Arthur Miguel recently released his first EP titled “MU” under Warner Music Philippines with a launch last Friday in Quezon City wherein he unveiled the 5 songs that comprises his new record.

And judging by the themes of the songs from “MU” (at first listen, at least) Arthur is still in the process of figuring this little thing called pag-ibig.

Arthur’s mentioned before that his songs are “for those who can’t admit to what they really feel about towards another person,” and “about having all these emotions but just can’t find the resolve to admit their feelings,” adding that “I write songs about ’walang label na relationship’ that seems so prevalent these days,” observed the singer.  

So, the songs on Arthur’s EP, takes the issue to its logical next step: actively seeking love and finding ‘the one.’

The first song establishes the premise, wherein Arthur seems to announce, I'm here and ready, let’s do this,’  via the rising stanzas and anthemic choruses of “isaoras.” Here, Arthur intones “Nalibot na ang bawat daan, baka ikaw ang para sa akin / umiikot sa kawalan, naliligaw na damdamin / tumatakbo ang oras, lahat ay lumilipas.” Ah, we've all been there right? Hopeful about the prospect finding love and at the same time, almost questioning why it’s taking all this time to find it.

“Malabong Ugnayan” is built with the same sonic foundation, and is practically a sibling song of “Isaoras, which it segues to seamlessly. Sharing the verse is Arthur’s music contemporary, singer jikamarie who provides some nice R&B inflected counterpoint to Arthur’s melodies. The pair finish off with a sure-shot sing-along line: “Malabo man ang ugnayan, ikaw pa rin ang patutunguhan.”

And the search for love continues for Arthur, with unfavorable results, on “GHINOST.” This upbeat, head-bobber finds the young singer asking “hanggang kelan aasa sa’yo?” At this point, a theme is shaping up. The search is not an easy, straight road for Arthur, that much is accurate. But the uplifting melodies are straightforward and accessible. Come for the spectacle of seeing Arthur try (and stumble at that), but stay for the music.

Then there’s “Dati.” The retropop flavored number that’s one of Arthur's most catchy to date. And if you know Arthur’s track record so far, that’s saying something. “Kung ayaw mo na, sana di na sumugal sa laro ng pag-ibig,” sings Arthur, doubling down.

So how does the proverbial search for Arthur ends? That’s answered on “Maling Panahon.” Amidst the music box-like piano gentleness, is a beautiful sonic veneer that masks the realization for the singer: “Hindi ikaw ang para sa akin.” Amidst sparkling, lilting melodies is the blunt truth that it wasn't meant to be.

Is it tragic? Maybe. But “MU” is just a snapshot of a particular era for Arthur. And the search goes on for ‘the one.’ Thing is, we’d be glad to see him stumble and try again the next time around. Until he finally gets it right. 

Love is the main ingredient in singer-songwriter Amiel Sol’s new song “Soup.” The song is delving into the theme of love language. Amiel Sol elaborates, “'Soup' is about the feeling of how slow time is when you're not with the person that you love, and how fast it is when you are.” “The song also talks about showing love through little things such as taking care of them when they’re sick. I wanted to write a song that matches the gloomy weather we are experiencing right now, but at the same time have an upbeat song about missing the person you love,” says Amiel.