The air in Alabang thrummed with anticipation. It wasn’t just another concert; it was a pilgrimage for those who’d found solace in the hazy, dreamlike soundscapes of Men I Trust. For many, the Canadian trio’s music had been the soundtrack to a solitary pandemic, then a shared re-emergence into a world slowly coming back to life.
Before Men I Trust took the stage at the Filinvest Tent, local band fitterkarma ignited the crowd with a raw energy. Their breakout hit, “Pag-ibig ay Kanibalismo II,” still echoed in the venue as the lights dimmed, signaling a shift in atmosphere – a descent into the ethereal.
Formed in Quebec in 2014, Men I Trust – Emmanuelle Proulx, Jessy Caron, and Dragos Chiriac – have quietly become masters of hypnotic melodies. They began their set with “To Ease You,” a warm, instrumental embrace that immediately enveloped the audience in lo-fi funk and Proulx’s signature, dreamy vocals.
The band seamlessly flowed into “Come Back Down” and “Husk,” each song building upon the established atmosphere. Then came “Sugar,” a melody that felt instantly familiar, a nostalgic echo of 2021 – a year that suddenly felt distant. The crowd swayed, lost in the subtle power of the music.
“Ring of Past” continued the laid-back vibe, and it became clear this wasn’t a typical concert crowd. There was a gentle pulse, a collective surrender to the electronic dream pop, a shared moment of quiet introspection. The energy was relaxed, yet deeply engaged.
The venue transformed during “Serenade of Water,” bathed in a cool blue light. It wasn’t a well-known song, but it perfectly showcased the band’s ability to capture a feeling, to translate a moment into sound. A spontaneous cheer erupted halfway through, a testament to their artistry.
The setlist was a thoughtful blend of old favorites and new tracks from their back-to-back albums, *Equus Asinus* and *Equus Caballus*. “I Come With Mud” captivated with its steady guitar melody, urging a gentle sway. The band then launched into a mesmerizing medley of six songs – “Oncle Jazz,” “Hard to Let Go,” “Numb,” and “Lauren” – a seamless journey for the ears.
The medley was a highlight, the transitions so smooth they felt like a single, extended dream. From there, the energy lifted with “Seven,” featuring a glorious extended guitar solo from Caron, and the upbeat groove of “Tailwhip,” bringing smiles to every face. Even the underrated “Say, Can You Hear” earned a resounding applause.
The cheers for an encore were immediate and insistent. Men I Trust returned, and Proulx, who had remained largely silent throughout the show, finally addressed the audience. She declared the Manila crowd “the best” of the entire tour, praising the unique energy of the Philippines.
Men I Trust’s music might seem understated, but their live performance was anything but. The minimal, enchanting lighting perfectly complemented their aesthetic, and each member proved a master of their instrument, delivering tones as clean and dreamy as promised. “Show Me How” ignited the crowd, a wave of appreciation washing over the band.
They closed with “Worn Down” and “Billie Toppy,” ending the night on a high note with the smooth, upbeat bedroom pop sound that has defined them. The concert wasn’t just a performance; it was a connection, a shared experience that resonated long after the final notes faded.
The event underscored a vital truth: a dedicated audience exists in the Philippines for artists who operate outside the mainstream. Men I Trust delivered a captivating experience, and hopefully, this is just the beginning of more unique musical journeys for Filipino fans.
