10 of Another Kind: A Glimpse Into Manila’s Pre-90s Rock Movement

The pre-90s rock scene was just beginning to take shape, but only a handful of bands were creating waves. Little did they know, the 90s would explode into a full-fledged rock revolution, giving birth to over 100 new bands. One significant milestone during this time was the release of the album 10 of Another Kind. This compilation featured five bands that were at the heart of the underground New Wave and Alternative Rock scenes of the 80s, offering a glimpse into what was brewing beneath the surface.

10 Of Another Kind 1989

• Deans December - Healing
• Ethnic Faces - Golden Boy
• Under Blue Skies - Falling
• Violent Playground- Never The Bright Lights
• Introvoys - Just A Dream
• Deans December - I Read The News
• Ethnic Faces - Balik Bayan
• Under Blue Skies - Under Blue Skies
• Violent Playground - Tupperware Party
• Introvoys - Lullabye

The 80s were also a time when the Philippine underground punk scene began to take root, but 10 of Another Kind focused more on the New Wave and alternative sounds that were evolving in parallel. These five bands were not just recording music; they were part of a thriving underground movement in Manila, playing in local colleges and universities to promote the album. While the polished versions of the tracks on the compilation got attention, many fans felt a deeper connection to the original, raw versions of these songs. The authenticity of the early recordings had an energy that the more refined versions couldn't quite capture.

This was a pivotal moment, a small but significant chapter in a much larger story that would unfold in the 90s, setting the stage for a rock revolution that would change the music landscape forever.

In 1994, another album was released called Batuhan (Still Another Ten of Another Kind). Whether it’s a direct sequel to the iconic 10 of Another Kind remains uncertain, but it certainly carries a similar spirit.