps too that the 11-track "Good By Sunday" stands on its own merit, having been produced by ex-Eraserheads Raimund Marasigan (now with Sandwich and Pedicab) with Buddy Zabala (with the Dawn) overseeing vocals.

In fact, "Good By Sunday" may have been too modest an album title because the collection sounds like it could be worth listening to every day of the week.