Here's a track-by-track review...
Faithless - Rico did some rantings and heavy vocal chores here something that will remind you of "Sunog" (...wala si nanay, wala si tatay...) As Janie says, "full of angst." For me, the narration at the last part (...only in the darkness can we plainly see the hand that saves and sets us free...) pretty sums up the theme of the song. The music complements Rico's loud vocal.
Serious Offender - The guitars made a great appearance here. More shoutings from Rico. Has that British music feel. As sexy as "Ballroom Dancing" but this one is louder. The song's lyrics creeps somthing that reminds me of Michael Jackson's "Dirty Diana".
Again - Composed and vocal by Natan. Started soft on it's first few lines then it became heavy & loud. The song is about someone who lost his love and hopes "..you'll come back to me.." (pa-martyr effect). Natan's vocal performance here is different from his songs in the "it's not easy being green..." album.
Stranded - A love song that is guitar-driven with mid-tempo beat making it happy and not a senti-love song. Rico's vocal performance here is cool. The lyrics has that "214" feel but not mushy as all, instead, it is poetic and technological.
Imbecillesque - The song opens with an acoustic guitar (?) which reminds me of "Panahon Na Naman". Something like, Rico's solo performance. The lyrics is simple, accepting one's mistakes and asking for apology. It's message is the opposite of "(A Little) Sorry (Should Make Everything Alright)" lyrics. This could be a classic song that can rank among David Pomeranz, Stephen Bishop or Rex Smith. By the way, you may ask what is the meaning of the title. Is there such a word? Yes, and it is along the lines of "...stupid, fool, moron..." Get the drift?
Ambulansya - For a simple meaning of the lengthy lyrics, it has a story to tell with a tragic, violent ending. But one can deduce a deeper meaning into this. The "Ambulansya" here represents something that can save you but if you misuse it, it can bring you danger. It is backed up with a piano and percussion and with that ambulance siren sound effect.
It's Strange But It's True - The beat has that old 60's beat feel something like Atomic Bomb's "Tea For Two" but this one has that mid-tempo beat. Initially, it reminds me of Ogie Alcasid's revival song "Panaginip". It has that distorted guitar all over the song. The lyrics is about the guy who accepts a break-up but strangely though, he seems cannot accept it. Good for slow dancing. But this ain't no mushy song.
Straight No Chaser - Natan's second composition and vocal assignment in this album. The beat remind's me of "Sapot" as performed by FrancisM (with Planet Garapata). Has that reggae feel like of "Prodigal Dub". It has that "drink your pain away" theme.
Tulog - The instrumental intro is cool. This song's beat is fun to listen to. It ranks as another RiverMaya's novelty song along with "Saturday (Bakit Ako?)" This is Rico's auto-biographical song. It says more than "...hindi pa rin ako tumataba...payat pa rin ako..." Find it out yourself...
Steady - Has that hypnotic beat something like a Hindu song. Rico's tripping out with the lyrics and music until the end. Check out the backmasked vocals towards the end of the song and figure out what is says. Hey, I think this one stole the record set by "Sunog" being RM's longest song, clocking in more than seven minutes. Reminds me of the remixed version of "Flowers."
- polmags