Juan De La Cruz Band

Introduction to "Up In Arms"

"Up In Arms" marks the debut album of the Juan De La Cruz Band, a pioneering rock group from the Philippines. Released in 1971 under Sunshine Records, which is a label of Vicor Music Corporation, this album captures the essence of the rock scene in the Philippines during that era.

The Band's Early Days

The Juan De La Cruz Band emerged on the music scene after their performance at the Antipolo Rock Festival in December 1970. This festival was notable as the first open-field rock festival held in the Philippines. Their participation helped to establish their reputation in the burgeoning rock movement of the country.

Album Details

"Up In Arms" is a vinyl LP that encompasses various rock subgenres, including hard rock, progressive rock, psychedelic rock, and blues rock. The album consists of six tracks, each showcasing different musical influences and styles. The opening track, "Justice (Where Are You)," sets a tone of inquiry and reflection. Other songs like "Stranger In A Strange Land" and "Mystery Roach" delve into themes of identity and exploration.

Personnel Changes

During the recording sessions for "Up In Arms," drummer Sandy Tagarro departed from the band. His contributions were significant, yet his name was removed from the personnel credits on the album cover. Bobot Guerrero, who replaced him, is featured prominently in the album's artwork. Despite Tagarro's absence in the credits, he retained a songwriting credit for "Lady In White Satin."

Commercial Reception