A little selfish, I think is how I found this album to be, and I absolutely don’t mean it in a wrong way.
If you’re after the strong nationalistic choruses of Bamboo 6 years ago, this is anything but. No fists in the air, no socio-political rage and generation angst. But don’t take a step back, this album has a lot going on, it might even do your head some good.
So Bamboo’s just as Bamboo Mañalac and not the band anymore. As all the songs in this album is written by the now solo artist himself, expect to be taken in a well crafted trip to his mind. The artist did not fall short of the amazing lyricism. The album was evidently planned and is beautiful enough to come close to being cinematic. If audible cinema’s nonexistent, hail Bamboo for making it possible.
The packaging is another reason for a good purchase. Compared to most albums priced the same as this, this one gives value to every bit you paid for. The CD is tucked inside the square photo/lyric book. Again, the songs are so beautiful that they can stand alone to make up a poetry book.
As a confession, I wasn’t that big of a fan. So yes, I’ve heard how he captures an entire crowd’s attention when he performs like he was the only living son of God. I haven’t seen him sing live. I’ve seen him, but I haven’t been blessed to hear him. After rounds of No Water, No Moon, I have been on a look out for his next tour schedules. Consider me a convert.
So, what was the experience like playing his album?
Just when you think it’s sounding familiar, you’ll hear something else that’ll prove you otherwise.
The first 5 songs by definition is somewhere nearing an acid trip on a sweaty Sunday afternoon, of decades old TV reruns and old songs.
Though eccentric, you’ll feel comfortable. Slowly, you’ll feel connected. It might be from past memories induced by the dated feel of the songs, or the crafted lyrics Bamboo could impressively sing so clearly like he’s reciting a rhythmic poem.
Come the next songs, the acid wears out and we’re brought back to the sweaty Sunday, you think better and get up making the most of what is left of the day. Still, the soundtrack follows you through, and you realize that even with this seemingly rotten reality, things don’t have to be so bad.
I’ve played “Please” and “In this life” numerous times for personal reasons. Check the album out and you just might find your next best personal track. Two words for this, pure genius.
Tracklist:
1. In Shadow
2. Please
3. Morning Rose
4. Back on my Feet
5. Questions
6. Spin
7. In This Life
8. Down The Line
9. All Hail The Fool
10. The Only Way
11. Just Go
12. Ikot ng Mundo (Bonus Track)
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