Groove to a different tune at Attraction Reaction

Attraction Reaction. The name has a nice ring to it but what is it? If it sounds like a song, that's probably because it has its roots in the Choir of Young Believer's debut track "Action Reaction."

However, to the local music scene, Attraction Reaction is a lot more than a song. It's a whole production. On the name, the girls behind Attraction Reaction — Kathy Gener and Anj Pessumal —say there are many ways of interpreting it. "You like a band, hence the attraction, then you come to watch - that's your reaction," suggests Anj. A production outfit, Attraction Reaction is now on its third year. Although still relatively new in Manila's gig scene, Attraction Reaction has established itself as an outfit whose lineup does not disappoint. While other production outfits feature the same bands every time, Attraction Reaction mixes things up and surprises its audience. They do have some favorites in their more or less monthly gigs, but there's no hard and fast rule. Often featured are The Lowtechs, Ang Bandang Shirley, and The Purplechickens. Sometimes, you'll be lucky to catch sets by Encounters With A Yeti or Modulogeek. More mainstream bands like Sugarfree and Monsterbot have also played for Attraction Reaction. While you can never be sure who Attraction Reaction will feature next, you can count on having a good time. Mutual interests The thing about Attraction Reaction is that it was borne out of the mutual interests shared by Kathy and Anj. "Gusto lang naming magkaroon ng enough money to be able to travel and pursue certain projects. Naisip lang namin na pareho naming love yung music, and going to gigs, being able to see the bands we love, naisip namin parang, gumawa na lang tayo ng prod," shares Anj. Although it began as a personal fund-raising project, support for the production showed the two that income or not, it was something they couldn't just stop doing. "A few nights into it though na realize namin na parang, okay, nageenjoy na kami dito. so money aside it's more of being able to have fun nights and promote the bands that we love," says Anj. Three years later, Attraction Reaction has secured a regular spot in the always-busy Route 196, and a reputation for being fun, no matter who you are or what you like. "Lahat ng gusto mong banda in a lineup mapapanood mo sa isang lugar. Actually yun naman yung basis, yung ganito na di ko na kilala yung mga tao, 'yun yung gusto ko. Like mapansin ng ibang mga tao, na magustuhan din nila. Without trying too hard," says Kathy on their third anniversary, which was so packed that the people spilled out into the parking lot. Admittedly, since the only basis for picking the bands to feature is Anj and Kathy's personal preference, there is a certain feel to the music that can be experienced in an Attraction Reaction gig. Discovering something new As they aren't limited by a particular genre as is common in many productions, there's a bigger chance of discovering something new. "It's about 'music open-mindedness.' Hindi rin naman closed yung taste namin sa music. The bands have a certain sound pero 'di siya sadya," says Kathy. Of course, you have to trust that the two have good taste. Both have been actively following their favorite bands since they were "kids." In fact, these are the bands that ended up as regulars in Attraction Reaction. Another thing about the bands you can find in Attraction Reaction is more often than not, these bands aren't popular on the level of names signed with major record labels. These are the bands that, if they make it to a large concert lineup, are usually ignored. It isn't that they're awful, in fact it's the opposite. They just don't sound like everyone else. Attraction Reaction gives them a venue to be heard, because it's the sort of gig you don't find yourself at incidentally. Steady and laid-back Chances are, you'll hear about Attraction Reaction through a friend, or a friend of a friend. This is why the atmosphere at an Attraction Reaction gig is steady and laid-back. You're not likely to find a mosh pit here but from time to time people get over their initial shyness and move to the music in a way that may be described as dancing. Two left feet? At Attraction Reaction, no one cares. Everyone eventually becomes friends with each other. The objective, put simply, is to have fun. As one frequent Attraction Reaction goer says, "Attraction Reaction is awesome and it's the only prod that i go to on purpose because they have all the bands that I like. Plus the people are cool." Being among friends It isn't just the audience that goes home happy. Even the bands enjoy, because of the company. "It's nice. It's different cause you're amongst friends, most of the people know each other, you know the entire lineup. Usually in other productions most of the crowd is there for like maybe one band or two bands," says Michael Benedicto of Outerhope, which has played several times for Attraction Reaction. Mikey Amistoso of Ciudad and Hannah+Gabi calls it "the best production in the world." "Kasi masaya, at andito yung market. Kung tutugtog kami sa Admit One 'di naman kami pinapansin dun," he laughs. Started in 2001, Admit One regularly features Sugarfree, Peryodiko, and Cambio among other bands. But at Attraction Reaction, Ciudad is a crowd favorite. Attraction Reaction usually features five to six bands in one gig, with a different theme every time, taken from movies that the girls choose based on their feelings at the time. Since it's debut production "One More Chance," Attraction Reaction has had "Over the Hedge," "Dazed and Confused," "Revenge of the Nerds" and "24 Hour Party People." By getting some friends to design their posters, Attraction Reaction doesn't just promote local music but local artists, as well. While you're bound to see a number of familiar faces at an Attraction Reaction gig, newcomers are more than welcome. Ultimately, it's about enjoying good music, whether you're playing or listening. – VVP, GMANews.TV