Panatang Makabanda |
So I'll be kicking off my Album Reviews by reviewing Rivermaya's latest album, Panatang Makabanda. It's been 2009 since Rivermaya had released an album, and in between those years and now, a lot had happened. Jayson Fernandez (the vocalist they got from a talent search) left the band to go solo. Japs Sergio (Rivermaya's bassist since 2001) went on an indefinite leave. On top of that, they were left without a manager after longtime manager Lizza Nakpil was embroiled in a financial controversy with the band. Easily, these developments would have sent any band packing to their death knell. Well, any band but not Rivermaya. The band has been known to weather the storms no matter how huge the challenge is. This is no different.
Ryan, Mike, Norby, and Mike |
Pilipinas Kailan Ka Magigising Music Video
Personal favorites from the album are: Malayang Magmahal, Tayo Lang Dalawa, Song About You, and Can't Hide it Anymore. I love Malayang Magmahal's cool sounding musical textures. Song About You on the other hand pretty much reminds me of the 70's pop rock songs, with even some traces of The Beatles' softer sounding songs. Tayo Lang Dalawa and Can't Hide it Anymore are what I would like to call signature Rivermaya songs, Alt-Rock with very strong pop sensibilities. The rest of the songs in the album are gems too (they even managed to sneak in celebrated rapper Gloc-9 in the song Nasa Sa'yo). I was actually surprised to find out that this album is better than I expected it to be because after Blanco, Japs was my favorite songwriter. In the lyrics department however, this is where the noticeable difference is seen. I have always been big on lyrics, and that's why I'm drawn to Blanco's work because of his uncanny knack for writing witty lyrics without sounding forced. But the lack of wit is however replaced with more heartfelt lyrics. I've never heard Rivermaya songs that is as honest and stripped down as this. No lyrical bravados that are hard to decipher. Just simple words that are easier to relate to. Those post Blanco albums before this one were tumultuous times. There were some anger and moving on written all over the place. Panatang Makabanda is a fresh start. And I like it very much. I can only hope that Rivermaya version 5.0 will continue to write more music and albums. I think this is the happiest period of the band's existence. Old and new fans should purchase this album. Trust me, you don't need the baggage of the past to appreciate what this version of the band has given us.
"But the lack of wit..."
ReplyDelete"...the lack of wit..."
"...lack of wit..."
"...LACK OF WIT..."
I'm still biting my nails and grinding my teeth for this.
:)
I forgot what song this line is from :)
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