Novacain

Novacain is an alternative rock trio from San Juan City, Metro Manila, known for their raw sound and dynamic fusion of garage rock and post-punk elements. Originally formed in 2015 as a solo project by vocalist-guitarist and songwriter Lawrence Del Rosario, Novacain has since evolved into a full-fledged band with the addition of bassist Kyle Enriquez in 2023 and drummer Juan Granda becoming a permanent member in 2024.
The band’s name was inspired by a serendipitous moment while watching the Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck documentary, where they came across the word "Novacain" in Kurt Cobain’s journal, a reflection of their shared love for the grunge legend’s music. Lawrence, Kyle, and Juan each bring their own unique musical influences to the group, drawing inspiration from artists like Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Interpol, and The Strokes.
In 2020, during the pandemic, Lawrence released Colors in My Head, a compilation of his early demos, which laid the foundation for Novacain’s sound. In 2021, the band released the single “Jasmine,” followed by “Control” and “Red Rose Hue,” and later released their debut album Control.
Novacain’s music, often characterized by its gritty guitar riffs and introspective lyrics, explores themes of self-reflection, sacrifice, and personal struggles. Their latest releases, “Panaginip Ko” and “Pusta,” showcase the band’s growth, combining guitar-driven melodies with post-punk sensibilities while the latter single addresses the concept of betting on life and losing something valuable. With performances across Metro Manila, a guest appearance on GMA Playlist. Wish 107.5 Roadshow, and even a gig in Japan, Novacain continues to make their mark in the OPM scene.