Crash into Lazaro’s ‘Year of the Lazarus’

If you are looking for some good music -- make that good old original Pilipino music -- then I urge you to pick up alternative rock act Lazaro’s independently produced debut album, “Year of the Lazarus.” At a hundred bucks it’s a good bargain for the eight-track offering from Lazaro is never wanting in earnestness and tunefulness. There’s definitely talent here. Furthermore, it’s loaded with darn good yarns that should make your year-end best lists.

You can say that the Dave Matthews Band heavily influences Lazaro. In fact, the album cover of “Year of the Lazarus” bears a striking resemblance to “Everyday.” It has that same look and feel and both bands are a five-piece unit. However, Lazaro makes no bones about the DMB influence as they are proud of it. In fact, in the poignant song, “Rest On You,” they bring out the violin to give the music an air of playfulness in a song that bears much inner reflection.

Lazaro though aren’t mere copycats. They imbue their music with strong and powerful melodies not heard since the heyday of True Faith. The lyrics of lead singer Zaldy De Los Reyes contain none of the quirkiness or abstractness of Matthews’ songs and that already is a marked difference. Zaldy’s lyrics are more about relationships and everyday experiences.

But oh, man, his vocals soar. And when the rhythm section revs it up such as on “Ganyan Ang Girlfriend Ko,” that scotch on the rocks never tasted better. Hey, bartender… one more, please. And you find yourself shuffling your feet to the music.

Lazaro’s “Year of the Lazarus”… take these chances… place them in a box until a quieter time; lights down you up and die.

Lazaro is Zaldy De Los Reyes (vocals, guitar), Randy Salonga (guitar), Niño Salazar (keyboards), Mike Bayas (bass), and Jonard Bolor (drums and percussion).

Check them out on their Facebook Page for details on digital downloads and where to purchase “Year of the Lazarus.”

Tracks:

Biyahe

Ganyan Ang Girlfriend Ko

Kape

Di Mo Ba Alam

Paano

Rest On You

Ngayon

Laylo