Makarel started as a brainchild of Jose Flor Tolentino, former guitarist of the rock-progressive band Kneelonnails. Tolentino wanted to start a band of his own, and so in May 2003, he invited his high-school friends Miguel Nadres and Martin Racza to be a part of the band he was forming. Miguel played drums (he and Jose were once members of the now-defunct band Linus), while Martin was still a beginner in the music business, but he was already playing the guitar and some bass lines in church.
The band members were from a hodgepodge of musical influences: Jose was proficient in the emo and indie genre of music, Miguel in the hardcore-gothic genre, and Martin has influences in some punk and pop-rock bands. The band struggled so many times due to some difficulties, namely the acquisition of equipment (only Jose had a guitar—Martin still had no permanent bass guitar then, while Miguel still has no drum set up to this day). They practiced at Jose’s residence, trying to create musical concepts and composing songs. Eventually, in 2004, after endless toils, the band was able to produce three songs: Dreaming A Lie Of My Design (April 2004), The Elixir Is A Girl (April 2004), and True Light (May 2004).
In June, the band started to undergo some changes. Martin brought his first bass guitar, and the band got its first gig by July: at the KSP Bar and Grill in Makati City. In August 2004, they performed at Mayric’s Restaurant in Espa..a, Manila. Also in that month, Makarel composed its fourth song: Motions Overcome Newest Anxiety.
But problems are akin to the band. Martin’s parents were clamoring for his ‘backing-out’ from the band. Therefore, after their ‘double-gig’ in October 15, 2004 (where they performed at the Market! Market! shopping center in Taguig, and at Mayric’s Espa..a under Idiotbox Productions), Martin announced that he has backed out from Makarel.
It was a blow to the band, a blow in which they found their new bassist: Don Lopez, a gifted musician in many instruments. But Don only lasted for 4 months, and Tolentino decided to give Makarel a rest and move on.
Months after Makarel’s disbandment, Martin informed Jose that he would like to return to the band, because he has already made advancement in his formerly mediocre skills. Jose agreed immediately, and so, with the three original members, Makarel was reformed.
In February, Ahvi Badon became the band’s vocalist. Due to the re-upsurge in Makarel. When things were going well for the band, another terrible situation occurred. Martin can’t continue to play in the band due to the fact that he finds it difficult to balance his schedule between his studies and his devotion to music, plus he has health problems and his doctor advised him to rest. After several weeks later, Jose decided to replace Martin, and there he found Tonet, a wonderful and good bass player. She agreed to join the band and everybody was happy having her as the bass player. Current members are Miguel Nadres (drums), Tonet Bombase (bass), Jose Tolentino (guitars, backup vocals), and Ahvi Badon (vocals).
listen to our new songs!!!!!! www.purevolume.com/makarel
thanks!!!!!! :)
