Going duolingo is the order of the week, at least for Sarah Geronimo and ALAMAT.
First off is the Popstar Royalty who surprise-dropped a new single last Friday weekend with a new original song titled “Cuore.” In this R&B dance inflected number, SG starts off with longing themes in Tagalog. By the time the head bobbing chorus kicks in, SG is singing in Italian the following phrase: “Sei il mio cuore, cuore, il mio mondo / il mio amore, more, sei il mio tutto.” Which roughly translates to “you are my heart, you are my world.” Sarah G singing in Italian is definitely a nice, and obvious sweet nod.
Behind the song is the songwriting duo of Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana. The songwriters got some assistance from Matteo and his dad Gianluca for the Italian bits. Which makes “Cuore” a nice little collab that resulted in this electro pop tune wherein Sarah Geronimo switches between Tagalog and Italian while vibing all at the same time.
ALAMAT releases their much-awaited EP album titled “Pasulong.” As one of the top boybands in the scene now, ALAMAT is distinct for its stylistic use of rootsy Pinoy elements in their music and fashion. Sure enough, said elements are all over “Pasulong” as it's liberally mixed with the modern pop, dance and electro sounds that ALAMAT’s Jao, Tomas, Mo, R Ji, Taneo and Alas serves throughout the six-track mini album.
Mostly it’s in the imagery and themes starting with R&B flavored carrier track “Aswang.” Then there’s the Thyro Alfaro-written “Maharani” which is equal parts R&B-inflected bop and love song. Followed by the funky dance-club track “Gayuma.” Rousing original titled “Hala” is equally funky and surging that weaves traditional folk melodies and march cadences. The EP also marks ALAMAT actively pitching in with the songwriting including this track (which they worked on with Jason Paul Laxamana) and “Gayuma.” Completing the EP are “ILY ILY” featuring Lyca Gairanod and “Say You Love Me.”
Lilting and lifting are the qualities that immediately come to mind upon listening to Sam Benwick’s debut titled “Show Yourself To Me.” This piano-decked ballad is melancholy as it is hopeful. And a big part of how it feels that way is Sam Benwick’s delivery. Young and talented singer-songwriter Sam Benwick brings Vicor Music, a label known for its great and storied catalog, into the modern times with her brand of alt-tinged folk and pop.
R&B and rap music artist songwriter Esseca (Karl Ayn Escalona) returns with another bop titled “Tulala.” Here, Esseca imagines a moment meeting an old flame where nothing's the same yet something familiar remains. Esseca mixes this sentiment with eerie sounding synths, familiar trap beats and some good old fashioned tuneful singing to come up with a modern but moody sounding number.
Amiel Sol returns with a new original song titled “’Di Na Akin.” The acoustic-guitar-toting singer-songwriter is all feels on this midtempo, alt-pop love song about wishing for second chances on love. The urgency of that sentiment is all the more felt as Amiel builds up on that yearning feeling with rising synths, sparse but rhythmic acoustics, and a forlorn voice that belie Amiel Sol’s youth and amiable demeanor.
Hit rap group ALLMO$T makes good on their reputation as one of the most prolific Pinoy rap groups with another brand new single titled “Iiyak Na Lang.” This R&B inflected rap is old school flavored but is memorable as always. Crakky , Jom, Russel and Clien takes turns with their verses and hook choruses proving that they are strongest when it’s the four of them.