Phew! I have so much pending album/EP Reviews! Movies have pretty much kept me busy for 2015 so now will try my best to get right back on it. Let's start with CIRCA's Skylight EP.
To me, CIRCA will always be one of those underrated bands who deserve more air plays and should get to play more shows. They are one of the few 'good old' pop-rock bands still belting out well written, electric guitar based songs. None of the 'sync and tech' depended songs that seem to be popular these days.
We have been following the band for some time now and are always pleased when they are in a line up in a gig we're watching.
Their EP Skylight which was released mid-2015 (yes, unfortunately, this EP review is very late) is a gem, with its 5 tracks of both English and Tagalog songs. As I've mentioned before, I always admire bands and/or acts that can write songs in both languages and Circa is one of those bands, and can do it well, might I add.
Although, most of their songs are in Tagalog and are about love and relationships, its not how most people would associate Tagalog love songs to be. Their songs have a pop-rock edge and sound which makes them a crowd favorite.
Hoping that the band will come out with new material soon as they seem to be 'quiet' right now.
For those of you who are curious, you can actually stream the EP on Spotify but if you want to support the band (more), you can check out their management The Yellow Room Music Philippines on how to get physical copies of the EP. :)
You can also check out some of their music videos online:
Save Me Hollywood is a local band that we follow and you've probably seen them on the blog since we do cover their gigs and I also wrote an album review for their debut "Your Story To Tell" which came out in 2013. When the band started playing new songs from their upcoming sophomore effort we were there to drink in and savor the goodness that new songs bring- at last the thirst has been quenched.
Last Easter Sunday the band released the video accompanying their catchy single "Everybody Wants You" and fans loved it. The music video ends with a teaser for another video, you know the "to be continued" kind. (You can watch it below).
The band represented the Philippines in the recently concluded Music Matters Live in Singapore, here they released their new EP Headlights, all copies they brought with them were sold out. They didn't forget about their fans back home though as they recently made the EP available to stream on Spotify. Which is why I am writing this EP review now, originally I thought we would be going to the EP launch, getting a physical copy then I would be able to write an EP review but when it became available to stream on Spotify I literally went now what?
Headlights On Spotify
As if a response to my question I saw bassist Calde's posts on social media asking fans to let them know what they thought of the new songs and upon seeing that it gave me the resolve to go ahead and write the review :)
Headlights is a 6 track EP, which opens with the sounds of waves crashing to the shore, you are transported to the beach, to the ocean, you smell the salt in the air, then the drums sound off and the song Headlights plays. Taking a different route from her usual range, vocalist Julz Savard sings in a higher range for this song. It's a raw song which leaves the musicians vulnerable, it's sad and shows the band at a more comfortable stage in their song writing. I remember in one of their shows Julz talks about this song and says "when you're in the headlights, you can't see anything but everyone else can see you" and it's this vulnerable feeling which also transcends to the song.
After the song plays, you hear the sound of the ocean again, teasing you of the summer that has come to pass, then the short but sweet and catchy Everybody Wants You plays, reminiscent of their more upbeat songs like High from their debut album, the chorus is ingeniously written with lyrics that goes: "Give Me One, Give Me Two, Give Me All Of You..." fans will definitely be screaming-err singing that out loud at gigs and shows. I just wish that the song were longer though, it's so good that you just want more of it.
Secrets is the next song and no longer has the fun and upbeat characteristic it's predecessor had, the lyrics paint a vivid picture and tell a strong story "We're in the streets eh, and I just can't sleep eh, So let's keep Secrets eh.." I can really see a couple, sitting on the sidewalk in the early morning, whispering secrets to each other.
Coming Up Roses continues to show the band's more vulnerable side with lyrics like "I know I'm safe but it can't be that simple, the longer I wait, the more wretched I get" you feel the emptiness but then there is a saving grace in the story of the song with the lyrics "You came along and it all made sense" and it just brings a smile to your face.
An old song that the band wrote but did not make it to the first album, Hold Your Fire picks up the pace and brings back the energy to which the band is known for. There is more angst in the song "If this means war-it just means you're asking for more" you hear the angry guitar riffs and you know they mean business. A good balance to the rest of the EP which otherwise shows a more mellow side to the band.
The EP closes with a song aptly called Slow It Down, have you ever heard songs that just makes you overcome with emotion and when the guitar adlibs play you just get goosebumps and you feel like crying? Well this is one of those songs, it's so scathing raw you can't help but be sad and calm at the same time. Then you hear the waves again, you're back at the beach and the EP is over, the sounds of the beach making everything come full circle.
The Headlights EP shows us that Save Me Hollywood has more tricks up their sleeves. We see a raw and vulnerable side of them but still delivering well written songs worthy of representing Original Pinoy Music to other countries. There is less distortion giving the new songs a more refined sound. I'm definitely missing their more angsty, let's 'bang our heads' songs like Reckless, We Are One Tonight and Any Press Is Good Press from their debut album. Hopefully there will be a couple of tracks with a similar feel in their yet untitled sophomore album.
Even if I already have the album on Spotify (you can download it so it's available offline when you go premium) I will still be getting a physical copy of the EP as soon as it's made available. Why? Because I support the artist and the local music industry plus it's an addition to my collection :p I don't have a copy of the very first EP that the band came out with so that sucks and so I also suggest you get Headlights so you won't regret it in the future :p
Other ways of supporting the band is by listening to their songs on Spotify, voting for their music videos and requesting for their songs on the radio. Of course going to their shows! Hope to see you in one soon :)
Inspiration can strike at the most unexpected places and at the most unexpected times.
While I already had a general idea on how to go about writing my "Mayonnaise 2014" EP Review; inspiration struck and had me taking a different direction for this write up. It was in the middle of a get together with childhood friends, when my iTunes became a source of music and they stumbled upon the Mayonnaise 2014 EP. They began singing (more like drunk belting out-actually) old favorites like Jopay and Bakit Part 2. You can probably picture it in your head; a group of friends gathered and singing (rather loudly, probably thanks to the alcohol) surprisingly in a very heartfelt way (hugot lyrics maybe?) to old favorites but remastered with some new elements.
A week is never complete without some reminder of a past memory, whether it may be a sweet or bitter one, hence the weekly staples of #ThrowbackThursday, #FlashbackFriday #WaybackWednesday and other such trips down memory lane.
This nostalgic feeling is what the Mayonnaise 2014 album brings. Celebrating 10 years in the music industry; an achievement that not many can claim, Mayonnaise revisits their roots in the EP, bringing new life to old favorites. You find yourself belting out old favorites, like my drunken friends from last Sunday's early morning festivities. Probably reminiscing memories those songs had years ago and I think that this is where the power of this EP lies, it plays on reminiscing and we are a generation who loves looking back and Mayonnaise 2014 is a great way of doing that.
It comes in a simple black and white art cover. I wish they could have added a few words in the EP, like mentioning the 10 years that the band is celebrating and some thoughts on why revisit their old songs. That would have added a great personal touch to the EP's packaging.
So the next time you do a Throwback post you might want to check out the Mayonnaise 2014 EP - it is a genuine trip down memory lane but with new elements that will have you admiring the band's longevity and contribution to OPM.
When I was 19 years old, I was in Second Year College (Nursing), Paul and I had just become a couple. I was engrossed in what any ordinary 19 year old was during my day. School, Family, Boyfriend and friend, we were in the School Publication though so that too. There wasn't even Facebook during those days (Friendster became a thing when I was I my 3rd to 4th year of college.
So just imagine my admiration of B.P. Valenzuela who at 19 years old is taking the Indie scene by storm. Her name has been on the lips of industry giants and greats, she has been featured in a number of magazines and articles, fans gush at her during shows, she recently played for <S>andwich's vinyl album launch and she was also a part of the recent Malasimbo Music and Lights Festival in Puerto Galera.
I already mentioned in our Satchmi Feels blog post we won a copy of her EP be/ep by guessing her favorite local fruit lansones so thanks to lansones we got to bring home a copy of her EP and thus this review!
When Paul and I first played B.P.'s EP we thought that her music had an ambient feel to it. Like a soft and subtle music in the background that's very relaxing to listen to.
Not your conventional radio songs that consist of traditional instruments, your typical singing, stanzas and a chorus. B.P. takes everything to a whole new different level with the use of synthesizers, sound effects and even recorded dialogue. Yet, despite the mix and match of these unlikely ingredients B.P.'s music comes out in unison and harmony and are surprisingly catchy and addictive that we found ourselves wanting more of her music.
As if her EP was a delicious appetizer making our mouths water for the main course (pardon the use of food as comparisson - really hungry as I am writing this :P)
Consisting of 5 tracks, the EP will give you a new sense of hope at the talent of our young musicians. There is also beautiful lyrics in the songs in building she says:
You said
Time flies, love dies, people walk away
Memories are ghosts of moments you can't
have again
Let go of inhibitions keeping you from loving me
but don't fall in love with me
please don't fall in love with me
It is indeed a good thing that our craving for B/P's music will be satisfied (more food similies) with the release of her album The Neon Hour this coming March 28 at the Twelth House in Cubao Expo.
You can click on the event page here for more details :)
The CD sleeves come with beautiful photos, I'm guessing the coffee is also because of B.P.'s love for coffee. She also works part time as a barista in Satchmi :) We used the cereal bowl photo (which is also ingeniously the design on the CD) for the concept around the shoot.
We'll definitely be hearing more from this talented musician! Check back on the blog soon - we'll be dropping by her album launch :) Excited to get my hands on The Neon Hour :)
After doing an EP Review for Indie Pop's Reese and Vica for their Those Who Wander EPI'm shifting gears on my next review with Alternative Rock's Talata's self titled EP. You can read all about the EP Launch here.
Composed of musicians who have been in the OPM scene for a long time already; Talata is fronted by Reyg Linao, wife to Kamikazee guitarist Jomal Linao who is also in the band. Which is why tere are many running jokes about the band's often angry songs as being a reflection of the married couple's relationship.
James Joy Linao on Lead Guitar, Anton Lanario on Bass and Dacky Clamor on Drums complete the five piece band based in Manila.
Known for their heavy guitars, raging drum beats and really angry lyrics-and we're. It talking about cute Taylor Swift break up songs but 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned' type of lyrics.
In Fed Up the band says:
Napagod, Nag-sawa, Nanlamig
Nag bigay ng lahat
Ubos na ang pag-Ibig sayo
I loved how one of the songs is entitled: "Bugtong" I mean, how many kids out there still know what a Bugtong is ? In the song Reyg belts out:
Ako ang Kasama
Iba'ng nasa Isip
Ako ang ka-yakap
Ibang panag-inip
Akin ka, Ika'y sa kanya
And it's not all about bad relationships, ex-lovers or douchebag guys not knowing what monogamy means. There's also a bit of a cat fight in the EP with the song "Margarita" which is about girls who can't handle a couple of - well - Margaritas.
You can check out the official video for Fed Up - and don't forget to vote for it on Myx :)
My favorite track from the album is "Bride" which I first heard during the EP launch and even then in the crowded , noisy bar (it was a full house) I knew that I loved the song and as I said before I really admire bands who can write both in Tagalog and English and you get that in the self titled EP which has 5 tracks and for P250.00 that's not bad at all. Especially since it comes in an amazing package, it even has the traditional fold-up lyric sheet. I believe you can get a copy atZili Nasi Goreng :)
The band is also currently on their EP tour so make sure to like their Facebook page for updates.
I really enjoyed the EP, if you are a fan of rock and alternative you should really pick up a copy. The EP is filled with Rock songs that will make you want to jump and bang your head and you don't need to be going through a bad relationship to appreciate the songs, you just do because they are well written Alternative Rock songs which deserve to be blasted on your stereos.
Reese Lansangan has actually been in the blog a lot last 2014 - whether we were blogging or covering her art or her music; her colorful talents and personalityhas always been a presence in the blog. (Her hair isn't the only thing colorful about her). Well I think that I should start of 2015 with a new feature and write-up on one of Reese's creative outputs and this time it's Reese and Vica's "Those Who Wander" EP Review! We have the downloaded copy of their "Crossing Neverland" album thanks to Amplify.ph! But you what it's really different when you have the actual physical copy of the album or the EP (so -- does anyone know where I can get a physical copy of Crossing Neverland? Reese? Vica?) Also do you girls have a digital cover art for Those Who Wander? So I can update it on my iTunes - I'm kind of particular with the digital cover art :P Going back to the "Those Who Wander" EP if you enjoy any of their songs well then this EP is a welcome extension of their addictive harmonies, impressive guitar playing and superb song writing.
Consisting of five songs, Those Who Wander is a great cd to pop in you player when you're looking for a way to relax, trust me their smooth vocals can remove the stress out of any bad day that you're having.
Here are the five tracks in the EP:
WARDROBES
WITHCING
WHAT'S WRONG WITH HOPING?
PORTUGUESE
INTERLUDE
Here are some of my thoughts on the songs in the EP:
The first song that caught my attention (and I think is my favorite in the EP) is "Witching" which reminded me of Macbeth's Weird Sisters.
Here is what the Weird Sisters said:
"Double, Double toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble-"
While here is what Reese and Vica sing in Witching - my favorite part is the chorus and that pre-chorus is to die for
Eye of newt and blood of boar
Rabbit's paw fetch me some more
A lock of hair from virgin's head
A jar of thumbs underneath the bed
Wing of beetle head of snail
Light of firefly, rodent's tail
A box of frogs from the river's mouth
Crows caught flying towards the south
You really should listen to the song. It's creepy and beautiful at the same time. Definitely unlike any other song out there right now. If you haven't listened to any of this Indie-Pop duo's songs then you're missing half of your life!
My second favorite song would be "What's Wrong With Hoping" and I think it's the ultimate friend-zoned song - just in time for Valentine's maybe?
Here are some of the lyrics (in no particular order) and you can decide for yourself-
Tell me where are we going
I'm waiting to see the world with you
Are we just friends who like to dream and travel far?
Don't blame me for trying
Are we just going to wait until it fades?
Wow! Talk about some hugot lyrics! You might want to check out the song in it's entirety and I know that Reese and Vica will be performing in Satchmi's @Feels Valentines event on the 14th :p
Among the Lights: Reyg Linao of Talata during their EP Launch.
One of my regrets for 2014 was not being able to cover as much local gigs as we used to. So this 2015, one of my New Year Resolutions was to get to cover as much gigs as we could, despite the ugly and difficult schedules that we have.
Case in point-right now (at this period in time) Paul's off days are actually Monday-Tuesday (see-I told you-UGLY). So when Talata announced that they would be having their EP Launch on the the first Monday of January at 70's Bistro, we jumped at the chance to cover. Another requirement for gigs-to cover, especially when I'll still be going to work after would be that the location of the bar is near Eastwood (where I work). Which is why we found ourselves on a Monday evening at a jam-packed (the whole place was filled!) 70's Bistro, covering our first local gig of 2015- hoping for more this year! It was our first time at 70's Bistro actually and it was pretty nice :) Beer price is coincidentally around P70.00. :P
We got to know Talata through covering an acoustic gig at Zili Nasi Goreng - a bad as$ Malaysian Restaurant at Vista Verde in Cainta. The owners turned out to be Mr. and Mrs. Linao. Jomal (Kamikazee) and Reyg, who also make up Talata. Okay so before I dive into the EP launch, I just have to go ahead and say that I really admire Jomal and Reyg; they have a family, with a beautiful daughter but they still pursue their dreams and literally rock out. I mean talk about having rocker parents right? They have a successful business and a financial adviser - yup you read that right a financial adviser! From an outsider's perspective they have things pretty much figured out which is why I really admire them as a couple and aspire to be cool parents like them someday :)
It was my first time to see Typecast perform live in a gig, since getting a copy of their Word Sits Heavy EP (which I won in a contest through Jam 88.3-album review here). We last saw them perform when they opened for Fall Out Boy in 2013 and as Paul said - you always appreciate a band more when you see them perform live and the same goes for Typecast ^_^
Another first for me was to see Moonstar 88 live- and it was really a relaxing set (obviously) and it gave a good variety from the other bands that performed earlier. I'm just glad that despite changes in the line up- Moonstar 88 has continued to create music and play for audiences - hoping to see more of them this year ^_^
The last time we saw Kamikazee was when we covered their signing in with JB Music, which the stage of the night was powered by - by the way. So I don't know if it usually sounds good in The 70's Bistro or was it thanks to JB Music ^_^
Seeing Kamikazee perform in a small bar was crazy fun! Now I see why Jay had a cordless mic (probably also from JB music-which is why it sounds so good!) with him as he made the ENTIRE bar-I kid you not - his stage! I mean this person is the very epitome of a performer as he reached out to people in the audience, danced his signature sexy, crazy moves; kissed girls and even got up the bar (where they served drinks) to do more crazy antics! Plus the hilarious banter of Jay towards other bands, just had the crowd howling with laughter. Jay also jokes about what will happen when the band will be "laos" but seriously how can Kamikazee be laos? These guys are one of a kind and I'm glad that OPM has them.
Crowd Favorite: Jay of Kamikazee basking in the light.
I would say that I am both lucky and happy when I was one of ten winners of Typecast's "Word Sits Heavy" EP from Fresh Filter on Jam 88.3, which makes writing this EP Review easier and faster since the said EP was already part of my to-review list anyway. But before I go ahead with the review let me just go out and say that I was sad when I found out that drummer Melvin Macatiag has parted ways with the band. Paul and I had the pleasure of meeting him because of our following Save Me Hollywood. He always had a ready smile and greeting whenever he would see us. This of course is not a "chismis column" and so I won't be dwelling into the reason for the parting of ways. At the end of the day (from my perspective at least) - it's all about the music. Knowing that Melvin and Typecast will be continuing to contribute to OPM will be good enough for me. Word Sits Heavy is Typecast's newest release since the 2011 How Your Influence Betrays You and is composed of four tracks.
Word Sits Heavy
Gasoline
For Your Sake
Ceiling
My favorite song off the EP, would have to be the carrier single Gasoline, when I listen to it, I can't help but stomp my feet to the beat, do head banging motions which eventually escalates to awkward dancing - damn the weird stares I get. Did I mention this awkward dancing happens in public places?
Gasoline is the anthem of a wild night, images of driving fast in one's car in the highway comes to mind while listening to the well written angsty song and the marriage of the rich bass and intricate guitars is the cherry on top of this ice cream.
I can't wait to watch them perform this live, that's going to be one mean mosh pit.
Can I also just mention that I love the art of the EP! I was just surprised when I synced the CD in my iTunes it didn't include the Cover Art and I'm very particular about that :p
So going back....
My second favorite song from the EP is Ceiling which is reminiscent of the band's trademark emo sound. It still has an upbeat tempo but Steve Badiola's smooth vocals bring all the emotion to the song. It's one of those songs that makes mush out of your heart. I love how the song ends with the lingering keys until there is nothing left.
Word Sits Heavy as an EP makes me happy that established OPM artists are continuing to make music all of us can enjoy and be proud of and the fact that radio stations like Jam 88.3 and radio shows like Fresh Filter are putting these songs on the radio waves gives me hope that there are other comrades out there in the battle to support OPM. You should join in too!
In the mean time I think I'll go back to awkward dancing to Gasoline.
You can download Typecast's Word Sits Heavy on iTunes.
Fresh Filter is on at Jam 88.3 on Wednesdays from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM and features OPM songs (Filipino Independent Music). UPDATE! Just had my Word Sits Heavy signed by the band when I saw them perform during Talata's MV and EP launch ^_^
While most students are probably dreading the approaching month of June - there is definitely something to look forward to and that is Midnight Meeting's Pwede Ba Music Video and Acoustic EP Launch! (Yeheeeeeey!!!) And in our continued efforts to promote OPM music PCheng Photography will be there to cover the event - through photos and blogging as always. :) The Launch will be on June 4, 2013 at Route 196 in Katipunan. Click the link for their FB page and directions :) There is definitely A LOT in store for you guys when you drop by the event since there will also be performances from these amazing bands!
So finally here is the long overdue EP Review for Mad Hatter Day's EP Alice in Distress. When I first came across this band I saw their video for Finding Atlantis on Youtube and I played it - again and again and again. You can credit at least a thousand views to me.
I was so impressed that they easily made it to my list of Buzz Worthy OPM bands. I knew I wanted a copy of their EP Alice in Distress but I wanted the classic CD copy - yeah call me old fashioned but I wanted the good old CD over the downloadable one. Speaking of the EP download you can actually download it here- for FREE until May 21, 2013. Go! Go! Go!!!
The EP has 4 songs and each one is a jewel that really makes you proud of OPM and gives you that hope that their is more to Original Pinoy Music than good looks, simple melodies and shallow lyrics.
Here are the songs on the EP:
LABYRINTH
ALICE IN DISTRESS
BATTLEGROUND
FINDING ATLANTIS
My favorite would easily be Finding Atlantis I can still listen to it on repeat but all the other 3 songs come in close. They are all unique and they are something that we can proudly classify as OPM.
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