Keltscross shattered stereotypes -- as well as eardrums -- in the Philippines during the early to mid-'90s. Never had a group of lovely young women created such an abrasive, lyrically shocking interpretation of post-punk styles in the Philippines. Although the similarly angry all-female band Tribal Fish released an LP before they did, Keltscross formed first and had a sharper edge, molding their punk, new wave, and heavy metal influences into a bastardized version of girl group pop. The band received much attention for their good looks; however, their explosive guitar attack carved in its own niche in the Philippine underground. Keltscross has its roots in the short-lived group the Day After, featuring guitarist Pamela Aquino and bassist Krye Obillos. In 1992, they met vocalist Zeejay Jacob, who then joined the band. The group added another guitarist, Jeng Tan (a former bassist and keyboardist for Eternal Remorse), and drummer Janet Distor. Taking the name Keltscross from a symbol used by Druid priestesses, the new band debuted at a gig in the college UP Diliman on July 1992. Distor soon left and was replaced by Sheila Rosete.
Keltscross became an integral part of the alternative rock revolution in Manila in the early '90s, regularly playing at underground venues like Club Dredd and Mayric's. The group was signed to BMG Records (Pilipinas) and released Revenge of the Fishlips in 1996. More feminine than feminist, Revenge of the Fishlips mirrored the work of Keltscross' overseas inspirations Hole, Babes in Toyland, and Sonic Youth but with more charm and a greater sense of melody; balancing layers of loud, distorted riffs, and shouted vocals on top of a driving new wave backbeat. However, the band broke up before recording a second full-length, which only exists in demo form. Tan and Aquino then created the Pin-Up Girls with singer/guitarist Mondo Castro after singing along to new wave tunes at a bar in Davao, Philippines. Ryan Nachura (guitar) and Noel Garcia (drums) were added to the lineup, and in 2001 the group's debut album, Hello Pain, became an instant radio favorite. The critically acclaimed LP was hailed as a return to the sunny jangle pop of '80s U.K. new wave. After Aquino moved to the U.S., Girl in Park singer/guitarist Jaja Manuel joined the band. On June 26, 2002, the Pin-Up Girls signed with Know-It-All Records, the first Philippine-based rock band to be signed by an American label.
