rocknroll_n_blues_queens | Tale of Two ChainGangs: Chain-gang No. 1 is The Filipina feminist underground heroes

Chain-Gang "You Man" (all Filipina rockers)

The all-Pinay group Chain Gang is renowned for its bold eclecticism and unyielding independent spirit. Consisting of Naomi Villa (vocals), Mae Reyes (guitars), Dorcas Mallare (drums), and Aye Ubaldo (bass), Chain Gang formed in Manila, Philippines. When Mallare's college pals opened the club Red Rocks (later called Club Dredd), Chain Gang became its house band in 1989. In the early '90s, Chain Gang sent a four-track demo to two alternative radio stations in Manila. One of the tracks, "What's Ahead," earned numerous requests; however, Chain Gang had no material available to the public. Reluctant to deal with record labels, Chain Gang recorded their 1993 debut album, Smelly Smiley Stinky Dinkies, on their own. Released only on cassette, Smelly Smiley Stinky Dinkies was lauded by critics, and copies of it became difficult to find. The group's feminist perspective and versatile musicianship separated it from the male-lead, rock-oriented Manila groups at the time. Chain Gang also rejected offers to appear on TV, strengthening their status as underground all-stars. In concert, Chain Gang often covered a diverse selection of '70s and '80s classics, everything from disco to the Police's "Message in a Bottle,"reflecting the group's vast musical range. Ubaldo left the band in 1997, replaced by Sunny Lucero. In 2001, Chain Gang released Shift 87231, delving into funk, punk, and neo-psychedelia.
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