Album Review: Autotelic: Papunta Pabalik

Autotelic's "Papunta Pabalik" is more than just an album that you pop in your CD player to enjoy, as it represents that delicate jump from "independent music" to "mainstream" and being represented by a music label. 

We have been following the group long before the six-member electro pop band signed on to MCA music. Their catchy tunes have long played inside the different bars across the metro, often to millennials out to enjoy the night. 

Whatever music festival or event, you can expect Autotelic in the line up as they steadily became one of the most sought after bands in the local scene. 

The album has had reported incidents of running out of physical copies in record stores, all this at a time when consumers would easily prefer to download or stream albums online. 

"Who has CDs nowadays?"

-Nick Wilde, Zootopia. 

(Actually I do Nick, I still have CDs). 

So what is it with the 10 track album that has millennials (who most probably listen to music on streaming services such as Spotify) running to record bars to spend actual money on a CD-an artifact they probably don't see much of. Needless to say that the album also shot to the top of Spotify top track lists when it was released. 

Bringing back the glory of the 80's with the subtle use of synths, Autotelic brings in their own unique flavor with catchy guitar riffs and a unique play on vocals with Josh Villena's sincere shy boy persona (at least that's the vibe that I get from him, his Facebook posts and tweets are very funny) and Kai Honasan's sweet tones, creating a sound that can only be identified as theirs.

No, Ate at the Astroplus record store, they do not sound like Up Dharma Down, at all. 

(Click here to find out what that was all about) 

"Papunta Pabalik" opens strong with the catchy "Gising" whose trend setting guitar riffs, #JengJengJeng sets the tone for the "you can't help but jump and dance" track.

Nice thick bass lines smoothly transition from the stanza to the chorus. Coupled with drum rolls and hits that make you want to pseudo play drums your self. The synth compliments the song, much like whipped cream, it is both delicious and indulgent. 

When the album first came out and questions of "What's your favorite track?" started coming out, I was like a kid on Christmas Day, I couldn't choose which one was my favorite but after the excitement died down, I will settle with "Languyin" as my favorite track off the album, it steadily rises, much like the ebbing tide and reaches a high in the chorus, using infectious word play on "La-la-la-Languyin" and "La-la-la-lakbayin" to have the song playing in your head in repeat and that's actually a good thing. 

Out of the ten tracks in the album, six are original with four of the songs already released by the band in a previous LP (review here) but before you go and think that four old songs would be a waste of money, these old songs are given a new spin in the album, and the first of which would be the English track "Unstable". I liked the remastered version, which is a new twist to an old favorite. I wasn't a fan of "Misteryoso" 2.0 though as I felt that they overdid it with the synths and layers. But at least now, we have different versions of the song right? And taking a cue from Japanese Pop Star Ayumi Hamasaki, who dominated the charts in the early 2000 with multiple versions of singles and albums, this is not a bad start for the band. 

Crowd favorite "Dahilan" was given new life and I think the band took lessons from their live performances, injecting that "Whooooo!" as if the crowd didn't know what to do. 

"Laro" is an interesting song, I love how it opens steadily with the insistent guitar riffs. The lyrics are either a genius comparison of a relationship to Filipino games or could possibly come off as a little corny, sometimes it's one and sometimes it's the other. Paul singing "Tatay mong kalbo" after "Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo" doesn't help at all. 

But it's a unique song with very creative lyrics I will give it that and the line "Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo. Iiwanan mo ako." Just breaks hearts and brings in the "Awwwws" to a generation seemingly obsessed with "hugot lines" and believing that (there is) #WalangForever. Which is probably why the album was well received by teenagers to the late twenties demographic. Check out the #PapuntaPabalikArt to check it out. 

Album Art 

Packaged with a thick booklet featuring art by Daniel Tingcungco the album brings more bang to your buck which you can get for P280.00 only. The art is whimsical and fits with the feel of the songs, as it also tells a story through symbols, which you will probably spend time on decoding. The art cements the album's image as it offers a visual reference to the songs, which is probably what inspired fans to create their own art and anything that gets kids creating is always a plus. 

There are still a lot of gems to discover in the album but I won't spoil them for you as I want you to find that out on your own. Aside from the earlier mentioned songs, I also recommend "Mapa" and "Close Your Eyes". 

Creating their own unique sound and feel the band has successfully reached out to scores of fans, who actually take time to create artwork inspired from songs in the album. Kids whose peers would rather be listening to the latest foreign pop act than be caught dead fangirling over a local band.

Autotelic has quenched that thirst for local music to make waves in the mainstream arena once more. 

4 out of 5, "Papunta Pabalik" is available at Astroplus stores and can be streamed on Spotify. 

Music: Photo series: Autotelic: Papunta Pabalik

When Autotelic's "Papunta Pabalik" was launched last week, there was reliable information going around cyberspace that copies will be available at Astroplus stores on September 30, a day before the actual launch on October 1. 

So Paul and I headed to the nearest Astroplus only to be told by staff that it the album will only be available after the official launch on Saturday. 

With heavy hearts We went home but all was not lost as we could still enjoy the album on Spotify :) 

The team (naks-just Paul and I actually) was scheduled to cover another music event on Saturday October 1, although we could have gone to the album launch after, I was actually "afraid", yes we were "afraid" of the crowd, which was surely going to be HUGE, like overwhelmingly HUGE and well, Paul and I aren't as young as we were and I also came from work so we weren't really a 100% and the thought of fighting for breathing space had our 30 year old (30+ for Paul hahaha) knees shaking. 

A week later. 

We were at SM Megamall to pick up a gift for my godaughter and we swung by the Astroplus branch to (finally) get a copy of "Papunta, Pabalik" and this is what happened. 

Me: (To the Sales Lady) Ate - meron po ba kayong Autotelic? 

Sales Lady: (Enthusiastically) Ay mam meron po! Marami! 

Goes to the display where there are 3 copies visible. 

Sales Lady: Malakas po sila mam, dapat hangang dito ang display, indicates a spot which was now occupied by another album instead of Autotelic's. 

Me: Oo nga po, nag kaka ubusan nga po sa ibang mga Astroplus stores. 

Sales Lady: Ano po bang tunog nila mam? 

Me: Hmm..parang electro-pop po. 
(Phew, I don't have my music reviewer hat on). 

Sales Lady: Para ba sila ung isa pang indie na banda na sumikat? Ano nga un? Ah! Up Dharma Down! Parang ganun ba? 

Paul: Ay ndi po. Ibang iba po. 

Me: Mas up-beat po ung tunog nila (Autotelic). 

Sales Lady: Ndi po kc namin pweding buksan ung CD, she was obviously curious. 

Me: Ay nasa Spotify po sila, pasok nga po ung mga kanta nila sa mga Top lists sa Spotify.

While this was going on, Paul and I were trying to take a photo of the CD. 

Sales Lady: Suddenly has a stern face. Mam, taga MCA po ba kayo? 

Me: Ay, ndi po. 

Sales Lady: Kasi po bawal picturan ung CD. 

Paul: Ay - bayaran mo na yan dali! (Jokingly). Para pwedi na picturan.

So we went to the counter to pay for the CD. Good thing the Sales lady didn't ask me to erase the photo. :P 

Ate Sales Lady asked the girl at the counter, "Ilan pa ung Autotelic?" After punching something in the computer she responds "Seven." (So much for "maraming copies") but then as a fan, I'm happy that the album sales are doing so well. 

I wasn't originally planning on doing a post for this but we had such an interesting encounter at the record store, we decided to do a photo series of sorts. It's funny that, that one photo had so much going on in the background. 

And then there were two. 

We have been following Autotelic for some time now, just as they were about to break though the mainstream scene and I'm really glad that we have a copy of their first LP. (Review here.) It would probably be hard to get a copy of the first LP, I don't know if the band has any plans on reproducing copies, given their success and huge following. (Hello Telic friends!) I'm just glad that we have ours. I remember Josh still had long hair when we got this copy in 2014. Signatures for the two CDs are not yet complete - I still have to work on that.  

#CDsNotDead


-is something that I've been trying to promote and try to post whenever I can. I don't know, maybe it's got something to do with being born in the 80's and being a kid in the 90's. Paul and I really still do prefer physical copies of the music that we listen to. I have a humble collection of vinyl and CD at home, when we get to fix it up I can probably start taking photos, doing features and what not. 

I do have a Spotify account and listen to songs there as well but you know, you can have the best of both worlds. Easily access songs on Spotify and still have that tangible CD in your hands. Just pop it in the player, whether in the car or at home to just let it play. Without you having to think about what song should be next on a playlist. 

There is a lot of work that goes on behind an album, it's not just the music but the packaging and the album art as well and Paul and I like looking into that and appreciating what goes into it. 

+Plus you can have it signed by your favorite artists after a show! 

As I said earlier, this was an accidental post but then when "inspiration strikes" right? I will definitely be doing an album review for "Papunta Pabalik" soon but for now it's currently playing in our CD player at home and in the car for when we go out for the weekend.

Events + Music: Eastwood City Beer Festival Kick Off Party

Paul: I treat Eastwood as one of the best places to hang out, listen to music, get some grub and have a drink. October is here and Eastwood City welcomes the month as it launches Beer Festival! I was lucky that I didn't have work so I got to enjoy great music from local bands like: Ang Bandang Shirley, Autotelic and Jensen and the Flips!

What I like about their Beer Festival set up is that it's very chill, the tables and chairs allow you to eat good food, enjoy cold beer and listen to awesome live music. There were also fun activities like beer pong and games, the event was hosted by Julz Savard. 

It was also the Friday where Autotelic just got off launching their anticipated album "Papunta Pabalik", ica and I even went to Astroplus in the morning to get a copy, unfortunately there wasn't any available yet. We're currently enjoying it onSpotify but will definitely pick up a physical copy. Ica will definitely be writing a review. 

REMEMBER that there are DJ sets every Friday at Fuente Cirlce + participating establishments in Eastwood will be offering awesome deals throughout October! 

It was great to get to spend Friday night like this, just a chill night with beer and music. I also got the chance to meet some cool cats, who were big fans of the bands and that's always interesting. 

Thanks Eastwood! #EastwoodBeerFest 

Click here for more photos.

Autotelic Album Review

2014 was a good year for OPM, not yet the "boom" kind of good which I hope would come again one day, (think Eraserheads, Rivermaya, Parokya Ni Edgar) but good enough for there to be notable indie acts to break in the local music scene, release an album and gain a fan base and a following. 

Autotelic is one of those bands who with their distinct techno pop sound have catapulted in the local music scene. They have a unique sound that sets them apart from other bands. 

Fans and audiences can relate to their honest lyrics, mostly written in Tagalog. Only two songs from their 8 track album are written in English. 

I got their debut album for only P250.00 during Loop's Route 196 leg of their Manila tour, I've actually been meaning to get a copy of their album and/or catch them perform live in a gig but since our schedule has been a b*tch that has been hard to schedule or make possible. 

When I do album reviews, I also write about the physical casing that goes with the CD, I believe that this is also an important factor, especially since I've officially started collecting CDs :p (I would have preferred vinyls but it's just too expensive and si don't think that our local Indie acts would be releasing their albums in that format. Now does anyone know where I can have a CD player that's custom made to have a vintage look? Or maybe you guys would know where I can buy one - just let me know okay? ^_^)

In the case of Autotelic's album, the physical casing of the album is very well made, it even has the same quality as my The 1975 Deluxe Edition album and that's a very good thing. The album art was well thought off,as well as the art on the sleeves it has a contemporary theme and feel. The band also used their logo in a classy and subtle way. I was just a bit disappointed that there were no lyrics that accompanied the CD :( 

Autotelic's Pretty Lady Keytarist Kai Honasan 

It's a good thing that we were able to see Autotelic perform live since I believe that this too is an indication on the talent and musicality of a band and as I said in my blog post - these guys were a crowd favorite. The audience sang, danced and joked with the band throughout their set. 

The thing about Autotelic is that their sound is unique, it's light and easy to listen to, it's catchy enough for their songs to get stuck in your head (which is a good thing). Popping their CD in your car while on a drive, whether it is through the hellish traffic of the cities or long drives in the province is a good way to make your trips more enjoyable or bearable depending on where you are :p 

It's also a good chill out song, whether you are alone or with your friends. One thing I can say is that if you have your other friends listen to them - hindi ka mapapahiya (your taste in music will not be tainted in any way) as these guys bring a good name to OPM. 

Lead vocalist Josh's smooth vocals are perfect with the band's east going melodies coupled with cool guitar riffs and steady beats. Their music exudes positive vibes that just male you want to dance and it can brighten up any gloomy day. 

Looking forward to seeing more diversity and experiments from the band but in the mean time I know that they will continue in their streak through 2015. 

Catch you guys in a gig soon! I still lack 3 signatures on my CD! ^_^ 

Upcoming Events: Neon Fest: Get to know the Headlining Bands

Now that you guys already know our 10 Indie bands performing for Neon Fest (in case you still don't you can check out the blog post here) it's time to get to know the 6 headlining bands performing! 

Mad Hatter Day 

I have nothing but love for Mad Hatter Day who have gone from your regular College band to opening acts for Bazooka Rocks II. As I mentioned in our review of their EP - Alice in Distress, their sound is fresh and unique and you can hear the hints and influences of metal and you can hear good old glam rock in their music. 

To get a feel of their sound, check out my favorite track off their EP - Finding Atlantis below. 

They also have a new song coming out, Resistance which they will be launching on September 28. 

For more information and updates on the band you can like their Facebook page here. 

Jensen Tenoso

An award winning singer in her own right, Jensen Tenoso already has a slew of awards and accomplishments at her young age even being part of the top five of GMA 7's PROTEGE in 2011. 

Check out her stint in Protege and rendition of Footprints in the Sand by Leona Lewis in the video below. 

For more updates and information on Jenses you can like her Facebook page here. 

  

Midnight Meetings 

Another band, who we have been following is Midnight Meetings their unique take on blues and jazz is something refreshing and sets them apart from other bands. 

You can check out my EP Review for their acoustic EP 'Pwede Ba?' here. 

You can also watch their video 'Pwede Ba?' below. 

For more updates and information on the band. Make sure to like their Facebook page here.