It’s day 120+ of quarantine in the Philippines. Metro Manila is on a downward spiral: access to treatment from the virus’ symptoms is limited while other companies profit from the “new normal”. Neoliberal policies continue to slither its way through … Continue reading On Alternatrip: Pa-Extend Po Season 1
[Written by Bulgogi] There is something to be said about how hip-hop is consumed, specifically the inflections in which its DNA is shared and reproduced. Looking at the playlists — the unmatchable Rap Caviars and Pinoy Raps — as the go-to source for the what’s presumed as the newest and/or most popular songs in rap now, you can draw parallels of who’s influencing what, and in what way. But the actual mutations in the DNA, the unconscious choosing of what to get and what to leave behind in terms of sound, are what gives today’s hip-hop tracks some interesting tension. … Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: MICHAEL PACQUIAO – DREAMS
Pangasinan-based artist Geiko nosedives in minimal, folky domain in her single titled “Nang Tahimik”. The viral sensation’s promising virtuosity was halted by her sloppy song lengths and mechanical songwriting — a curse given to ukulele guitar players at open mics and Chloe Moriondo stans worldwide. “Sol at Luna” wasn’t as calming nor exciting as it sounds. Putting the “ha” in harhar, Geiko becomes a pacemaker among the surplus of small introverted performers who have the knack for whispering their way to the pop market. This restraint, however, was then given more free time to get out of her comfort zone … Continue reading TRCK REVIEW: Geiko – nang tahimik
[Written by Soda] Continue reading TRCK REVIEW: WE GOT – LIGAYA
Let me start off with this: “Sinungaling” is wonderful. The track has completely stripped away IV of Spades’ basic pop formula, which says something about their artistic growth at the very least. It is then replaced with heavy loads of tasty synths and, well, more varied tones the casual synthpop stan wouldn’t expect. The drums are programmed like punching bags, synths are oscillated in various shapes and sizes. Gone are the backing instruments of electric guitar and live drums. The solo musician has definitely headed right in uncharted territory for him and his songwriting. It’s barely even a daring move, … Continue reading TRCK REVIEW: Zild – Sinungaling
Shoegaze has been a genre that’s been missing in action for months, only appearing in demos and one-offs from Bandcamp and Soundcloud. A part of the reason why the lack of material recently was because of being trapped in limbo, both physically and metaphorically. Outside of the capital, there exists a dozen more bands who are responding to this pandemic in their own terms. Pampanga-based shoegaze/dream-pop outfit Noodle Party has caught the attention of some of their colleagues with their latest EP “Sweet and Spicy”. The four-track project was Sweet and, well, Spicy, but the aftertaste just doesn’t sit well … Continue reading ALBUM REVIEW: Noodle Party – Sweet and Spicy
TFL 