REPLEKSYON NG LUGAW: Tanya Markova aka Surreal Music Brilliance Behind The Make-Up

In Friedrich Nietzsche’s terms “Without music, Life would be a Mistake”; or in Tanya Markova’s interpretation, “Without life, Music would be a mistake”. Music is a vessel waiting to be launched to the vastness of its own space. It expands once it learns to adapt to its surroundings. Feeling that certain belongingness. That’s where Tanya Markova comes inside the (picture) picture and bring us the most surreal product of music. By surreal, I quote in Max Paddison’s definition: "juxtaposes its historically devalued fragments in a montage-like manner which enables them to yield up new meanings within a new aesthetic unity," Tanya Markova juxtaposes surreal imagery with bubbly pop melodies. Combining child-like/”chipmunk-y” back vocals with accompanying horror/hardcore music. Based on their Wikipedia bio, “The band is recognizable due to their makeup and costumes, with each member having an onstage persona”. Looks can kill but their music doesn’t. They are catchy. They have memorable lyrics, impressive guitar leads. The songs contrast from the bright and happy to the dark and melancholic. One example is the carrier single of their s/t release, Disney. Wherein the song focuses on the great wonders of the “happiest place on earth”, until the 3rd chorus struck in the lines “At doon ako mag-yo-yosi”; meaning this fantasy wonderland they’re playing around is a hoax. An illusion for those staying up-resting on the clouds, dreaming for no better “place” than Disneyland. I was surprised once I knew the true meaning of “Jacuzzi”. The track was all about committing heinous crimes like murder and rape. “My Darling Kong Zombie” being all about a poor man giving his everything to a rich woman. What blows my mind when listening to Tanya is the heart of their own performances that reflects the originality of their music? Extensive use of instrumentations like the tambourine and chimes. Throughout the years, more and more value is added to their music. Their recent release, Mr. Tililing is said to be one of the band’s best works. Containing songs that are tackling socio-political themes, twisted depictions of heartbreak and dark interpretations of life. Most of their fans noticed the drastic change of direction in their music (ex. Maturity, Songwriting etc.). It’s with utter pandemonium and wild imagination for this band to exist. From the style of their music and their clownish get-ups; I mean just look at them with their pitch black eye liners glaring at you when performing; poking your ribs with it synthesizers and percussion. The giant butterfly wings flapping as they scream in the top of their lungs. Surreal music is sought to unlock imagination. Even in its depths and concepts, “is outlandish, perplexing, and even uncanny, as it is meant to jolt the viewer out of their comforting assumptions.” With Tanya Markova existing for almost a decade plus having a strong cult following. It just shows that the “payaso” in us never died after all. mentioned song links right here: LINDA BLAIR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U26Cp71PsiA DISNEY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmfrz90nerM JACUZZI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nq6qloDxAzs ANG DARLING KONZ ZOMBIE:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZARplGXRECc