Urbandub is out from the shadows -- and with whatever experiences they had in the horrors of the night they have laden it perfectly with a hymn. “The Apparition” No other name befits the experience.
This 5th serving of Cebu’s premiere band is a big jump in terms of arrangement and feel from their previous “Under Southern Lights” album. The use of samples and technoish effects, although always part in an Urbandub album, is more evident in the latest album. The overall ambience of the album is to my opinion the darkest among their works. If from the previous albums, the songs celebrate the pain of heartaches and lost loves, “The Apparition” is the funeral of things we believed in, and cherished.
The album packaging is a letdown. It would’ve been better in my opinion. Well I guess they are just following a concept… nevertheless the illustrations weren’t that impressive.
Meneurs de Loup
“Wolf Charmer” – as what the twitter feed said, is our fall to the rabbit hole. This opening piece is charming, in a suicidal kind of way. It is like a child peeking inside a forbidden door, anticipating what mystery he will uncover. A good introduction to…
The Apparition
Can’t help myself get depressed listening to this song. The crickets and ambience haunts me with dread, a perfect image projected would be getting lost in the woods… and as you lose your wits you finally HAVE WOKEN UP.
Face in the Woods
The song is obviously angry, as what the drum and opening riffs tell us. ITS SUCH A LONELY ROAD TO HELL… that line couldn’t be so right. What fascination they have with wolves is beyond me, but the song seemed to be an experimentation phase to Urbandub’s maturation as musicians.
Gravity
This is destined to be the single DEFINITELY. The trademarked sound of Urbandub is what makes this song a cut above the rest. The love-hate relationship or hate-love whichever you prefer seemed to transcend from the “scheming” (a thievery plot to steal your wary heart) first stanza, to the teary-eyed proposal in the chorus (your body’s worth more than the expanse of the seas), the breaking down in the 2nd stanza (I’m chaotic all I need is more), the serene bridge part (…so we dance and I’m holding on…) climaxing to the last two lines which are definitely going for the kill.
Expect pushing the repeat button for this song.
When Shadows Have Eyes
Groovy filler, reminds me of Squid9, the track is a breather after Gravity’s previous assault and a prelude to another jump-inducing track…
What This Night Brings
Another Urbandub classic in the making. The straightforward intro prepares the mood for a groove fest that this song will bring. Expressing our fears within, the plight this song sings embraces the moment when we choose between falling off or holding on. What really caught my fancy with this track is the various styles and tempos crafted with the technicality that Urbandub is getting better at since the Influence days.
A Call to Arms
I would be singing this with a raised fist. The truth that we shouldn’t be whining about things that are just temporary is perfectly ringing throughout the song. An inspiring track, don’t let the mellow opening guitar tune fool you, the rest of the track has power enough to bring a smile on your face… whatever the weather, and mood for that matter, is.
Arrows
Arrows is filler that I could swear can work perfectly as a song. A filler that has its own life, and a minute of existence.
Tongues Like Knives
Ah… my favorite track. Maybe it is the “hush hush” of Lalay. Maybe it is these two lines: I CHOOSE LOVE OVER RELIGION. I CHOOSE LOVE OVER THE LAW. Maybe it is the sheer conviction in Alipe’s voice. Or maybe it is because of all those three… and more. This song hints that the album is not only focusing on the self but rather expanding its horizons towards social and political issues that our country is (still) facing.
Bright City Kids
This song starts strong and grungy. The steady tempo dictates this anthem for the misunderstood youth. This piece just shows how brilliant Alipe and the gang can be when it comes to rocking out our sensibilities.
Stars and the Sun
The title might mislead us to think that it is about national pride that is usually a constant theme in the mainstream these days. But instead it is a melodic call that presents to us a plea for change, for an escape from division, from war and the mess we inherited because after all we are OUR FATHER’S SONS (and daughters). Another song that breaks away from the usual ‘Dub that we were used to but a noteworthy track nevertheless.
Over The Hill and Back
Calming filler that soothes the previous songs’ painful truths. The song seems to escort me downhill.
We Kept it Hidden
This is just one hell of a song. The hope this track expresses just hit right home. In the same level with previous Dub favorites “A new Tatoo” and “Evidence” , this song will captivate our cheesy and wounded selves once again.
Good Morning Bones
Heavy and pounding, this rocking piece is an example of what we love about Urbandub’s style. The far from usual arrangement, the fierce vocals, offbeats, enchanting delays and great riffs are woven into a finely crafted tapestry.
Mountains Tell Stories
This track is just the perfect ending for the experience the whole album gave us. Remember the first track? The child peeked through the door, found many ugly things inside, fought his way not to succumb to the same ill fate others had, closed the door, hoped, prayed and realized that everything is fine after all. That’s how it ended ladies and gentlemen.
Conclusion
Some will not like how the band’s sound is headed to, but definitely many will appreciate this direction. This album will of course have its share of cult favorites, anthems and number one singles not because how singable the songs be but because of how every song reaches to our feelings and our humanity as well.
All in all, I liked the album, and how the sound of the giant south has evolved into something more adult. We all do grow up right?
P.S.Pagpasensyahan nyo na, wala lang magawa...
--sticktoexecute--
