Kjwan’s “2 Step Marv” turns 20 – anniversary and vinyl launch party at 123 Block with Backspacer Records and SYQL Productions

After 20 years since the release of their sophomore album, Kjwan invites you to relive the record once again in “2(0) STEP MARV” at 123 Block Aster, Mandaluyong City on August 14, 2026, featuring a full-album playthrough of the album, with guest acts Mayonnaise, Dilaw, and a DJ set by Chain Messages, co-produced by 123 Block, Backspacer Records, and independent production house SYQL Productions. This celebration is commemorated by the first vinyl release of 2 Step Marv, by independent label Backspacer Records – fans who purchase the new pressing can attend the event for free.

Following the success of Kjwan’s debut self-titled album and hit single “Daliri”, 2 Step Marv carried the band's momentum forward. Frontman-vocalist Marc Abaya recalls, “The writing of our second album, 2 Step Marv, was completely different from our first one, [...] more focused, more deliberate. In a way, it forced us to push one another as musicians to be better at our craft. In that dark room, we created an album that had a moodier vibe, the songs had a lot more texture, structure, and emotional intention.”

The album's singles "Pintura" and "One Look" — still among the band's most-streamed tracks today — took the group international, from Baybeats in Singapore to the Hush Festival in Macau. Its opener, "Invitation," sealed the deal with a win at the IKON ASEAN Award Competition. “This [album] was basically taking the Kjwan sound and hyper-boosting it with new flavors, with Boogie now in the band”, says bassist Kelley Mangahas.

2 Step Marv is also celebrated and immortalized on vinyl for the first time through Backspacer Records, the label behind the sold-out 2022 vinyl release of Kjwan's self-titled debut album and one of the driving forces behind the resurgence of OPM on vinyl.This special release features a clear pressing in gatefold, with individually numbered copies. To give Kjwan’s biggest fans the full experience, each purchase of the vinyl comes with one free ticket to the “2(0) STEP MARV” event. Cassettes and limited-edition vinyl test pressings of the album are also available.

Leading local music curator and concert venue 123 Block is also expanding its involvement, taking on a bigger role in producing the upcoming reunion. “The upcoming Kjwan 2StepMarv anniversary is one of the few events where we’ve had the opportunity to be involved from the very beginning and be part of the creative process - from event conceptualization, to participating in putting together the design elements, to execution”, according to owner Mitch Singson.

With 2(0) Step Marv, SYQL wants to bring the early-2000’s grit of Kjwan’s 2StepMarv two decades into the future. A once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the band’s over 20-year legacy, Kjwan is set to perform a full album playthrough alongside their greatest hits, while featured acts Mayonnaise and Dilaw will open the show with event-exclusive sets featuring fan favorites and deep cuts.

Kjwan invites fans from then to now, old and new listeners alike: “Come to 2(0) STEP MARV, our 20 year show  — we're preparing hard for it, and we're definitely going to share songs from that era, a lot of our hits, and some unreleased material too, in a different way. It's going to be a really good show.”

“2(0) STEP MARV”, an anniversary show and full-album playthrough by Kjwan, at 123 Block Aster, Mandaluyong City on August 14, 2026 – featuring special sets and deep cuts by Mayonnaise, Dilaw, and Chain Messages. In collaboration with 123Block, SYQL Productions, and Backspacer Records. Buy a vinyl, get in for free.