2024 was the year where Filipino musicians and artists valued the full-length release. There are bands that shot for the moon right away by releasing an album with 12 songs while others released a mixtape like it was 2013 all over again. Streaming platforms like Bandcamp and Soundcloud are important in searching for those who wish to push the envelope in releasing new music. There are no limitations when it comes to releasing an album; you can create a “season” of your own while another up-and-coming local act is cooking something up behind the scenes. Music deserves to be heard in the form of an album (or at the very least releases that have more than 3-4 songs) The Flying Lugaw crew would like to make a wish that in the year 2025, or any year for that matter, more albums, EPs, Mixtapes or any other release with a collection of songs would be pushed more for artists, by artists. 30. Patās Soundhouse – Khaen Solo Vol. 1 (anika) Heavy on instrumentation, this one’s for long car rides. Maybe when youāre stuck in traffic or driving through the freeway. Poignant, with a touch of elegance, the sound of the khaen is brimming with liveliness as if embodying the spirit of a human within its chords. Encapsulating the aura of what it feels like to stargaze, Khaen Solo is rich with vastness in tone. LINK: https://open.spotify.com/album/2webH6kaLadcVoHd6uBEET?si=HJaFOd1-S_SNL6x2qq-D1w 29. To love everything ever again – Nineveh (aly) Emotional, vulnerable, brooding yet hopeful. In his first EP, āTo Love Everything Ever Again,ā Janpol Estrella, who goes by the moniker Nineveh, bares his soul by intricately weaving gut-wrenching lyricism with glitchy synthesizers, noisy distortions, playful drum beats, and chamber pop elements to uniquely capture an emotion and to tell a story. Referencing biblical characters and verses throughout the EP, Nineveh questions his relationship with his faith as he boldly shares his internal struggles, even if his voice shakes. LINK: https://open.spotify.com/album/1ZLfneo1HaEkbv4g7a57Gn?si=cdb26387ac754144 28. Soldados kan Tios – Walang Titulo (nikolai) More than a post-metal sludge release, āWalang Tituloā is a protest. With heavy contributions from renowned artist and activist Alex Pinpin, this newly formed hardcore band decries in the album the plight of farmers whose lands are taken by the elite class. LINK: https://open.spotify.com/album/046CsHH1cBlsg411TmmRgF?si=668f301ae3bc4dbe 27. Tydings-Mcduffie – s/t (louis) Ever imagine a period piece coming back as a message to the present times? Tydings-Mcduffie takes you on the highs and lows of the Philippine Commonwealth Era. Amidst the brief ride, the tides of their self-titled record zoom into its protagonists and all they have to dream, experience, and sacrifice ā paired with smooth jazz compositions that give you a tune to remember. Tydings-Mcduffie provides a penchant for what the past believed in: an optimism that persists beyond melancholia. LINK: https://open.spotify.com/album/35vNlk6c2W6c3SXPS8ka1W?si=11d57ae092e04085 26. Haley Heynderickx – Seed of a Seed (anika) Folkish and devoted to the nature of Oregon, Seed of a Seed projects the gentleness of trees, flowers, and insects when brought into a tender symphony. Like ripples on a river, doused with rainwater, Seed of a Seed introduces an organic approach to composition. Bringing in Heynderickxās ability to produce poetic lyricism, she enkindles the profuse vibrance that one can find in mundanity. Surrounded by lush imagery, the musicality speaks for itself when it wants to convey that sense of fullness. LINK: https://open.spotify.com/album/5WjjIOn40MG9kLfaeHBS5a?si=03125d230e504161 25. PRY – Resignation Letter (jax) Pry is aggressive and unapologetic in their female rage, in their sophomore album RESIGNATION LETTER, which slices through indie rock, alternative, punk, and noise rock with emotional edge. The constant surveillance and judgment for their non-conformity to established concepts of femininity and identity are anathema to the band. Unlike their debut āThe Partyās Over,ā which leaned heavily on riot grrrl and cathartic screaming, their new sound now explores more lilting rhythms, slower tempos, and stickier textures. This evolution is a goodbye letter to their anguish like a lump on their throats, but still, fitting in their principle of being punk. LINK: https://prymusicph.bandcamp.com/album/resignation-letter 24. Switchbitch – Silang (jk) switchbitch’s bombastic debut release sets the stage aflame as they solidify themselves as Filipino Conscious Rap heroines. Women rapping about peasant and working-class advocacies sounds exactly as badass as it looks on paper, Silang is just another way of getting their points across. Heavily equipped with sardonically blunt quips and fast code-switching, the lyricism is wildly compelling at riling people up and igniting the simmering anger we already feel. It evokes inspiration and angerāone out of frustration and one out of hope, all in the sense of creating a better nation. From the current state of affairs in the Philippines, it seems that this isn’t the last we’ll hear from them. They said it best in their outro, “Ako at sila ang magtutuloy ng pagpunla sa pag-asa hanggang sa makamtan natin ang tagumpay.”; as long as there is injustice, there will always be a switchbitch spitting bars on the oppressor’s face. LINK: https://open.spotify.com/album/3TfSuIKsQfT6R1LFJ1f6FS?si=155c9dca615a4302 23. Brickcity – We the Forgettables (nikolai) Kinetic energy and deep angst envelope the room in Brickcityās āWe the Forgettablesā. For 25 minutes, you are treated to pure skramz goodness with not a moment to rest besides āPretendā. A must-listen if youāre into bands like TNG. LINK: https://open.spotify.com/album/6wBzB53uUrFW32BtxSpwnp?si=f263574b8ce94259 22. vice* – syzygy (louis) āsyzygyā is a notebook scribbled with every idea that vice* can execute with the hand of a careful adept. An EP that crosshatches glitch pop illustrations with emo-pop doodles notably aware of his influences, yet using that knowledge to establish his style within. What results is a melting pot of bassooning beats; fractious guitars; and bending vocal stirs that tie up into prismatic melodies. All chaotic pieces, linked into one mesmerizing frame. LINK: https://open.spotify.com/album/3wthcVGeUFteuz3gNZnPDC?si=0b713105c79f4788 21. sci fye – who knows? (jk) Something needs to be said about the beauty in mundanity. As an open hate/love letter to the buzzing existentialist cityscapes of Manila, who knows? captures its worldly essence to a teeābut not without unwittingly writing an ode to its intricacies. From the sweltering afternoon
Category: YEAR-ENDER LISTS
TFL presents: THE 20 BEST FILIPINO RELEASES OF 2023
The year 2023 saw a lot of shifts happening: the rise of scene kids coming from the FYPs and For You pages of yore and the steadily rising of attendees in DIY underground shows all over. In Luzon, newer collectives were formed via embodying the gothic, emoviolence sensibilities of Metro Manila’s newer heavy music units. Over at the Visayas region, genres like hiphop and dream pop are the talk of the town, making both soundscapes and cultures sought for newer heights. And in Mindanao, their scene becomes more and more solidified in terms of dance music and various alternative genres that goes beyond the expectations of a regular Imperial Manila listener. From Luzon, Visayas to Mindanao, we present to you a yearly tradition that the editorial team would always prepare themselves for; Not just because it’s the task that’s daunting, but it’s the journey and the result of 11 months of scouring the internet and gigs for the best of Filipino music. Here it is, The 20 Filipino Releases of 2023. 20. Lil JVibe – WHOLE LOTTA LUVSHIT Simply put, āWHOLE LOTTA LUVSHITā is the pop-rap EP that immediately puts Lil JVibe into this current space of inventive local hip hop. From Gem Records Productionās assist in balancing out the 4 tracks’ layered drill and jersey club beats, oodles of pop sample choices that are stitched amazingly well, and Lil JVibeās ability to keenly blitz through these immense soundscapes is a big testament to his skill as an artist. āWHOLE LOTTA LUVSHITā is a bold, untethered, and sincere EP thatās just the beginning of Lil JVibeās ambitious potential as an artist, one that all of us should pay serious attention to. -Louis Pelingen 19. Panjia – all the colors that make you!!! In the year 2023, you have a ton of shoegaze acts that can easily pass off as imitators of someone and something given the time and algorithm to figure it all out. Staying true to its title, this debut EP āall the colors that make you!!!ā is a primer of what you need to know about Panjia; youthful angst in front of computer screen, yearning in a language fitted for the hell week tortured student and loaded with nu-gaze terminology. The solo project surprisingly brings tasteful riffage-writing and overall promise in the young crop of heavy gazers out there locally. It’s Zoomer Shoegaze Bingo and the first recipient of such game is none other than Panjia. -Elijah P. 18. Punebre – Ang Nasa Dako Paroon āAng Nasa Dako Paroonā is a compelling testament to the raw essence of old-school death metal. With influences echoing ā90s death metal, Punebre skillfully intertwines a foreboding atmosphere, relentless energy, and concise, impactful lyrics in highlight tracks like āItim.ā The result is a sound that pays homage to the horror genre, revitalized for a new era, with slight nods to Filipino horror filmology, urban mythology, and folk mythologyāāBalete Overdriveā and āShaken and Rattledā come to mind. However, Punebreās most exciting feat that further amplifies excitement for their music is their inventive approach to PR. I vividly recall ordering a copy of their demo CD, which included tracks from āAng Nasa Dako Paroonā, and to my surprise, the package included a meticulously crafted autopsy report. I have since kept that piece of paper and plan to have it framed on my wall. Though I still feel tremendous regret for missing out on their limited release of blood-soaked Punebre shirts earlier this year, there’s always a reason to be excited for Punebre. -Nikolai Dineros Emo and punk band Irrevocable further show their ability to make face melting songs in this new release. They talk more about family influences and touching tributes while letting the songs breathe more resulting in a more engaging and expanded dynamic sound that doesnāt overstay its welcome – in fact, making the listener want more. -Janlor Encarnacion The aging process offers a different perspective even to veteran bands of the music scene. Oh, Flamingo! takes a look at timeless topics such as love and loss but with the added perception of being able to look back. Coupled with the use of our native language, the band is able to process emotions in a more connected way while still being distinctly Flamingo-y. -Janlor Encarnacion Tootsā debut depicts an expertly crafted adventure into self-discovery. The earnest vocals display a tenderness that contrasts with the loud-soft contrast of each song – showing a wild journey both lyricism and soundscape. This is an indie-rock/folk EP that deserves multiple listens. -Janlor Encarnacion Davao alternative rock and shoegaze crossover outfit Precal Dropouts have indeed traveled far and wide in their long awaited debut EP. The charmed life of Gavin, Jan Mark, Ben, Neilcon and Dee has been incredibly eventful. Singing about their gardens, dinosaurs and tidal waves, their sentimentality has reached from the Manila shores to the third floor of Suazo in their hometown. The project is a welcome gift for all new and old fans of the genre, servicing the classic tropes and new offerings of its sonic choices. Wherever you go, thereās a journey worth taking and that is listening to āLittle One, Travel Farā. -Elijah P. Budots World is a compilation consisting of the dance genre “budots” in its different mutations, variations and traditional production style performed by different producers all over the country. It was an effort to unite all producers locally and thankfully Manila Community Radio were able to make the pioneering producer DJ LOVE’s dreams come true in this project. “Budots World” has a diverse selection and interpretations, resulting into 100 percent organic and pouring in 200 percent bust-a-groove energy. This is a mix that you shouldn’t pass on. -Elijah P. DJ Love presents BUDOTS WORLD: Bawal Umiwas sa Sayawan! by Manila Community Radio There are two different listening experiences to Promote Violenceās āJoyfulā: one is hearing multiple synth screeches and feedback resulting into a cathartic release; The other is a story of how religious Fundamentalist approaches can break a
TFL’s THE 23 FILIPINO TRACKS OF 2023
Every year, something monumental happens in the music scene, whether it would be an army of alt-kids taking over a mall show, a rapper taking over the country by storm on Tiktok or a DIY venue at the verge of crumbling after two shoegaze bands. Genres have multiplied into bubbles, ecosystems emerge as newer venues from the highways of Cavite to the driveway of a basement at a Chinese restaurant. There’s a steady scene rising, amplifying louder one year after the other: 2023 is a year where those highlights have made made an impact beyond NCR. From Luzon, Visayas to Mindanao, we present to you a yearly tradition that the editorial team would always prepare themselves for; Not just because it’s the task that’s daunting, but it’s the journey and the result of 11 months of scouring the internet and gigs for the best of Filipino music. Here it is, The 23 Filipino Tracks of 2023. 23. P4BL0 – baka magalit mf mo In the ā18 Commandments of the Boybestfriendā, thereās unnecessary fluff written along those ridiculous rules. However, P4bl0ās ābaka magalit boyfriend moā has this lasting effect delivered by its cloud-9 like production, ultimately writing one of the best pop hooks in the game now. It hasnāt been written on the scribes nor the tablets that South Metro Manila regular P4Bl0 made a banger track tailor made for the rebounds. Whether it’s the wacky gimmick of BBF/GBFs or the semi-ironic execution, P4bl0 has proven and tested that the undying concept of love and yearning can be done in a dreamy cloud-rap fashion. -Elijah P. 22. O Side Mafia – My Thang Itās been an endless streak of hit singles for O $ide Mafia despite the lackluster collaborations and disputes between territorial beef and fan leaks; āMy Thangā is a victorious reaction to all of the success outweighing all of the groupās cons in the game. The simple old-school 2000s G-Funk influenced synths, the satisfying braggadacio three-verse combo and the killer hook is an all-time career highlight for the group and they just stay winning while all the haters watch. -Elijah P. KRNA expand on their infectious sound by expanding their soundscapes to include reverse guitar samples while pairing back on KCs vocal strength. The single shows the bandās mastery of making heartwarming music and a story of yearning that feels like a warm embrace being whispered while in a slumber. -Janlor Encarnacion Armi Millare announced her return to the music scene with a dissonant pop single – taking the time to show her own prowess in music creation with a tune leaning towards more pop and r&b. Roots signals the metamorphosis and re-emergence of OPMs signature voices and we canāt wait for more. -Janlor Encarnacion āSonic Tonicā is the long-anticipated debut that charges Suyenās magnetic presence amidst the fray of fringed pop rock, a bottle of riot grrl and grunge blends where Suyen just sounds high-spirited in her craving for that adrenaline rush. Sam Marquezās production is impeccable in bringing the heatwave atmosphere to āSonic Tonicā, where the already remarkable chugging riffs and splashy drum work are vibrant and immense. Enough to keep everyone cheering along the soaring hook, āSonic Tonicā is a striking first cut from Suyen who is never afraid to jump first into action, letting her do anything to reach a gratifying emotion that will keep her feel alive. -Louis Pelingen āSOUFSIDEā is a meteoric statement from the Cebu Hip-Hop collective ASIDE BOONDOCKS as they erupted through the scene with their tastes for boom bap and hardcore hip-hop. Flagrant in their hyperbolic expressiveness, that ecstatic flair allows each of their distinct flows to tumble through the stirring hypnotic beat that has a quirk of its own due to its swaggering bass lines and buzzy synth waves. āSOUFSIDEā stamps a mark that will break further ground for the Odd Future-inspired Hardcore Hip-Hop ASIDE BOONDOCKS are leaning towards, where theyāll spark an explosion that you canāt help but feel its heat. -Louis Pelingen With Waiianās recent return for his sophomore album, āSMILEā is a track that has a familiar thematic trudge from this rapper who has a lot more to observe past his 2020 debut. In this pensive reflection on the mortality and bullshit of life, Waiian invites Yorko and U-Pistol to pen down their emotions on the table amidst a relaxed boom-bap beat and calming piano lines. As a result of that writing session, āSMILEā ended up being Waiianās best song to date where the melodies are tight and catchy on all quarters from Waiian and Co. No wonder that āSMILEā is one of the lead singles for Waiianās recent project for a reason, as itās a respite that brings a gentle smile on constant repeat. -Louis Pelingen 16. PETTE SHABU – Bulbulin Ka Na As PETTE SHABU goes deeper into her experimental rap tapestry with every track she puts out, her transgressive lyricism and ferocious flows become more sharper. That in itself eventually led her to release dozens of challenging sonic bangers in 2023, with āBulbulin Ka Naā bringing the most sting out of her thus far. Through every whirling wordplay PETTE SHABU spits out, her flow turns impenetrable as PETTE SHABU confidently carries herself within horseboyyās dense glitchy beat. āBulbulin ka naā is a bulldozer that keeps PETTE SHABU in control of her agency, lashing down everyone who comes for her without shame. -Louis Pelingen The dizzying hyper-pop artist known as AHJU$$I may have retired from that moniker, but his rebirth as Pikunin has those old bits and pieces intact, now ribboned with UK Garage rhythms and ticklish vocal flair. These characteristics manifest through Pikuninās debut track, āTadhanaā, using Armi Mallareās cooing vocals as the Jersey club beat tiptoes around it which also serves to be a bouncy springboard for Pikuninās chirpy vocals and twee lyricism. Starry-eyed in nostalgia with a modern touch, Pikunin spins a refreshing take on the classic song that updates his eccentric brand of pop with gleeful yearning. -Louis Pelingen
TFL PRESENTS: THE 25 BEST TRACKS OF 2022
The year had no shortage of spectacular tracks, may it be coming from a sprawling piece of ambient or a quick rage session with a posse. The releases keep coming as if bands or artists in general are to take back the two years of lockdown. Compared to what it was pre-pandemic, these tracks come out stronger and more effective than ever. Coming from a culture where lone recordings made the most imprints than an actual full length release, listeners would rather leave no track left behind. Covering the depths of internet post-punk from Bulacan to the trenches of drill in Pasay, here are the 25 best Filipino tracks of 2022. 25.) tidal – calcium The standout single from their debut album, the quartet paint a story of kindred spirits finding solace in the cracks of each other’s brokenness as the blasting drums of Tan Flojo and the bright guitar work of Keith and AJ lend the stage for Clarence’s ruminating vocals to deliver a heartfelt performance. -Janlor Encarnacion 24.) neytan & areli – FAR Out of all that Neytan has put out this year, he struck gold with this track. Bringing along Areli to put a shuffling beat and spiraling vocal touches to eventually create their Brockhampton-inspired cut is a sweet treat from start to finish. It has an anxious sentiment that these two exudes perfectly, a reserved attitude towards whether it is best to stay with her or keep some distance away from her. The track is quite the whirlwind, where even if that anxiety stays in your head, youāll keep on pushing forward somehow. -Louis Pelingen 23.) Cowboy Country Club – Squirrel on the Line Amidst the journey of reflecting through connections and relationships, āSquirrel On The Lineā reveals a layer of that reflection in a prickly fashion. Within the cycling acoustic strums, waves of violins, and subtle synth layering comes this stressful set of emotional struggles that persists in one’s entire life. It’s a catharsis delivered in a simple yet moving passage, in the poignant way that Cowboy Country Club does well. -Louis Pelingen 22.) Turncoats – Future Fossil Baguio’s very own indie/dreampop trio shine in their latest offering of 2022 that is “Future Fossil”. With the mix of garage rock-inspired instrumentals and dreampop-tinged vocals, Turncoats yearn about self-doubt and self-worth thrown in the midst of the whirlwind of sound. The upbeat pace and reverb-drenched vocals mask the song’s relatable theme of acceptance and discovery in a world where trying to fit in and living up to expectations dictate an individual’s value to society. And in today’s society, devoted listeners need bands like Turncoats -Janlor Encarnacion 21.) Spacedog Spacecat – Jay Muscis Spacedog Spacecat, the indie crossover the entire Manila scene was not ready for, pushes their fuzz pedals to their limits on āJay Muscisā. With a bright intro riffage, a dense rhythm section, polarizing dream pop vocals, and playful yet subtle counter melodies, āJay Muscisā is proof of the many utilities of the fuzz sound (get it?). And who wouldnāt say no to hearing Megumi Acorda in 2022? -Nikolai Dineros 20.) kindred – Switch On U! āCanāt stay at mad at youā says the boyband as they sing in the chorus.āShow me something newā says the boyband sing in the outro. Kindred strives for patience and virtue in their craft, and even greater – notably louder – energies in your nearest party. Thereās a throng of voices clashing against the bleeps and boops of their producers and there are pointpersons to every punchline. This formula that is āthe boybandā defines their camaraderie during the pandemic and āSwitch On U!ā is evidence of their growth and fervor in the game. -Elijah P. 19.) Armi Millare/Munro – Take Me Stepping away from a project and returning to an old one, Take Me is the next step forward for Armi Millare. Itās the first shard for what will be a different side of her artistry, taking spare amount of instrumentation to fill in and elevate her impassioned voice. Itās baroque in its spare, atmospheric, and yearning form, with love displayed to be given even when the partner is out of reach. -Louis Pelingen 18.) Identikit – Dust Collector Identikit solidifies their unique sound with Dust Collector – filled with quirky synth hooks, a groovy bass, and Esber’s unpredictable guitar sound supporting James’ haunting vocals. As the band talks more about an android collection that is kept for show and is untouched by strangers, the lounge-y vibe of the song round out the mystery in the lyrics and is a great representation of the uniqueness of the band. -Janlor Encarnacion 17.) Cheats – Morning After ft. Johnoy Danao āMorning Afterā is like watching a balancing act from the alternative-rock favorite Cheats. The tonal balance of the three vocalists ā Sab, Candy, and Jim, accompanied with Johnoy Danaoās delicate vocals brought this track to a home run. Fuzzed-out guitars ringing in the back, commanding percussion leading the way and most importantly, the audio separation towards the end made the song a breath of fresh air. The lyrical abstraction of the āMorning Afterā is a chase towards self-reflection and unexpected realizations which exhibit the bandās progress towards shaping their trademark sound. Cheats honed a consistent sound across their discography. However, āMorning Afterā operates in its own defined space and introduces a new side of the band collaborating with other artists – which we are looking forward to in the future. āMorning Afterā is a clear promise of what Cheats can establish in the scene. -Sab Aguirre 16.) Noah Alejandre – di man tinadhana In this industry full of male har-har and industry falsetto giants, only one artist was able to make it out of the dreaded rabbit hole: Ormoc, Leyteās very own Noah Alejandre. Straight from the pop duo that is Reon, Alejandre tries his hand out in the formula, slowly but steadily throwing in his rendition of the style. And the result: a smoother, catchier and captivating vocal performance.
TFL PRESENTS: THE 20 BEST FILIPINO RELEASES OF 2022
This year was full of surprises: whether you look at it from the perspective of an audience member lurking in the underground or a casual music fan who happens to stumble upon alternative music in the mainstream. The year 2022 was the year where we met all different kinds of folks from all walks of music life, the ecosystem that is the Philippine music; we experienced a lot of crossovers and other unexpected turns that would change the trajectory of the listener and the artist. From the sudden reunions of a high-profile 4-piece to the sudden rise of 2010s indie-sleaze affiliate genres to the co-optimization of genres from larger than life platforms like Tiktok and Facebook. There was an emergence of grunge and goth culture, thriving on the image of Robert Pattinson lurking over Gotham City and makeshift house venues in The South turning into a crying session. The folks of TFL are more than honored to present to you releases that define the year that is 2022. 20.) Basalt Shrine – From Fiery Tongues Shortly after one successful and groundbreaking hardcore project, itās almost hard to believe the Vivo Brothers could top their ABANGLUPA debut with a new venture. Enter Basalt Shrine, a doom metal quintet with a knack for the abstract that has quickly taken the metal scene aghast since its recent inception. Largely black metal inspired, their debut album From Fiery Tongues also incorporates stoner, sludge and drone elements in their dirge ā and does so pretty damn well! The band has toured quite a few times this year, and you might have already seen their names pop up in underground venues. In any case, you should check them out! -Nikolai Dineros 19.) O.I Research Partners – Speed Milk “Speed Milk” is one of the more gratifying releases to be released exclusively via physical merch by way of tricky YouTube search (if you look hard enough). What caught my surprise is the mere fact that this is more than a project, it more likely transcends the need of a streaming site. Its a living breathing project that consists of cowboys from outer space, the Wild Wild North-North of Nueva Ecija and many more interstellar worldbuilding. O.I Research Partners’ penchant for borderline desert psychedelia and tin can folk comes in waves in every soundbite and plugin pedal. -Elijah P. 18.) Nullification – Kingdoms to Hovel This Laguna death metal outfit takes a lot of notes from its forefathers and applies all the right pointers into a full-length album. To say this album is formulaic OSDM would be a discredit to the effort in crafting a visceral record akin to the 1990s DM sound that manages to stay fresh by todayās standards. Tracks like āNegated Fieldsā, Sledgehammerā, and āInside the Surrealā are as gut-punching as any metal song should be yet so elegant in their presentation that youād feel the destruction coming your way. -Nikolai Dineros 17.) Chimera Mix – My Pet Rat Patorikkuās musical project is a thaumaturge, releasing projects with songs that are folded and squeezed with enough spark of creative experimentation within vintage, lo-fi, and psychedelic pop that itās quite a marvel that he has put this enough projects already. He only blitzes through yet again with My Pet Rat, an EP with four tracks that continues to push himself even further to something incredible. Psychedelic pop with nuggets of lyrical eccentricities now dipped further into compositions that get even more ballistic and unhinged on every turn. His albums already ooze with dizzying compositions and instrumentation, but with this EP, it just shows that even the smallest doses can create a mind-dazzling splash. -Louis Pelingen 16.) Mazerboy – Edge of the Bleak Guagua is a province that shouldnāt go unnoticed, especially for younger acts like Mazerboy who shuns every doubter of post-punk, psychedelic rock and alternative rock within imperial Manila. āEdge of the Bleakā is agitatingly catchy than it is dystopic – the project lingers in the mind of their listener – catapulting meteoric solos and textures, pummeling every indie band in the mainland today. -Elijah P. 15.) <S>andwich – No Goodbyes On the surface, ‘No Goodbyes’ presented a spotlight on the social challenges brought by the pandemic, some were in the same dilemma during the pre-pandemic from biking around the Metro to the state of working from home. Tracks such as ‘Buhol Buhol’ and ‘Negatives’ are standouts that proved to be a self-fulfilling prophecy for the veteran band. It’s stacked with excellent guitar work and rhythm that will automatically remind you of Sandwich. The juxtaposition of the whole EP was delightful and ridiculous, leaving any listener wanting to bite for more. -Sab Aguirre 14.) Polyphonic Vision – Sudden Pictures The otherwordly synth textures of Michaela Benedicto and Mario Consunji create a beautiful, blissful and groovy whirlwind of electronica. Polyphonic Vision’s first ever EP is, at parts dreamy and at other times, complex. The stems of “Sudden Pictures” are mosaic to the point where production create an unfolding image. The more these movements create itself, the more Polyphonic Vision’s music becomes a dancing image. Thus, conceiving one of the best electronica releases of the year -Elijah P. 13.) Ligaya Escueta – Laughing in Milk 15-year old indie rock prodigy Ligaya Escueta comes in many forms and eras in her debut full length album āLaughing in Milkā. In fact, the album continually rises in momentum and it finishes in a mush of feedback and fuzz, eventually manifesting her growth in this kind of songcraft in the long run. Even mentor Mikey Amistoso of Ciudad couldnāt resist in sessioning for her in live sets. That alone should be a testament as to how much everyone in her age should go out and check out adjacent acts everywhere. -Elijah P. 12.) Party Pace – Nauseous The veteran quartet of Party Pace released a stellar introductory album with Nauseous featuring a slew of instrumental tracks that are easily the most enjoyable music to pair with work or play. The