What makes a performance — big or small — successful is a confluence of all its elements. Also, a performance makes it all special when it overcomes adversities and shortcomings.

Last February 9, Tiny Moving Parts made their way back to the Manila stage at a time when traveling between countries has suddenly become a great big question mark.

Fans got their quick health checks and even the organizers gave out free face masks to quell anxieties from any coronavirus/COVID-19 scare — which is something commendable from PULP Live World and worthy of emulation from all other concert and events organizers.

The self-described family band went on stage with a singular goal of melting their fans’ minds and hearts with a scorcher of a set.

Dylan Mattheisen was as effervescent as ever, and it was as if the entire energy of the room emanated from him. His cousins Matt and William Chevalier provided the steadiness of an aircraft carrier from which Dylan can launch his blistering guitar licks and lyrical outbursts.

Fans showed how much a family they are as well, singing back and joshing along, always on cue. The night has a sense of solidarity between the band, the fans, the organizers — just everyone —that seemingly said “We’re going to make this gig awesome no matter what.”

And they did make that night awesome.

SETLIST:

• The Midwest Sky
• Applause
• Headache
• Bloody Nose
• Sundress
• It’s Too Cold Tonight
• Always Focused
• Dakota
• Birdhouse
• For the Sake of Brevity
• Icicles
• Common Cold
• Vertebrae
• Feel Alive
• Medicine
• Caution

TINY MOVING PARTS LIVE IN MANILA 2020 was presented by PULP Live World and Skesh Entertainment. Special thanks to PULP Live World for the invitation to the event.