YANO – TALA

I was already near  my mid-twenties when the local rock explosion gained  mainstream popularity in the early 90’s. I like what I was hearing on the radio and was able to buy  CDs and cassette tapes  of some of the  bands that caught my interest : The Dawn (of course!),  Eraserheads, Truefaith, The Youth  and Yano.

Among the brilliant rock albums that came out in the 90’s that I have heard, Yano’s self-titled debut in 1994 for me is one of the best and I put it on a  pedestal like Mike Hanopol’s ‘Awiting Pilipino’  and    Juan Dela Cruz’s reunion (and farewell)  album “Kahit  Anong Mangyari” among others.  In the album is the all-time classic “Banal Na Aso , Santong Kabayo” and other popular songs such as “Kamusta Na,” “Esem,” and “Senti” among others.

Currently, the CD is out-of-print or is no longer  available in the market. If one is interested to acquire a copy of the original  Yano self-titled debut CD  or  even its 1998 reissue, he should be prepared to fork out   two thousand pesos or more.  That is if he can find a seller or a collector  that is willing to part with his treasure. It was reissued again in 2006 in  2 CDs in 1 format, bundled with ‘Tara’, Yano’s third and final album with singer Dong Abay. ( But sadly, no trace of the original artworks of both albums can be found!) Even this reissue would cost you  double, triple or more the price from the original  when it was on retail. 

To me   classic local albums like Yano’s  debut should never be allowed to go  out of print; it should always be available in the market,  in physical format  for newer generation to   possess and appreciate.

But as much as I adore Yano’s debut album, the truth is,  as with  the other  bands that came out in the 90’s that I have liked (  except for Eraserheads and Rivermaya)  ,  I never followed them and have lost track when I no longer hear them on mainstream radio.

I got  reacquainted  with Yano when I purchased the 2 CDs in 1 reissue. Their third album is also an excellent release and  to quote AllMusic’s  David Gonzalez ,  “one of 1997’s best albums.”

My favorites in the album are:  “Ako”, “Paalam Sampaquita,””Tara” and  “Showbis.“

Afterwards, I obtained   a copy of  their 2nd album ‘Bawal’  online   which  surprisingly was abundant and affordable for a CD that  was released  in 1996, is out-of-print,  and have never been reissued. Notable tracks for me are: “Pyutcha,” “Diosdiosan,”and  “Bawal.” 

Meanwhile, also in 2006, Yano’s original,  charismatic and entertaining frontman,  Dong Abay released his own outstanding debut album, ‘Flipino.’(Four years after forming a short-lived band, Pan, and releasing their sole album "Pamaso Ng Payaso.")  His  album was well promoted and I even caught on T.V. his performance in MYX Live. 

Last year Dong Abay released his second solo  album, ‘Rebulto’ and like his debut, it  was  well received and highly acclaimed.   I’m glad I was able to purchase that CD in store before it went out of print. For me it is the best OPM album I bought in 2012.  

Yano is actually the partnership of  vocalist Dong Abay and guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Eric Gancio with  support from  Onie Badiang  on bass. The group disbanded in 1997 when Dong Abay left.

After Yano disbanded Eric Gancio went back to his homeland,  Davao, and released a solo album in 2004, "Sa Bandang Huli."  I read  he revived the Yano label  in 2007,  essentially a one man band and released the album, ‘Tala’(Star),  as Yano’s  fourth  album late 2012 or 2013 (as printed on the disc).  

A  Yano  without Dong Abay?

As much as I like Yano, I must confess— I realized I’m  not really familiar with the  band   because my notion of Yano  is  it’s largely a  Dong Abay  act  with the able backing of Eric Gancio. And  Dong Abay’s two brilliant solo releases buttressed   this   belief—that was  until I listened to   ‘Tala’  that I came to recognize  my Folly.

‘Tala’ is an excellent album  of 11 songs. 9 new  and 2 remakes. 

The album is stunning.  Now, this is the best money I spent for OPM music in 2013. 

The songs are beautiful, heartfelt, and touching-- well-crafted  Folk  rock with nice  melodies and  instrumentation; and  with  positive,  memorable  and serious lyrics and themes ;  but nothing preachy. The singing, like the previous  Yano releases,  passionate and  evocative.  One thing obvious though in this release is   the absence of punkish fast chords  and  is less on  socially conscious lyrics  that characterized Yano.

Tracklist:

1. Tala Dos

2. Punda

3. Alam Ko

4. Gisingin Mo Ako

5. Tulakbahala

6. Tala Uno

7. Pinoy Na Pasko

8. Lovely Day

9. Paalam Sampaquita 

10. Banal Na Aso 

11. Tayo Ay Pinagpala

“Tala Dos” and “Tala Uno” are both  folk rock  with an  almost identical lyrics, with the  same message but have disparate melodies.  The slight differences in the words perhaps  were  done  to adjust and   fit the same lyrics into two  different melodies. If the title would be the basis, then obviously “Tala Uno” is the original song with the lyrics. Perhaps Eric Gancio had a difficulty deciding  which version he would  use  in the album because both versions are great,  so he included both. In these two “encouraging” songs,  Eric Gancio is advicing the listeners( or someone) to leave the  mistakes, the pains, and the  bitterness of the past; and if searching for your inner self,  your true  purpose and the meaning of life, give more importance and follow the path to your “happiness” ( even without an ally) and the stars will open your  door, removing the hindrance...  I interpret this song as introspective (despite addressing someone in  second-person)—like Eric Gancio is now moving forward and starting a new chapter in life.

In “Punda, ” he laments the numerous false beliefs; the  chaos resulting from greed, and rifts that are always addressed through violent means. And asks: “nasa’n ba ang langit/ tanong ko kung bakit/ di ko ramdam ang katahimikan dito/ nasan ba ang langit/ewan kung bakit/di ko ramdam ang kapayapaan dito.”  

But again as if  speaking to himself he sings,  “ ika’y nakakulong sa makitid mong daan/ sa mala-selda mong isipan.” And in the final verse  he reveals rather straightforwardly what  I have  interpreted in  the first song—“sana bukas pagsapit ng liwanag  sa dakong silangan ay panimulang yugto ng aking buhay.” 

My favorites in the album are “Alam ko” and “Gisingin Mo Ako” which are both gentle love songs. What is plausible about Eric Gancio’s singing a ballad is you can feel the sincerity in his words and it penetrates in your skin into your soul.  Especially “Gisingin Mo Ako” which is about a person expressing his undying devotion to a  dearest that is about to depart…Trying to preserve and to hold  on  to the intimate moments to the end.... This song really got to me… excuse me for the liberal use of this word but to me this song is a “CLASSIC.”

“Tulakbahala” is another nice  folk rocker that tells  a story about the peril a father and son experienced  while fishing in a certain Pier in Sta. Ana...      

“Pinoy Na Pasko” and the only English track in the album, “Lovely Day,” are  both easy listening. The former  conveys  peace and unity observed in Filipino Christmas; and in the latter, about the ecstatic feeling in  being together  again with a love one , after being away for long  time.

Also,  highlights   of this album are the new versions of Yano classics, “Banal Na Aso, Santong Kabayo” and “Paalam Sampaguita” both originally sang by Dong Abay. In these versions you will never miss the vocals of Dong Abay because Eric Gancio’s renditions  are superb, as if they don't make any difference (this is as far as I’m concerned). Musically, both songs were given a more electric, heavier and longer treatment and to my surprise, I like these versions just like I have loved the originals.   

The album ends with, “Tayo Ay Pinagpala,” a tune set in a bright mood and  wishful lyrics: 

`Tayo ay tunay na pinagpala ngayong tayong lahat ay nag kakasama sama/nararamdaman ko ang pagkakaisa/naramramdamin natin ang bawat isa”

“sa pagkakaiba ng paniniwala/ sa ating paggalang ang lahat ay iisa”

“ang namamahala at mamamayan natutugunan ang lahat ng pangngailangan/ang ating likas yaman lalong  yumayaman ” 

‘Tala’ made  me so  eager to find out more about   Eric Gancio’s contributions in the original Yano. I read  the credits in the  three previous Yano CDs. I found out he is credited for co-writing or writing all  the lyrics and for co-writing or writing all the music in all  Yano  songs.  

This CD is  highly recommended not  only for Yano, Eric Gancio, and 90’s OPM alternative fans but for all lovers of OPM music as well. 

Ely Buendia, Rico Blanco, Bamboo & Dong Abay: My thoughts on their recent CD releases.

              It was election day yesterday, a holiday,   in a  sweltering hot summer afternoon with nothing much to do at home but to relax and chill out.  I was listening to the latest project of Ely Buendia via his new band (or his other band), the Oktaves. When I   listen to Ely Buendia's music whether as an Eraserheads or as a Pupil, it comes natural that I  follow it up with that of  Rico Blanco, Bamboo ,  and Dong Abay. Like many others , these guys are also my favorites among local artists of recent years. They  (with  their respective former bands)  litted the OPM airwaves in the 90s and thankfully so, are still around making music. I would like to share my thoughts on  their latest releases.

           

BAMBOO - NO WATER, NO MOON

RICO BLANCO- GALACTIK FIESTAMATIK,  DONG ABAY: REBULTO, &  THE OKTAVES: THE OKTAVES

Bamboo: No Water, No Moon (November 2011)

               
                     As far as local bands  frontmen are concerned, I think he is unique. He  has the x-factors that others do not or barely possesses: the looks,  the charisma, the energy and the moves of an ideal rockstar. After going AWOL  in the late 90s, his return to the music scene around 2003 , as well as the establishment of a new band then  that bares his name (Bamboo) with fellow ex-Rivermaya Nathan Azarcon, is credited for reigniting the flame in  the local band scene which has been in doldrums since the disbandment of its prime mover, the  Eraserheads in 2002 . Three successful albums (of original materials) with the Bamboo band later,  producing classic anthemic rock songs such as "Pinoy," "Hallelujah," and "Kailan," in 2011 the band  called it quits. Now for the first time Bamboo the person, made a solo album. While songwriting is not known to be his forte, for this album he wrote it in its entirety.   

                     First, I have an issue with this album. I have been accustomed  to seeing Bamboo as the quintessential Pinoy rocker both in Rivermaya and in Bamboo but  here , there is  hardly any rocking going on. Left to his own devices (judging from this CD) ,  Bamboo turned out to be anything other  than a rocker. Second, with its very personal and serious nature , I have to be in a really receptive mood to pull this one out of the shelve.   

                 However, taking the issues aside, this album (  best heard as a whole),  is a great release. It was described   as "grand," "arty," and  "approaching a film-score type of music" by reviewers like Tony Maghirang of Yahoo. Among the many nice songs, my favorites are the lead single, "Questions," "Back On My Feet" and the Bambooish (Band) "The Only Way." Great album as it is, it will surely alienate many of his rock fans .  

Dong Abay: Rebulto (June  2012)

                  
                   It took  six years for  ex-Yano frontman to follow-up his  excellent first solo album Flipino released in 2006.  Despite the long gap and coming on the heels of his highly-acclaimed debut album, he released an equally remarkable and  highly enjoyable  mini-album (7-track).  I enjoyed this concept CD about Jose Rizal on my first listen. I enjoyed this CD after many listens. I will enjoy this cd  for a lifetime. It was the best money (at only 200 pesos!) I spent for OPM music in 2012.  

Rico Blanco: Galactik Fiestamatic (September  2012)

                    
                     Rico Blanco belongs in the higher echelons of great local pop/rock singer/songwriters with the likes of Mike Hanopol, Ely Buendia, Rey Valera , Danny and Jim of Apo Hiking amongst others, but the  last two CDs  he made with Rivermaya ( Tuloy ang Ligaya and Between the Stars and the Waves), although  producing  several classic  songs such as  "Balisong" and 'Sunday Driving",  were  forgettable.  Definitely  inspired for his first solo release, he made an outstanding and a keeper of an  album in Your Universe in 2008. 

                     This latest release by Rico Blanco seems to continue where he left off  in his debut album. The title itself  Galactik Fiestamatic  has an obvious corelation with  Your Universe. The songs  which were all composed and produced by him in his own personal studio at home  are  also  awashed with the techno sounds  of synths, drum machine and  tribal rhythms. 

                  The problem is, whereas his outstanding debut album is filled with great melodies and excellent singing, this one doesn't.   If Your Universe  is the A-side, this one sounds like the B-side or the left-over tracks so to speak. It's like  either he was trying to beat a deadline or he is so busy with his many other activites, he just wants to release  music to remind people he is still around.  Afterall,  it has been four years since his debut album.

                    Nevertheless, despite falling below par as compared with his debut, this cd is by no means a dud.  "Burado" (which reminded me of the "control, alt, delete" line in "Ayuz"from his debut album) is easily a sing-along tune   and the witty "Lipat Bahay" will definetly draw a smile amongst those of the 80s  and 90s generation. 

                 At best this is a good album but  far from a  landmark release that I have read in many reviews.   

The Oktaves:The Oktaves ( February  2013)

                 First,  I'm confused with what I have been reading. Is Oktaves  the new band of  Ely Buendia ?  Or is it just a side project? Born out of sheer enjoyment in sharing  a common musical interest (60's and Beatles, I've read)  with his Oktaves bandmates. I hope it's the latter because Pupil, Ely Buendia's  principal band  has been making exceptional music.
                
                    If I would describe this much-hyped album in one word , it would  surely be  and  plainly be, 'fun.' It  has  a mixed bag of   rock styles in it such as straight rock , 60s rock, and even rockabilly.  That the band members seem to enjoy playing with each other are  very evident in the jam-like fashion (of some songs )  and the   positive vibes exuded in the songs. This is a totally  enjoyable album, with many  fine tunes like  the opener "Gone, Gone , Gone,"  "K.U.P.A.L.," "Walang Magawa," the bluesy "Ikot"  and  "Detox"; however,  there is really nothing truly  remarkable in it.

             

Although these CDs are very different in their approaches, styles and substances, if I may rank  them  in terms of what I find to be  more recommendable, it will be as follows:

1. Dong Abay: Rebulto -- Runaway winner. Highly recommendable
2. Bamboo: No Water, No Moon
3. The Oktaves: The Oktaves
4. Rico Blanco: Galactik Fiestamatic

But don't take my word for it. If you have not purchased the albums yet, buy it and find out  for yourself.





P.S.
           I also did listen to  the 4-track E.P.  Slow Rock Volume 1/2 of Hijo, the band formed by the other three ex- Bamboo  members led by Nathan Azarcon.  If Nathan Azarcon was part of the topic, I  would have placed their  E.P.  just below Dong Abay's Rebulto. That E.P. is amazing.                

OPM COLLECTOR'S EDITION: ABRAKADABRA

Tracklist:
1. Basta't Rock n' Roll
2.Musikero Sa Bangketa
3. Itaga Mo Sa Bato
4.Batugan
5.Bote-Dyaryo
6.Kulay Kayumanggi
7.Laki Ng Ulo
8.Bagong Salta
9.Pagputi Ng Uwak
10. Habang May Buhay
11.Sweet Love - bonus track

              

Abrakadabra  who?   Nowadays, this band would  fit the description of an obscure  'one hit wonder' during the   tail-end of the classic  Pinoy Rock era from the late 70's up to early 80's. Seeing  this  CD dug up a lot of buried  memories for me. I know this band from my early teenage years. It was quite popular then but it's best known for the hit song "Bote-Diyaryo.” From the cover, I instantly recognized and remembered the bemoustached  face of the lead singer. I’m  sure I had seen him perform in  television  not just a few times  in the 80s. If my memory serves me right,  I might have also seen him (and the band)  live along with the likes of   Yjos band ( a group fronted by a young  Arnel  Pineda of Journey),  the few  times I was able to watch  live bands in Shakey's Pizza in Ali Mall, Cubao around ’84-’85.  Those were the bygone years when watching a live band and enjoying some drinks with friends and relatives means going to Shakey's Pizza ( and Uniwide).

Unfortunately the CD ( just like many other  local reissues  that’s been coming  out) has no other information save for the track list  and the composers. It has no liner notes, no brief history, not even the name of the band members.  All songs are credited to Manuel Mallilin Jr. except one song that is credited to Bob Guzman and Joey Abando(of Boyfriends). 

Anyway, after listening to the 11 tracks,  besides  the hit "Bote Diyaryo,”  "Laki Ng Ulo"( which has a similar sounding rift to Juan Dela Cruz's  "Laki Sa Layaw") seems familiar. I might have also heard it on radio before. I would describe  this album as a  pure  classic Pinoy Rock sound. The band are rocking in high-gear all the way with the exception of the bonus track, ”Sweet Love,” an English-Filipino ballad which reminded me of Nazareth's "Where Are You Now" and The Styx's "The Best Of Times." A greater part of the album's  lyrics  are social commentaries that are still relevant  at present times. 

 For  “Bote-Diyaryo" alone this CD is  already worth the money for me but tracks such as “Laki Ng  Ulo," ”Musikero Sa Bangketa,” “Bagong Salta” and the  nationalistic song "Kulay Kayumangi"  are all outstanding.  

Overall this CD is very enjoyable-- a treasure to classic Pinoy  Rock fans especially  those who witnessed    Abrakadabra  during  its heyday  and is  highly recommended  to all  Pinoy Rock fans in general.

Bote-Dyaryo 
(http://www.youtube.com/user/iluvdmusic07?feature=watch)

Addendum:

After surfing the net particularly Youtube and some forums, here are informations  I  gathered:

1. This CD is a reissue of Abrakadabra's  lone self-titled LP released in 1978.

2. Prominent members are the Mallilin brothers: Alex Mallilin(the familiar bemoustached guy I was referring to)  is the lead singer  and  Manuel "Jun" Mallilin Jr. is  the chief composer.

3. The band  won the Student Canteen's Rock Expo band competition's in the early 80's. The finals was judged by the visiting famous Australian group Little River Band. They did a medley of Queens' "Bohemian Rhapsody," their original "Bote Diyaryo" and Nazareth's  "Razamanaz."  

4. Abrakadabra has  another  popular song that I'm familiar with,  entitled  "Pepe."

Pepe
(http://www.youtube.com/user/limva123?feature=watch)

5. Manuel"Jun" Mallilin Jr. also wrote the classic song "Dahil Mahal Kita," for the famous local group Boyfriends.

6. I was able to view from Youtube a 2005 upload of the band's performance in Jojo Alejars' late night talk show at RJ T.V.,  Jojo All The Way. Whether they had just reformed then or have remained active in live circuits  through the years, I don't know.

7. There are must-see clips in YouTube of an excellent and very entertaining performances of Abrakadabra in a  resto bar doing Styx's "Mr. Roboto" and Focus' "Hocus Pocus." Manuel and Alex  Mallilin are present but (a certain)  Nitoy Mallilin is singing lead.

8. Manuel Mallilin Jr. performs as  a  member of 70's Supergroup along with original members of VST & Company, Wadab, Labuyo  and Cinderella. http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/268882/top-70s-bands-form-superband.

9. From Youtube -  it seems Alex Mallilin the most recognizable member of Abrakadabra has passed away last 2011.

               

                 

JIM PAREDES - LARO

                The saying “you  only realize the value of something when it’s gone,” was in my mind when I wasn’t able to find a copy of Apo Hiking Society’s  final studio album (The Apo: Jim, Buboy and Danny), released in 2009. Apo Hiking Society retired as a group in 2010. 

                 Well it was not something that I have had and had lost; but the  feeling is the same because that CD was in and out of  my mind ever since it was announced during  Apo’s concert in Araneta  Coliseum  in 2008 . Countless times I had   gazed at that CD when I’m in my favorite music store in Cubao  but did not have  enough motivation to purchase it.  Tsk.Tsk. I have not been listening intently to  OPM classics these past years but…   

                Lately,  I don’t exactly remember what triggered it  , I have been listening to a lot of  OPMs and enjoying them again  immensely. This is the reason why that final APO album entered my mind... but  it’s no longer available or is now out of print, when I wanted it. Whew! I hate that feeling. Unexpectedly, I came across a CD that bares a familiar name on the cover.  Jim Paredes’  Laro to the rescue…

             

                I’ve read this is actually his second solo album. The first entitled, Ako Lang,  was released in 1996.   He stated that for this release he  wanted to do an album of pure joy and fun,  oblivious of what type of music  people listen to nowadays.  No wonder the title of cd is  Laro.  If I will judge this CD with enjoyability  and fun as  the  criteria, this will definitely get a  perfect score as I have absolutely enjoyed listening to this  in its entirety.  It even gets better  with repeated listens.  

                The style  is diverse. From the surprising opening  'mild' rap to   bossa, lounge music, funk  and  pop.  The themes are varied. He exhorts us to patronize  OPM music in "OPM Rap."  "Butong Pakwan," a delightful song  is  about how important this dried seed is in our Filipino culture during infanticipation.  There are serious topics presented in playful and lighthearted manner like, "Feeling Guilty," about a possible mutual marital indiscretion. In "Sinungaling," he laments that the world seems to be  populated by liars. He sings about being used  in  "May Araw Ka Rin." 

               Although, I think the best tracks  are the love songs which are all very radio friendly  such as “Ang ganda mo,” “Lumisan na siya," “Sumpa” and “Palagi-lagi,"’ my favorites are "Live Your Own Life" and track no.7. The former, for personal reasons I find the positive message to be encouraging and  soothing. "Live your own life, hold on to your own truth,  decide your own faith, make your own mark,  all you got to do is start. Everything you'll ever need is inside of you." The latter, during my initial listening, made me put down  the newspaper I was reading in surprise  when I heard the chorus. Did I hear it  right?  ”Libog Lang Yan?”  Yes, it’s  “Libog lang yan."  Checking   the print on the   inlay and the back cover,  the first word of the title is not clear enough to read( hahaha). This simple and straightforward song is hilarious and very memorable.  

               To those who like Apo or misses Apo or is hungry for a new and refreshing Apo-like music or a fan of Jim Paredes whether as a singer or a writer or both or  anyone who likes OPM but have not heard about this cd and fortunately stumbled upon this blog, I will emphatically state this is a must-buy and a treasure. 

                Sure this is not Apo but it has the Apo-vibe in it minus the voice of Buboy and of course Danny Javier. It has the  humor , the wit, the beautiful ballads, the mushiness, the inspirational, the simple and hummable great tunes.  After all Jim Paredes wrote many of the Apo Hiking Society's classics such as “Mahirap magmahal ng syota ng iba”, “Panalangin”, Batang-bata ka pa”, “Yakap sa dilim”and “When I met you” among many others.

"OPM noon dakila't magaling, OPM ngayon dapat lang buhayin". Iisa lamang ang tuwid na paraan. OPM ang dapat tangkilikin ni Juan" -  Jim Paredes (from "OPM Rap")

Tracks:
OPM RAP
BUTONG PAKWAN
ANG GANDA MO
MAY ARAW KA RIN
SINUNGALING
FEELING GUILTY
LIBOG LANG YAN
LUMISAN NA SYA
IN MY HEART
BASIC LOVE
SUMPA
LIVE YOUR OWN LIFE
MANAGRAP AT MANAGINIP
PALAGI-LAGI

December 15, 2012
Addendum: 4 tracks from Laro were actually taken from his 1996 album Ako Lang" "Libog Lang Yan,"" Lumisan Na Sya," "Basic Love" and "Live Your Own Life".  "In My Heart",  is a new version of an Apo Hiking Society song which appeared in their 1986 album, Direksyon.

PUPIL: LIMITERS OF THE INFINITY POOL – “THEY HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD ON THIS ONE”...”WELL, ALMOST “

                  I can’t locate this cd in the place where it should be-- on the P-section of the cd rack,  OPM category,  of my favorite music bar at  Araneta Center in Cubao. It bothered me enough to break the  ongoing chatting of the two salesladies near me . “There is no stock sir.” Really?  I thought to myself , rather incredulously.

                Off to the only other music bar at the Araneta Center, I was relieved that there are several copies in stock. I hate the feeling of not finding the cd you want  when you needed it; and so, I grabbed one,  after taking it for granted for about a year and a half since it was  released.

                   Listening to the first three tracks-- I was euphoric,  sensing I’m into a treat.

                 I was smiling as I put down the newspaper after the 12^th and final track, “The Low End”,  ended. That was great listening; however, it felt short. 

                 It actually clocked a little over forty seven minutes. I enjoyed it immensely  that time seemed to have gone so  swiftly.

        After a few more listens, I came up with my conclusion: In my opinion this is another excellent album by the Pupil and just like their two previous releases, by international standards. It is hands down Pupil’s best album so far. They hit the nail on the head  on this one. Well, almost…

    

I will enumerate my reasons why I think this is their best album so far:  

1.       First, although it doesn’t have the 'classics' found in their two previous releases, Beautiful Machines and Wild Life , such as “Monobloc,” “Dulo ng Dila” and "Disconnection Notice”,  this however, has overall a stronger set of songs. There is no weak track here.  

             As   usual, E. Buendia’s penned songs  provides the backbone. The  opening two English tracks “Let Her Rip” and “Distortion” jives well with his vocals which I’ve always thought is best suited for Filipino songs. The way he sang the angst-laden tune ”Distortion”  made me think of Liam Gallaghers’( of the Oasis) swagger. 

           Although the  best songs  in the album I think are Buendia’s “Let Her Rip,” "Distortion," ”TNT(tago ng tago)"  and "20/20" , other band members also contributed strong tracks such as  Dok Sergio’s downbeat “Pampalakas,” with its interesting lyrics; Y. Yuzon’s fuzzy and heavy  “One Two” reminding me of Jesus and the Mary Chain;  and  W. Garcia’s “Morning Gift."

2.        This  has a better flow of songs compared to their previous albums. It provides listening pleasure from the beginning up to the end.      

3.       The band is sounding  cohesive and very tight. I take notice of the excellent drumming.

4.       Great production. This is  more complex and heavy with lots of 'distortion' but is actually not 'noisy'. I can set the volume of my amplifier higher on this one without blasting my eardrum as compared to their previous releases. Everything is sounding clear and great in my sound system.

5.         This is more accessilble.  Even with a more complex style, instrumentation,  and experimentations the group  not only retained  their melodic sensibilities , they even fine- tuned it.  "Accessibility in the midst of complexity."  

                  My only gripe with this album is the track  “Pikit Bukas.” If I would pretend to be a reviewer,   I could easily give this album  9/10  or even a  10/10 stars for their efforts in making such a superb  and classy album which  I think no local band at the moment can approximate or compete  with; however, “Pikit Bukas” prevents me so.  Although it  is by no means  a clunker, I think, it  could even be  one of the stronger  tracks with its catchy melody and  memorable lines ”hindi porket maitim madumi, hindi porket malakas maingay ,hindi porket mayaman masaya, hindi porket mahirap malungkot ”, but the inclusion of English lines towards the end of the song doesn’t 'fit'; and it seems  out of place with the  album itself.   Well, this is just my opinion anyway, as if  it  matters. Buy it. 

Beautiful Machines, Wild Life and Limiters of the Infinity Pool.