The infectious, modern pop/rock track “Antukin” literally has “class” written all over it, yet highlights Blanco’s traditionally uncanny knack to tug at the heartstrings of everyday Pinoys and their sentiments. After a double salvo of hits off the abovementioned disc, namely 2008′s grand rock epic “Yugto” and the catchy-as-hell chart-topper “Your Universe,” Blanco shows no signs of slowing down as “Antukin” is now enjoying the top spot on nationwide radio and even on local music channel giant MYX. Truly, the feat speaks for itself, as not only the fans are aware of the artist/musician’s knack for creating definite classics in the OPM world.

But that’s not all that’s rocking the world of friends and fans of Blanco, as the video for his third single- directed by Treb Monteras is enjoying heavy airplay on all local music channels, and is garnering a massive number of views online. Conceptualized yet showing a looser side of Blanco, the video is a sure-fire contender in future industry awards ceremonies and is shown almost every day on local popular music channels and can be viewed by fans through his website www.ricoblanco.com.ph and on youtube.com.

Needless to say, the success of Blanco’s third single promises bigger and better things for the lauded songwriter as his home label Warner Music Philippines proudly prepares the Southeast Asia release of Your Universe, which will feature new songs all of which lucky Filipino fans abroad and would-be foreign music enthusiasts can soon sink their teeth into.

In turn, Blanco’s “universe” is still a busy one, having recently embarked on various promotional tours around the Philippines for the album, oft-being the main highlight and/or taking the honors of being opener and finale for the biggest gigs in the country, including the 2008 NU107 Rock Awards, MYX MO 2008 and the MTV Music Summit 2008 (where he was also named the official spokesperson for the year…) among a prestigious line of others into the following year. And at the start of 2009 up until the recent past, Rico has been conquering neighboring countries in Asia, having most recently visited Singapore where he wowed a mixed-audience of thousands at the lavish DXO Colours By The Bay at the Esplanade Mall last April 25, 2009. Indeed, not only local music fans can’t get enough of the man behind OPM’s biggest rock hits like “214,” “Awit Ng Kabataan” and “Umaaraw, Umuulan,” (as he still takes pleasure in visiting and playing at every corner and province in the nation), but the distant future promises Rico’s music being a smash hit among like-minded aficionados in other nations. An amazing feat, really- but not really surprising and totally unexpected, as a spin of the disc is enough proof for would-be skeptics that Your Universe could well be THE album that proudly represents what local Filipino pop/rock sounds like at its best.

For more information about Rico Blanco’s local and international tour schedule, to view his latest video “Antukin” and literally anything and everything that is Rico Blanco, log on to www.ricoblanco.com.ph.Your Universe is still available in record stores and music shops nationwide, so get your music fix now and be a part of Blanco’s exciting universe.

Who would have thought that hits like “When September Ends” and “Perfect” could be injected with an acoustic flair without losing its alternative essence? Chart-topping titles such as “Irreplaceable”, “Umbrella” and “A Thousand Miles” are infused with a mellow synchrony of strings which provides an uplifting ambiance. If you’ve been used to hearing “So Sick”, “She Will Be Loved” and “Superman” with a very masculine tone, then a revitalizing and interesting transformation is coming your way.

I Y Acoustic under MCA Music revolutionizes covers and popular hits with an acoustic zest that promises to deliver listening pleasure. An assortment of songs from various musical genres are all incorporated and given an unplugged feel, which undeniably sets a smooth and soothing sensation to the ears.

The melodies in this album are complimented by the sweet and charming voice of MCA Music’s newest artist, Sabrina. Having an immense passion for music early on, this young blood had her taste and exposure of the industry as she had her taste of mall shows, radio tours as well as corporate events. Her suave and captivating style will indisputably charm contemporary audiences, as well as those who are in the mood to relax and unwind.

So if you’re longing to cool down and take a breather, then don’t forget to grab a copy of I Y Acoustic.

I Y Acoustic is on sale in all major record bars nationwide. The tracks from the album are also available through mobile download via your cellphones and online through www.fliptunes.net . I Y Acoustic is released through MCA Music. Inc.

Tracklist:

01.  A THOUSAND MILES
02.  IRREPLACEABLE
03.  SO SICK
04.  OUT OF REACH
05.  WAY BACK INTO LOVE
06.  SHE WILL BE LOVED
07.  HOME
08.  SUPERMAN
09.  YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL
10.  HERO
11.  YOU AND ME
12.  MY GUARDIAN ANGEL
13.  I’M WITH YOU
14.  WHEN SEPTEMBER ENDS
15.  PERFECT
16.  THE REASON
17.  UMBRELLA

However, there are days when I choose to tune in to the radio. Normally, I catch Mo, Mojo and Grace Lee on the morning show, over at Magic 89.9. But my preferred station is (always has been, and will most probably always be) NU107.

And today, I remembered why I used to love listening to the radio — discovering new artists or songs I had never heard before. As I was tuned in to NU this morning, I heard a new tune from Corporate Lo-Fi, a local band comprised of numerous music veterans from varying genres (hip-hop, rakenroll, ska, and more) and several bands (Itchyworms, Chillitees, SVC, Wajijuara, Sugarfree, Indio I and a few more).

Upon hearing the song, I couldn’t quite place the origins of the band. There was a unique flavor to the tune — Hip-Hop, Rakenroll, Jazz and Big Band sounds all rolled into one. It was like listening to The Roots / Digable Planets meets Mother Earth meets The Brian Setzer Orchestra… with a distinct Pinoy flair.

Patiently, I waited for the DJ to reveal the artist. I was eager to get my hands on their album. But upon doing my research (and after visiting a couple of record bars), I sadly discovered that their album won’t be out til sometime next month. But in the meantime, you can check out some of their tracks on their MySpace Page and trip out with this unique blend of sounds.

With their eclectic sound ranging from classic rock to a bit of funk to some dabbling in island rhythms to good old rock and roll, the aural pleasures reminiscent of bands like Primus, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jimi Hendrix come to mind. Of course, it would be a bit unfair to liken the trio to some rock and roll royalty… Besides the band does add their own brand of bitchin’ styles to the mix.

Their first two tracks, I Hate Everybody and I Am My Own Bestfriend, are funky bass slapping tunes that make you bob your head, uncontrollably. And for some reason, despite the seeming negativity of the tunes, you tend to agree with what the band is driving at. Listen closely to the lyrics, and you’ll get what I’m saying.

My two favorite tracks from the album, though, are 3 for 100 — a very catchy tune, reminiscent of the old school, classic rock simplistic approach: uncomplicated, no hidden meanings behind the lyrics with rockin guitar riffs and a superfluous guitar solo and Lahat Bawal — a funked out, motorists lament on the sorry state of the traffic scheme here in the Philippines.

If I had to complain (no pun intended) on one thing on the album, it would probably have to be the fact that I had to run to five different music stores to find the CD. But after listening (and relistening) to the music, I find pleasure in the fact that there are still [local] bands out there willing to record independently just to get THEIR music out there. Sure, it may come at a cost, but the music is untainted by bigger music labels, and the artists get to do their own thing.

Reklamo may not be able to change the way things work in the Philippines, but with their debut album, Bitch for Change, they may just see a some movement in the music industry.

Reklamo are:

LC de Leon – vocals, guitar, and banjo
Mig Dayanghirang – bass, back up vocals
Ciro de Leon – drums, whistle, back up vocals

more Reklamo Photos

As I had waited in eager anticipation for a few weeks, I could hardly wait to get into the car to pop the cd into my changer. And as soon as I stepped into the auto, I tore through the packaging and slipped the cd in the disc slot.

For those of you familiar with Drip’s music, you can expect the great trip-hop / electronic rock vibes synonymous with the quartet. However, there is a sense of more maturity in the album – more clarity, direction and unity. Also, there is more emphasis on the electronic aspect of the music.

As I haven’t really been listening to the radio for the past few months, I don’t know if the band has released any singles or if there has been much airplay (on NU107), but I do have my initial faves: Fallen (the album’s opening track) – a drum and bass number that opens up with a haunting wail; Kindergarten Romance – a funky, beat driven, scratched out track with heavy organs; Faultless – a slower tempo tune with great vocals, and Morning After – an up-tempo feel good king of song.

Overall verdict: If you want to listen to some original trip-hop / electronica rock, this is definitely a great place to start. Beng Calma’s distinctive drone, Caliph8′s electronic wizardry, Ian Morse’s contagious beats and Malek Lopez’s overall direction give the quartet a finely crafted patent sound.

You can read another article from PulsePh.