Rivermaya defied all odds and proved all doubters (including me) wrong by releasing a brand new EP Bagong Liwanag. This is the band’s first studio effort after the stunning departure of their acknowledged leader, Rico Blanco, a few months ago. Bagong Liwanag contains 5 songs written by the remaining three members (drummer Mark Escueta, guitarist Mike Elgar and bassist Japs Sergio) who also took turn in doing the vocal chores for their respective written songs. Sergio and Escueta each contributed two songs while Elgar has one. The first two tracks, Sergio’s Banda ng Bayan and Escueta’s Sumigaw are simple yet catchy OPM rock songs with easy-to-recall melodies and sing-along choruses that bring to mind Ulan and Elesi. Listen closely towards the end of Banda ng Bayan and you’ll hear Kisapmata’s main guitar line and Panahon Na Naman and Elesi’s outro playfully inserted. Elgar’s Nawawala is moody middle track about change and has an almost ballad-like feel. Olats, another Escueta contribution is bridled with irony-it is an upbeat, playful song about misfortunes and tough luck. The EP ends with Sergio’s Sayang, an acoustic epistolary written for Rivermaya die-hards after Blanco called it quits. The song starts with the band’s initial state of uncertainty then concluded with their decision to continue making music for the sake of their fans’ unwavering support.
While the band did not simulate (and probably they could not) their former band mate’s poetic songwriting, it is a good thing that they did not stray too far away from the old Maya sound. The songs are optimistic all throughout and the three members, surprisingly, were able to handle the vocal parts fairly well. In comparison, this EP has more of the Pinoy Rock sound of the band’s self-titled debut and Tuloy ang Ligaya than the Britpop soundscape of Between The Stars And Waves.
I was mistaken in predicting Rivermaya’s demise after Rico Blanco left the band. But if there is such thing as a “good mistake” then that would probably be it. Because Rico Blanco may have left but Rivermaya is still here. I guess my all time favorite band is still eternal after all. As Mark Escueta sings in Sumigaw–asahan mo hanngang sa huli nandito lang kami. This could only mean one thing…TULOY ANG LIGAYA!
*Download Rivermaya’s Bagong Liwanag EP at earlbolivar.multiply.com
