Pinoy groups release new albums

The music of the likes of Regine Velasquez and Martin Nievera continue to prevail in the local airlanes but those are not all the sounds we can expect to hear in 2003. Despite difficult times competing against foreigners and watching pirates make more money out of their work, Filipino musicians remain inspired and very active. So watch out for the others you might come across this year. So here is a list of albums by new local groups that you might want to check to find out what other music artists have to offer.

Parnaso ng Payaso by Pan: After an absence of five years from the music scene, former Yano bandmates Dong Abay and Onie Badiang have regrouped to become Pan. This Pan is not first-named Peter and neither was their name culled from the very useful cooking utensil. The inspiration is the horned, half-man, half-goat Greek demi-god who is usually portrayed as playing enticing music on his flute. This Pan duo has more rock in its music than its mythological counterpart ever envisioned but it is probably no less inviting or infectious.

The music that makes up Parnaso ng Payaso, which by the way was named after a clown and the mythical mountain of poetry, is of varied types. There is reggae, Pinoy folk, punk and good old rock and roll. The duo does everything well. There is a happy feel in all of the cuts. These guys are having fun and it shows. True to its title, what is truly remarkable about the entire thing though is the poetry of the lyrics written by Dong and Onie. The same bite that characterized the songs of Yano remains but the total effect is upbeat and anything that is joyful and lifts up the heart is better for music listeners. Best of the lot are Kahimanawari, Gusto, Hula and Precious. They get heads moving and toes tapping. First single though is Dumpsite, Ang Pinakamabahong Kanta sa Buong Mundo. Heavy topic but Pan’s interpretation is cute and playful.

Sakada by Sakada: This all-original collection is made up of strong ballads with very commercial hooks. And thanks to the powerful vocals of Gina Francisco, listeners will also get a kick at the way the music transports them back to the early days of Pinoy Rock during the 70’s. The best cut is Konsensiya, which reminds me of songs from Jesus Christ Superstar. But the sure sellers are the romantic ballads like the opening track Umaasa Pa Rin and the single release Ala-ala. Check out too the inspirational tune Manalig Ka composed by Fr. Romulo Perez S.J.

The rest of the songs included were all written by Edwin Garcia and Lito Cachapero. Edwin on bass and Lito on drums were original members of the first Sakada group which notched a big hit with the song Luha during the late ’80s. Nearly two decades later, Sakada is back with Edwin and Lito again at the forefront plus new members Gina on vocals, Jay Pangilinan on lead guitar and Chris Gayo on keyboards. If you like Pinoy Rock of the sentimental kind, you should not be without Sakada.

Road Juan by Cover Me Quick!: If Sakada takes you back to the early years of Pinoy Rock, the sound of Cover Me Quick! is a throwback to the mellow Pinoy Rock of the ’90s. Remember the Eraserheads’, Color It Red, Yano and others. The group actually refuses to be labelled or conform to the definition of a specific genre. It is pop all right, but with more edge, hence, it has decided to refer to its music as aggressive pop.

Happily this is another all-original set. It is always great to know that young musicians like Cover Me Quick! are deeply involved in the songwriting process. The light punk number Hintayan and the romantic Tulala are the standouts. The intriguing Dilang Gala rocks harder than the other cuts, while the catchy Oke Mo has the strongest recall. All of the songs in Road Juan were written and arranged by bassist/vocalist Ernee Bangiban and the drummer/vocalist Mike Garchitorena who is only 15 years old. The other member who completes the trio is the guitarist/vocalist who calls himself Box.