What’s new with the Moonstar 88?

At a time when Freestyle seemed to be the only group people were listening to, a new group called Moonstar 88 burst into the scene with the interesting tune Torete. After wondering what these guys were singing about and how they got that name, listeners swiftly made room for another favorite. They welcomed Moonstar 88 to the local music scene and made a hit out of the debut album.

Given its good showing on its first time out, it definitely follows that much will be expected from Moonstar 88’s second album. That is why second outings after a big hit are referred to in the music trade as battling the sophomore jinx. Well, the second album has been released and although there is no title as instantly riveting as Torete, the group holds up very well with a collection of tunes strongly reminiscent of their earlier works.

Those listeners who enjoyed the first album will not be disappointed with Press to Play. Everything they found appealing in Torete is present in the second one. Youthful is the word that best describes the sound. There is a characteristic lilt that stays the same whether in the upbeat numbers or the soulful ballads. The group’s propensity for narrative, which was so amusing in the first release, is also present. Most of the songs tell stories with situations the young can easily relate to.

One of Moonstar 88’s strongest points is the vocals of girl singer Acel Bisa. Light, sweet and sincere with a reedy quality that lends itself very well to pop singing, she has given the group its most easily identifiable trait. She also writes songs and Timeless Peace, Take Away and More Than That are her contributions to the latest album. She also plays the piano and guitars for the group.

Other members of the group, Herbert Hernandez on guitars, Paolo Bernardo on bass and William Pineda on drums and percussions also share in the writing credits. Sulat, a throwback to Torete, was written by Hernandez. It is the logical first single but I am sure there will be plenty of fans who will also take easily to the inspirational Sayang by Bernardo.

Other songs in Press to Play are Sabi Mo, Lonely Tree, Pasensiya Na, Sana, Tongue-Tied and Huwag Na Muna. A concession to the revival market is the inclusion of Ang Pag-ibig Kong Ito, originally popularized by Leah Navarro.

Press to Play is an interactive CD. It contains never-before-seen videos of the group during their live gigs, the making of the video of Sulat, plus the videos of Torete and of Untamed from the first album. Fans of the group can also get their hands on photos, desktop wallpapers, trivia games and a weblink to the official Moonstar 88 site for more exclusive stuff.

REtroSPECT’s The Luv Bug

The group is named REtroSPECT so they probably sing oldies. The album is titled The Luv Bug, and I instantly assumed it will consist up of tunes from the ’60s when the little Volkswagen earned the tag, Love Bug thanks to a Disney flick of the same title. Take note, there has lately been another surge in nostalgia as witnessed by quite a number of acts specializing in oldies drawing big crowds in their performances.

Well, it turned out I was wrong. REtroSPECT, which is made up of Gold, Ogie, Em-J and J. Martin does echo the sounds of bands of old like ABBA, Earth, Wind & Fire, VST & Co., and others. But their songs are certainly far from old. In fact, every cut in the album is an original that just sounds like something we heard before.

Best cut is Bakit Nga Ba? by J. Martin Castro and Ogie Ramos. The VST sounding Sige… Stand Up by Saniel Cusion and J. Martin and Kahit Na composed by Chuckie Dreyfus also have the makings of good singles. Other songs in the album are Up in the Sky, Hello, Do I, If Tomorrow is the End of the World, Hiling, Handshake, People are People, Retro Pop, Keep on Walking Away, The Luv Bug and Let’s Go Retro!, the REtroSPECT.

By the way, is the Chuckie Dreyfus credited with having written several songs in the album the same Chuckie Dreyfus who used to appear in the movies some years ago? If he is, then may I say I am so glad he has found this new career.