Written by Louis Pelingen The smoggy bleak streak that Mazerboy started with continues forth with ‘Midfielder’, the newest cut that he has put out two years after he released his 2nd EP. This continues his brand of post-punk tapestry, all with a driving groove section and Mazerboy’s solemn vocal cadence, but the overall sound is treated a bit differently this time around. There is an implementation of dense layers of reverb on Mazerboy’s vocals as well as the jangling guitar feedback that sinks the atmosphere deeper into something closer akin to dream pop, an implementation that could have worked well if not for the sudden swerve towards the back half of the song, where despite the surf rock riffings, the overall result felt like piling up another tune fragment that does not effectively coalesce with the first half’s potent melodic foundation. For what it is though, it is still a solid piece of post-punk dipping deeper into dream pop atmosphere and surf rock melodies underscoring Mazerboy’s usual tempered delivery and lyrical flavor. A refreshing expansion that still focuses on what made Mazerboy’s material work in the past from both compositions and textures alone. The gust of atmosphere might be a bit cloudy and heavy, yet never fazing Mazerboy’s stance at the center of it all. Support the art & the artist:
Tag: Pampanga
TRACK REVIEW: CATBOY JEEPNEY DRIVERS – MAYBE MITSKI
Written by Kara Angan Laguna and Pampanga-based electronic duo CAT BOY JEEPNEY DRIVERS bares their drum and bass chops in their latest song “MAYBE MITSKI.” “MAYBE MITSKI” notes a significant departure from their more synth pop debut “LOSER.” The pair trades their electronic synth riffs for a fast-paced and prominent percussion line—a trademark of the genre. While “LOSER” was jam-packed with a funky bass line, synth and electric guitar riffs, and multiple vocal lines to fill the track, “MAYBE MITSKI” proves that less is definitely more. While the track is short and sweet, clocking in at only two minutes and 33 seconds, the vocal melodies and harmonies keep the track interesting over a repetitive drum track, bass line, and riff. The duo’s No Rome influences shine significantly in the song. Their vocals are layered with autotune and reverb, complementing well with each other as the track progresses along. There’s always something new to pick up when listening to the song multiple times—the subtle “oh’s” that pan right, adlibs, and more details that make the song instantly catchy and memorable. While the lyrics aren’t exactly out-of-this-world or revolutionary, what makes the song stand out is how CAT BOY JEEPNEY DRIVERS are able to round out a song through their production. The duo’s flexibility with genres makes them an act to definitely watch out for—and I’m excited to see where they decide to dip their toes in next. Support the art & the artist:
EP REVIEW: Goon Lagoon – Rocket Peace
Written by Nikolai Dineros Elev8 Me L8r has no shortage of young, explosive rock-oriented bands to their name, but Goon Lagoon’s unapologetic take on grunge harkening back to the genre’s ‘90s roots proves to be their one defining aspect. The last couple of years has also shown us bits and pieces of what the band has going for with their sound (with varying degrees of success), with 2022’s Machine Gun being their most notable. In one of our previous reviews, we highlighted the song for its off-kilter motif and chaotic twists and turns. Now, with the release of Rocket Peace, Goon Lagoon’s identity is much clearer — and what used to be the band’s best work is now a part of something bigger. As the Goon Lagoon hype ele8ed (sorry) with gig announcements alongside this EP launch, so did Machine Gun’s cult fame, while a slightly superior Down The Drain seeped through the cracks as the band’s best material to date. “Down the Drain” is in-your-face in almost every way, with its muffled vocals, infectious riff, and drowning levels of flangers. Amid the chaos and noise, the songs in Rocket Peace have a lullaby quality reminiscent of Sonic Youth, with guitar solos and synths aplenty. This is especially the case with the closing track “Pocket Grease,” which I assume is a wordplay on the record’s name or the other way around. ‘Rocket Peace’ is so full of surprises that it’s almost criminal of me to include that in this review, as the EP’s explosiveness is what the record is built upon; each surprise comes when you least expect them. And when they do, they hit you at just the right spot. SUPPORT THE ART & THE ARTIST:
TRACK REVIEW: Kiyo ft. Yung Peso – Puyat
Written by Elijah P. Pampanga-based rapper Kiyo never really forgot his roots since moving from the ports of Navotas to the north side of Angeles not too long ago. His latest track “Puyat” offers introspection rather than the nostalgia trip of their previous material. Time seemed to run out for the young rapper. It wasn’t too long ago either when he released haranasa – a 15-track debut that overstayed its welcome. The debut showed more filler than a 4-verse solo track. However in “Puyat”, it was more likely that he’s been keeping these verses loaded with more impact. The compactness of these 16-bars are rich with food for thought compared to the aimless reminiscing thoughts of haranasa. Although, the listener would rather frame it this way: “Puyat” is an entry of a more mature Kiyo. The borderline boombap production and hazy pianos ride over Kiyo’s gliding melodies seamlessly. You have the flows of Kiyo complimenting the guest feature Yung Peso in the monochromatic music video; hustling in the skinny alleyways and living the life by skydiving freely. Kiyo didn’t join the rap game for fun; he joined because it made him live life more carefully. “Puyat” has all the breaks for kiyo to showcase his more melodic and lyrical sides. Support the art & the artist: