Masha: Stalemate Guards For Defiant Hearts Album Review

We were fortunate enough to have been given the chance to review Masha's album: "Stalemate Guards For Defiant Hearts" Although we have yet to see the band perform live (that's a must for 2015-here's to more

Masha is a six piece alternative rock band based in Manila and after listening to different genres (Techno-Pop, Indie-Pop) for the last few weeks it's nice to go back to our roots -so to speak and alternative rock will always be our first love.

Masha - From their Facebook page. 

The first time I listened to Masha's album - the two words that came to my mind was "Pinoy Rock" there was something about the vocal prowess and singing style of vocalist Alvin Aleria that just makes it genuinely "Pinoy" that there is that instant connection once you hear it. A take on modern folk rock if you will. Aside from the traditional guitars in a band, the sixth spot on Masha's line up goes to Howie Manalaysay on Synths and Programming. See- I told you a modern take on folk rock :p 

You can hear the subtle synths which make Masha's sound unique from other bands but it's smooth and subtle enough for their sound to remain as Pinoy Rock as it is.

I always admire bands who have both English and Tagalog songs, it just says so much about their song writing abilities that really appeals to me. Three songs out of the ten in the I album are written in Tagalog.

To me - Masha has that unique Pinoy Rock flare and sound. 

The first song that really spoke to me was track 07 from the 10 track album. The song is entitled "Alas Singko" or Five O'Clock and the song is about looking forward to that LOGOUT time in the office. Although for us who work in the BPO industry it's not the traditional 5:00 PM end of the work day scene, since we get out at unusual hours. For me it's either 8:00AM or 9:00AM and for my other colleagues it could be any time at all but no matter what time you get off from work, it's still that same feeling of eagerly waiting for the work day to end and the song "Alas Singko" is the perfect song for that it's only five minutes left, can't wait to get home feeling. 

Definitely a band to watch out for and one that you could count on to keep OPM alive. Will be doing an album giveaway on the blog soon! So watch out for that! :D