Music: Thoughts on Reese Lansangan's "Of Sound Mind And Memory"

I think that an EP Review for Reese Lansangan's "Of Sound Mind and Memory" cannot simply be about the songs in the EP itself, you have to talk about its secret conception, which is just another reflection of its intimate nature. The EP is a secret love-child, which Reese kept and nurtured until the right time to share it to friends and followers. 

Despite a very busy few months; a fun collaboration with Fully Booked with the "Arigato Internet" Book Hunt, a music video for St. Petersburg, singer-songwriter has managed to record a 4-track secret EP! Which is something that I consider as a near impossible feat, what with social media, literally in your hands. 

Yet last April 30 (yes I know, this write up is way overdue) I was indeed surprised to receive an email (I'm signed up to her newsletter) about a surprise EP. Two words I wouldn't think that would go together, as most artists would update followers on any new music that they are working on but of course, Reese is not your every artist. She has and always will walk to the beat of her own drum, as she clearly has every detail of her ventures under her control. The distribution of the EP under the name of her studio: "Soon The Moon". 

The EP opens with the 1:59 min track "Arisophanes" which combines Reese's vocals with the use of loops and effects, something that we've heard her do in the years of following her work, while it may not be one of my favorites, it is an effective way of starting the EP or album, with the trend of using shorter tracks and sometimes even instrumental ones. If you want a stripped down version of the song, you can watch it on her "Of Sound Mind And Memory"  live sessions on Youtube. 

The next track is "Machines and Men" which exhibit her prowess as a lyricist as she tells the story of life and death (which is impressive in her young age) from the perspective of our very, very fragile and malleable bodies. 

"For the Fickle" is my favorite track from the EP, Lansangan's pleas for a "steady love" will have your heart bleeding. 

She sings: 

"No, I don't want just any love

I want steady love" 

-and in this day and age of flings and one night stands, you just want to hear those kinds of lyrics and Reese's honest and sincere way of singing it makes you want to want it as well. 

The last track "Wildwood" is a second favorite from the EP and its lyrics speak of a minimalist life, and being happy with the simplest things in life. A welcome reprise from the materialistic, bling, cash and party songs that litter the radio airwaves. 

To fully experience "Of Sound Mind and Memory" (aside from getting the tshirt - support local merchandise!) one must also watch its live sessions which was shot in beautiful Baguio as it also reaffirms Lansangan's acoustic singer-songwriter image, the very same one which also imbues her sincerity and vulnerability in her music. 

As of writing, the EP is not yet available in physical CD format. I would definitely get a copy. It is available in streaming services and let's just say that the baby has been listening to a lot of Reese these past few months.   

EP Review: Oh, Flamingo! Don't forget the ',' and the '!'

Took a photo of the CD, right after picking it up from the counter at Satchmi. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Label: Wide Eyed Records 

As a couple, Paul and I influence each other in music and with a 6 year difference in our ages, the music that we share is very diverse and transcends decades. 

When it comes to discovering new music, and/or new bands/artists to follow it can be either one of us who recommends it to the other. Now, in the case of four-piece Indie Rock band "Oh, Flamingo!" 

it was Paul who was the initial fan; he would crank up the volume of the car stereo whenever the bands song "Two Feet" would play on Jam 88.3.

Howard Luistro of Oh, Flamingo! performing during Satchmi's Vinyl Day. 

Pretty Soon, we were both singing the song (with harmonies) and Paul would even play the beat of the drums on the steering wheel and now we are officially Oh, Flamingo! fans. 

I've been planning to get a copy of their EP for some time now, which is why I was really happy when I saw that it was being sold at Satchmi; I got a copy-no questions asked! For P250.00 with five tracks in the EP, I would say that it it's P250.00 well spent. There is no song that you 'skip' as you play the CD, because every song is a worthwhile listen with it's fresh Indie-Rock sound, unpredictable transitions and infectious harmonies. 

As winners of the coveted Wanderland band title, even beating out personal favorite Iligan-based Loop, Oh, Flamingo! Is making their own brand of noise, proving that despite having a few original songs under their belt, it is their unique charm and music that endears their fans and followers to them. 

The EP opens with 'Inconsistensies' which gives audiences a preview of the treat that they are in, the simple guitar riffs make way for more complicated ones, executed only by mastering the perfect timing. The radio friendly 'Two Feet' showcase the quartet's strengths, which are off the books music styles, which focus more on finding their own style, rather than ripping off other bands. The EP ends with the fun and fresh track 'June' which transcends to a Carribeanesque like song, you wouldn't see coming.

Bassist Billie Dela Paz. Plus points if you can you see her shout out to Howard in the photo? 

The lyrics are well written, no clichéd lyrics where in you can predict what word comes next or the ones that make you want to throw up as to how they cheesy they are. Nope, you won't find any of those with Oh, Flamingo! Their lyrics almost have a poem like quality, painting imagery which best compliments the well arranged songs. 

Howard Luistro's vocals make him sound older than he actually is. The strength of his laid back singing is knowing when to give and when to take. There is no overbearing 'birit' but a casual control, experienced musicians take years to master. 

It seems that the self titled EP is not an experiment as to finding out who they are or what their sound is. Rather, it is a loud testament of what Oh, Flamingo! is all about. From the intended use of punctuation marks in their name (don't forget the ',' and the '!') to their no-nonsense, no make up, yet super fun and 'kulit' album cover. Oh, Flamingo! is a refreshing promise to bigger things in the indie scene. 

Rating: 4 Stars (out of 5) 

*will start rating album and EP reviews* :) 

You can get physical copies of their EP at the following: 

Satchmi (SM Megamall) 

Team Manila Stores

The Four Strings (Cubao Expo) 

CIRCA: Skylight EP Review

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.

CIRCA during their Habang Buhay Music Video Launch. 

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: 

Huling Pag-ibig 

Habang Buhay 

Tonight 

*Habang Buhay is a definite favorite and I recommend it! All songs are in the EP :)   

Taking A Walk 'Along Van Buren'

While covering events and album launches we encountered Manila based 4 piece band Along Van Buren. They performed impressive cover songs as well as exceptionally good originals. You may have seen Along Van Buren around, they were finalists in the Greenhills Sessionistas (College Band) competition. They have played in different bars around the Metro, as well as in different commercial establishments for different events. They even put on a suit and tie for a debut gig. :) 

Along Van Buren's Patch Javier and Kipp Pascual during the Panic! At The Disco X All Time Low album launch
 at Odyssey, Gateway, October 2013. 

Fresh off College the boys have released their EP 'Je Ne Sais Quoui' with 5 original tracks. The group has a very raw punk rock sound which is reminiscent of the bands that inspire them, their lyrics talk of young love and which is something that they probably still experience themselves, given their ages. 

Vocalist Kipp Pascual talks about their EP:

Je Ne Sais Quoi, the title of our debut EP,  is a French phrase for “I know not what”, but people use it in English to describe a distinct quality that cannot be put into words. Ever since the band started, we’ve been trying to find our own unique sound; which is why we have a mirror on the album art. The girl is actually representative of the band; in the sense that the girl is trying to fit in with her classic black dress, her make-up far from being perfect. She’s far from looking the best she could be, but she’s on track. She has a certain spunk which makes her look beautiful despite her flaws. Just like us, Along Van Buren, we have a certain Je Ne Sais Quoi that makes us the band that we are today.

I look forward to hearing more stories from them to their songs, especially since the boys have just started working and I'm sure that their life experiences will reflect in their future songs. They are just like your brother and his friends who play music in your basement and we need more of them, musicians who are passionate enough to pick up an instrument, create original music and share it to the world. 

Along Van Buren is: 

Kipp Pascual 

Manu Avila 

Patch Javier 

Rommel Jabla 

Album art by Chesca Perez

Headlights: EP Review

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.

Save Me Hollywood performing at Treehouse Tavern. 

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 :) 

Mayonnaise 2014 EP Review

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.

Here is the tracklist for Mayonnaise 2014

Bakit, Pt. 2 (2014 Version) 

Jopay (2014 Version) 

The Only Thing (2014 Version) 

Pink White Blue (2014 Version) 

Sa Dilim (Previously Unreleased) 

The Only Thing (Acoustic Version) 

be/ep EP Review

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!

B.P Valenzuela during Satchmi's Feels Valentines Event

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 :) 

Talata EP Review

After doing an EP Review for Indie Pop's Reese and Vica for their Those Who Wander EP I'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 at Zili 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 and Vica: Those Who Wander EP Review

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 personality has 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 

Typecast: Word Sits Heavy EP Review

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 ^_^ 

OPM Spotlight: Reese and Vica

Reese Lansangan. 1/2 of Reese and Vica during Greenlight Music Fest.
Photo by: Pcheng Photography

I think I'm going to formally start a new segment in the blog which I shall call OPM Spotlight. It could be a Recommended Track to listen to or it could also be a Band Feature or Artist Feature or an Album/EP Review. I know I already have a bunch of earlier posts which would be considered under this category, so I guess I just want to make it official.

I know we blog about a whole lot of other things but I want to make sure that music, especially OPM has a loud voice in our blog posts and photos. This is our way of supporting OPM no matter how small it is. 

So without further adieu, let's get on with this OPM Spotlight with Reese and Vica! 

We haven't had the opportunity to see the duo in a gig or show- looking forward to catching them both live- soon I hope <3 but we've had the honor of catching Resse perform in her other band Dressed Up Days and as a solo artist during Greenlight Music Festival and ever since Paul and I have been fans. We've contended ourselves with downloading YouTube videos of the duo's songs but thanks to Amplify.ph we got to download their album Crossing Neverland and by downloading through Ampliphy.ph we also get to support Reese and Vica through their music - so everybody happy right? :) 

You can check out their songs -which you can download for FREE! Just click on the links!

ALBUM: Crossing Neverland 

Alice

Copycats

Magic

Mama

Open Your Eyes 

Peter Pan 

Silip

Walls

Mischief & Bandit 

Voyager: There Exists A Quantum God EP Review

We know him as Mad Hatter Day's bassist and if you guys follow the blog, you know that we love Mad Hatter Day, their refreshing take on rock and well written songs will have you convinced that OPM is churning out awesome music. 

Inside the confines of his room, Paco steps into a totally different spectrum of music and becomes 'Voyager' who dabbles into the world of synthesizers and midi music coming up with a medley of detoxifying music which always a good listen to after a stressful day.  

Got to check out his first EP and you can check it out too! Just go tot the link! https://soundcloud.com/voyagermnl 

My favorite from the EP is 'Parsec' you can let me know yours in the comment section! 

As an artist you can easily tell that there is growth in his musical journey as he steps out of his comfort zone and tries on a totally different pair of shoes. We talked about his new venture and while I told him that I found his work in the EP as mood music; he says he wishes would get drunk on the music. To which I reply a good kind of drunk. 

Talking about the EP, Paco says that his influences include Chromeo, Torro Y Moi, Snakeships and BANKS while the EP themes include Spirituality, Science Fiction (he's a fan) and Existentialism. 

Hopefully his continued nocturnal experiments will lead to more eclectic music that we can all enjoy and yes-get 'good' drunk on. 

EP Review: Midnight Meetings Acoustic

I know that this EP Review is very, very late already but allow me to explain (ahem...) along with this EP Review we will be having a PCheng Photography Give Away! A SIGNED Midnight Meetings EP, a Midnight Meetings keychain and maybe a signed print?? :)  (cue in the cheers - yeahey! yeahey!) but we couldn't do the give away yet without having sent the Mad Hatter Day: Alice in Distress EPs for our other PCheng Photography give away - so now that that's been done I can now post my EP Review for Midnight Meetings: Pwede Ba? Acoustic EP. 

We were also a sponsor during their EP and MV launch, blog post is here! 

Containing 4 acoustic tracks, the Midnight Meetings Pwede Ba? Acoustic EP is good to have in your playlist especially if you are a alternative-punk-rock chick like me. :) It's a good change to the heavy riffs and fast drum rolls, the songs are very laid back and relaxing.   

One of the things that I found very endearing about the EP is that it was personally made by the band. They literally made an assembly line of themselves and each one had a specific assignment and this gave it a very personal touch. The fact that it did not have the guise of anything manufactured makes the EP one worth holding on to; aaaand we are giving away a SIGNED copy plus more Midnight Meetings goodies! Just keep a look out for the contest mechanics :) 

Even though the band is fronted by the already famous Ashley Gosiengfiao, it is definitely not 'The Ashley Gosiengfiao band' since each member is a true musician in his or her own right. 

Petite bassist Guada Tagalog really lets slaps that bass and as Paul would say 'mabigat ang bagsak nya sa bass' hmmm do we have a Myrene or Lalai in the future? :P  Lead guitarist Ken Estioko also lets out heavy guitar riffs on his own - check out his cover of the Game of Thrones theme here! While Drummer Ralph De Guzman combines his charm, humor and wit with his drum playing prowess which makes him a memorable drummer indeed. And of course the band is rounded up by Ashley Gosiengfiao on guitar and vocals, her vocals and deep range set her apart to other female vocalists fronting other bands.  

Since it is an Acoustic EP I am really looking forward to a full band LP or album! So that they have a chance to showcase their versatility. :) 

Alice in Distress: EP Review

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.