Noisy naughty Kamikazee

The new Kamikazee album is titled Long Time Noisy and noisy indeed is the best word to describe the group. Noisy, then add daring and irreverent, with members constantly pushing convention to the limits. If you like Pinoy head-banging stuff and is not squeamish about cursing or references to genitalia, then Kamikazee, which derived its name from the Japanese suicide pilots of World War II is the band for you.

Then Narda happened. The song was part of Kamikazee’s second CD Maharot. It was a love song with a strong pop vibe, wholesome language and a theme about unrequited love that may or may not refer to the country’s favorite super heroine, Mars Ravelo’s Darna. All of a sudden, Kamikazee had gone wholesome, respectable even, with doting parents everywhere encouraging kids to sing Narda.

Then there was no more Kamikazee. I do not know the reason. Maybe the boys became very busy because of their Darna fame. Maybe they became so unhinged by their unexpected GP experience. Maybe there were personal problems. Whatever it was, it kept Kamikazee from the recording scene for three years. Long Time Noisy, their third album in almost a decade came out only a few weeks and fans must be happy to find out that nothing has changed. Kamikazee is as noisy and naughty as ever.

Long Time Noisy is made up of all new originals all written, arranged, performed and by Kamikazee. It is worth the wait if you love Kamikazee stuff but a disappointment if you are looking for Narda clones. Handsomely packaged with attention-grabbing photos of the band, it has assorted themes presented from the fish-eyed, distorted Kamikazee point of view.

You may not think so from all the banging but Ikaw and Hanggang Tingin are love songs. Then you might want to come up with your own interpretation or just read what these guys are really saying in the double entendre entries, Unang Tikim, Hot Mami and 4:20. You can defend rock to the max with the anthemic Eschoos Me, go socially relevant with Wala, listen to their poetry in Lalandiin or remember Francis M with the cover of Meron Akong Ano.

Check out the titles of the other cuts. Balutin Mo Ako, Alay, I Love You Ninang, Dragon Spa Super Head Charger Vol.4, Caintaenyo, M.M.K., Chismosa, Teyk Awts, Huli Ka Balbon, Me Na Me, and Isplakitengtenks, whatever this is. I guess you have to be a little batty to best appreciate all these but if you are willing to allow yourself an hour of Kamikazee madness away from the world with this CD, you might just be surprised by the results.

Kamikazee was formed by five friends who met while studying at the College of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines. They are Jay Contreras on lead vocals; Jomal Linao on guitars; Led Zeppelin Tuyay on guitars; Jason “Puto” Astete on bass and Allan “Bords” Burdeos on drums. Among their early hits were Tsinelas, Girlfriend, Lucky, Sana Kahit Minsan, Ambisyoso, First Day High, Martyr Nyebera, Chicksilog, Seksi Seksi and Director’s Cut.

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Nobody by the Korean group Wonder Girls is the radio and TV airplay favorite of the moment. I cannot pinpoint the exact date but I know that pop culture from the Land of the Morning Calm has already fully invaded the Philippines. As of this writing, Pinoys are already going gaga over anything Korean like, its music, telenovelas and stars. And all that is aside from the number of Korean visitors around us nowadays.

Other hits of the moment: Mas Mahal Na Kita Ngayon, an oldie resurrected by the irrepressible Michael V; Man In The Mirror by James Morrison; Mad World by Adam Lambert; Already Gone by Kelly Clarkson; Upuan by Gloc 9 featuring Zelle; Boom Boom Pow by the Black Eyed Peas; Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) by Princess; Updated Version Of Me by KC Concepcion; and Hay Buhay by Sugarfree.

Out there at the MYX music channel, the Pinoy MYX weekly countdown has the following: Ayt! by Sponge Cola featuring Gary V; Walang Iwanan by 6Cyclemind; My Love Is Here by Erik Santos; Let The Pain Remain by Rachelle Ann Go; Different Worlds by Pupil; Human Nature by Billy Crawford; Upuan by Gloc 9 featuring Zelle; Muli by Bamboo; Hanggang by Zsa Zsa Padilla; Almost Over You by Karylle.

And I Love You So by Gary Valenciano and Sam Milby; Back In Time by Kyla & Jay R; Taas Noo by Amber featuring Gloc 9; Careless Whisper by Kris Lawrence; Sana by Updharmadown; That Girl by Young JV; Katulad Ko by D-Coy featuring Luke Mejares and Artstrong; Deathstar Diorama by April Morning Skies; Balik Simula by Miguel Escueta; and Adjust by Soapdish.