Pinoy pop these days are as varied in sound as they come, and this week’s lineup proves it.
From pop rock bands to rap, R&B and in-between, starting with Magnus Haven who recently scored a hit with their new single “Oh, Jo.” This head-bobbing track is practically an ode to a loved one. According to songwriters David Galang and Rey Maestro of Magnus Haven, “’Jo’ is Kapampangan colloquial term of endearment that means girlfriend.”
Well that one was obvious as the song’s hook goes “Oh, para bang nanaginip lang / Lahat ng sa’yo’ walang kulang / higpitan mo lang ang kapit sa’kin / Pag-ibig kailanma’y sa atin / labis ang saya na nadarama kapag kapiling ka” which basically translates, “I’m in heaven beside you.’
But besides the island-vibe, the song also got a neat new music video to go along with the song and it features Zeinab Harake and that probably explains why the video quickly exploded in the millions in terms of views. For those who don’t know, Zeinab can post a video on YouTube about nothing and it still would zoom to a quick million. Don’t ask us why, because it just is. Magnus Haven—that includes David, Rey, lead vocalist Rajih Mendoza, guitarist Louise Vaflor and drummer Michael Espejo Catalla--probably thought the same thing when they thought it a nice idea to have her their music video.
Nobita returns with a power ballad in “Paano Uusad.” Here, the 5-piece pop rockers deliver a right old heart tugger on this mid-tempo number that reeks of 90s Alt-rock vibes as they dig on themes of loss, pain, emptiness and confusion (and not necessarily in that order). Sonically, that’s actually Nobita’s speciality: “layered arrangements that are reminiscent of old-school bands mixed with intricate vocal arrangements” (am paraphrasing here). Nobita had a couple of breakout hits already with “Ikaw Lang” and “Unang Sayaw.” Nobita is Jaeson Felismino on vocals, guitarist Sam Aquino, bassist Mark Quintero, Lester Moñegas and Richmond Bancolita on keyboards.
Lo-fi is fast becoming a go-to sound and style for Pinoy pop tastemakers, and R&B and Hiphop leaning music acts. And that includes rap-R&B artist krisostomo (stylized in lowercase) who's in motor-mouth mode as he fires off rapid verses about always seeing the girl of his dreams on his latest track titled “3:12 AM.” This Lo-fi tinged track is equal parts groove and ballad and is almost dreamy in its approach. The perfect sonic accompaniment for a late night lounge, drink in hand.
And lo-fo music is likewise the sonics of choice for smooth and grooving “Araw2x Gabi2x,” the latest bop from R&B music act Zo Zo. Zo’ (a.k.a. Ralph Castor) writes, sings, arranges, records and produces this mid-tempo number about being proud of her girl and wanting nothing but to be with her always.
OC Records music act EMN ‘98 (aka Eloise Mitzi Magpusao Negado) offers up a moody and mellow new number in “Panaginip.” According to the singer, this R&B-streaked song is “about longing for your lost loved one. EMN ’98 also shared that “Panaginip” was written in the middle of the night, as she woke up from a dream.
Then there’s singer-songwriter Nicole Abuda with the moody, acoustic guitar driven alt-folk flavored “Ulan.” An independent musician who produces her own records, Nicole Abuda is unlike any other artist musician out there today. And should be listened to by everybody. Now. Because she’s that good, especially on this haunting, Shawn Colvin-shaded original.