There’s a lot to process in “Jargon State” – the debut EP of alternative-rock and indie-folk solo act Toots. For listeners, this may sound like the typical coming-of-age project in the form of a Donnie Darko-inspired backdrop. For Toots, it’s not easy being green; He embraces his own worth, the age that he’s in, and […]
Author: Elijah Timothy Pareno
ALBUM REVIEW: PLAYERTWO – HAPPY ACCIDENTS VOL. 1
Written by Elijah P. Davao’s premiere hip-hop group PLAYERTWO is aiming to take over the Southeast Asian scene with their visceral take on the genre. They seemingly have the complete package of a unit: hooks that go on for days, a virtuoso mix of producers and rappers trading bar after every beat switch and a […]
TRACK REVIEW: Oz Kabuhat – I Would
Written by Elijah P. Local artists need to straddle between genres more often. It opens a door for many to experiment, find their voice in the noise and maybe even conjure up a new sound that nobody has ever heard before. But there’s a risk in being too odd. It may also lose your sense […]
TRACK REVIEW: Ango – pull me up (break it off)
Written by Elijah P. Ango Paz’s own fusion of UK garage and Anti-pop is still making its way on the radar for many listeners all over. Heck, even Jung Kook’s hooky Seven or Pinkpantheress’ single worthy loosies or bootlegs prove to be more than just Tiktok worthy jams. Those tracks in particular are actual pop […]
EP REVIEW: MAKI – TANONG
Written by Elijah P. Tarsier Records’ Maki ticks a lot of boxes for the casual pop r&b stan. Think of Jonas Brothers adopting Zack Tabudlo’s falsettos and the result of that amalgamation is the young singer-songwriter himself. After earning a fair amount of virality throughout Spotify playlists and movie soundtracks earlier in the year, the […]
TRACK REVIEW: RONAN – INSOMNIA ft. Shuichi
Written by Louis Pelingen For those who are not aware, before his Kailan cover was put out, Raccoon Eyed Ronan debuted on SoundCloud with ‘INSOMNIA’, a mostly decent R&B cut that was underpowered due to the rough production and mixing & mastering elements. However, after the Kailan cover did get a lot of buzz around […]
TRACK REVIEW: Crimason – Enough
The online personality of Miya Villeno – or also known by their username and moniker Crimason – is far from their usual high speed slapstick content and Stan Tiktok phase. It’s so far to the point that the music they shill online inspired them to venture on a music career of their own. Their latest […]
TRCK REVIEW: SHNTI – Tabi Ka Sakin
Written by Louis Pelingen SHNTI’s growth as an artist is one that felt nice to see. With her debut EP last year, she showcases an unsurmountable amount of potential realized as her skillset and charisma as a lyricist and a femcee shine through. 11 months later, Tabi Ka Sakin continues her glow. Her first track […]
TRACK REVIEW: rhodessa – Kisame
Written by Elijah P. There’s no other label that has a strong personality and notoriety the same way Viva Records has today. They are at the top of their game in the music industry, almost like a giant standing among mortal artists climbing their way to the summit. But in their vast catalog of entertainment […]
TRACK REVIEW: Chelly Lim – Paulit-Ulit (Sorry Na)
Written by Elijah P. The realm of anti-pop is starting to show its influence among many young up-and-coming artists locally, and Chelly Lim is one of the many artists evident of such style. Representing 314 Studios, he’s one of the pandemic artists that have released hip-hop back in the lockdown, releasing his debut EP in […]