ILIGAN CITY, Philippines — FatherGore is back and if you’ve been waiting to hear from these moody hard rockers, you’re in for a treat. They’ll release two new tracks this month with We of the While dropping on October 11th and But What Is on October 31st. It’s a raw and gripping return to form and a throwback to their alternative rock roots, with a little touch of new wave nostalgia.
As Brando Bartolome (guitars, synths, bass) cheekily puts it, “we were big on New Wave and Alternative Rock. It fit the whole young and unhinged thing when we wrote these decades ago. Believe me, nobody wants to revisit that.”
Life’s too short to ignore your passions.
Brando Bartolome, on how FatherGore’s resurgence came about
Despite living in different cities and across continents, the band managed to release We of the While and But What Is, overcoming the distance. Their persistence and passion for the music are truly inspiring, especially after such a long hiatus. The band had dissolved, but when frontman Jon Alexis Lasmarias faced a major health scare, it gave them all a fright and sparked a new perspective on their craft and passions. As Brando puts it, “when he pulled through, the first thing he wanted to do was re-record the old songs and write new ones. Life’s too short to ignore your passions. And God bless Melt Records for holding our geriatric hands before we’re thrown into the soylent green machine.”
The recording process itself is a nod to the band’s influences, with guitar tunings ripped from Goo Goo Dolls and nods to Kurt Cobain, Robert Smith, and Johnny Marr. “Jon wrote We of the While trying to be Marr, and I did But What Is trying to channel Cobain,” says Brando. One can also sense the love for A Perfect Circle and Depeche Mode, both of which FatherGore holds close to their hearts.
What makes this such a tear-jerking release is the journey behind it. It’s not just music; it’s a reunion, a celebration of survival, and a reminder that despite the challenges — be it time, distance, or health — FatherGore isn’t done just yet.
They’ve even brought in some old mates from the band Cynosure, with producer Micmic Pacalioga lending a hand. And while Brando might joke that he’s “not qualified to say anything,” the message behind this comeback couldn’t be clearer — FatherGore has unfinished business, and they’re going to finish it with a bang.
With such deeply personal and powerful influences driving these tracks, it’s impossible not to be drawn in. Whether it’s the haunting lines of But What Is or the introspective lyrics of We of the While, both tracks evoke a brooding, atmospheric vibe that’s perfect as we dive into the Halloween and autumn season.
If you’re a fan of alt-rock, new wave, or just music that’s packed with meaning and emotion, this is one you don’t want to miss.
We of the While is now live on all major streaming platforms with But What Is following on October 31st. Stream We of the While on all your favorite streaming platforms or download it on Bandcamp, and presave But What Is. Cheers to not ignoring your passions!