AFTER a year and a half of production, Sugarfree, one of the Philippine music industry’s best-kept secrets, finally released its first album, Sa Wakas.
The album immediately shows promise with the first track, “Burnout,” which is characterized by lively drum beats and melodic guitar strums.
Emotional lyrics and lead vocalist Ebe Dancel’s soft voice make “Unang Araw” a sentimental and sensitive song as well as one of the best tracks with touching lines like “huwag mo akong sisihin kung minsan ako’y iyakin,” and “nasanay lang sigurong nandiyan ka/ di ko inakalang puwede kang mawala/ ayan na nga.” The energy-packed drumbeats of Mitch Singson, however, lighten the depressing feeling brought about by the tune.
The tracks “Taguan” and “Tummyache,” sung by the band’s bassist Jal Taguibao, create a distinct impression but never gets out of the Sugarfree style. They sound much like lullabies with an acoustic accompaniment.
“Mariposa” has intricate guitar strums in the introduction which continues in the instrumental parts of the song.
Sugarfree manages to make their songs relatively angst-free even on tracks like “Hintay” and “Mundong Malungkot,” where the theme is depressing.
“Fade Away,” however, shows that they sing better in Filipino.
Aia de Leon, Imago’s lead vocalist, is featured in the track “Los Baños.” Her soft humming about getting homesick lends the song an ethnic-like feel.
Other tracks to get hooked on are “Telepono,” “Insomya,” and “The Allan Song.”
Together, Ebe, Jal, and Mitch create a melodic catchy music that can effectively jumpstart your morning.
Sa Wakas is distributed by EMI Philippines Inc. and is available at all leading record stores.
