“FREE PLAY” CD AVAILABLE AT BRATPACK!

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With the ever-evolving audioscape in the Philippine music scene, Bratpack brings to you “Freeplay,” CD featuring today’s breed of independent Filipino musicians.

For every single-receipt purchase of P2500, one could get a free CD.

The compilation of nine electronic indie pop tracks also feature artists with considerable mainstream experience such as Diego Mapa (of Pedicab fame) and Zach Lucero (drummer for pop-rock band Imago and ex-jock for rock station NU107)

Audiophiles will thoroughly enjoy this eclectic compilation – like, for instance, the duo of My Parasol in their hushed, subdued tones open the album with “Spacetalk,” a dream pop track with its trademark meek, melodious singing and passive beats with electronic slashes; while Couchlab’s “I’m Just So Happy” sounds like a Korean video game background music at first – but the imposing bass and sustained treble sequence turns it into an electronic mosaic – like a bohemian rhapsody of sorts.

Then there’s also ex-punk drummer Spazzkid and the velvety sound of Techy Romantics in a track called “Nightout” — rough, callous orchestra hits with dreamy chimes and a quirky declaration of love muffled by synths. Spazzkid eventually pines over a lost love with a rushed, almost asthmatic, staccato of beats and subtly steely vocals in “I Left My Heart.” The Techy Romantics get on the floor and dazzle with their club-like brand of electronica and a foxy, subdued female voice with “Photos Fade.”

The compilation manifests its contrasts through Techisoba’s “The Unstoppable,” an aggressive instrumental with searing synthesizers, and Arigato Hato’s “Mmm” which, on the other hand, drizzles with cool, clammy celesta notes and a hoarse female singing leading to a persistent bass and the unceasing plucking of the guitar – breathy and breathless all at the same time.

Eggboy’s “Sana,” while maintaining that indie vibe, sounds more like a downtempo track from a 90s Pinoy rock band. After all, Eggboy is none other than Diego Mapa himself. He also remixed Zach Lucero’s single “Matina Town Square” featuring Sarah Marco on vocals, giving the syrupy original a harder, grittier edge.

Head to your nearest Bratpack, grab yourself some new gear, and get this limited edition compilation exclusively at the Bratpack stores at your neighborhood mall. Promo period is from December 1-31 2009, or until supplies last – so go make that holiday purchase now!

Preview of the tracks to be posted soon!

HABULAN

For a band with a nondescript, rather generic name, Sound is a refreshing as a freshly-squeezed lime with punch notes wafting with every electronic riff.

Habulan is one of their earlier songs — think of Jamiroquai’s brand of funk, only subtler, topped with the handsome, youthful tenor of Sach Castillo. This would be the kind of music that a foreigner would listen to, notwithstanding the lyrics, in the same manner that Sigur Ros enthralls us.

THE WORKING HOUR

There is something about The Working Hour that hits my back hard as if forcing me to stay up for an all-nighter — making the title apt. It must be the distinct, decisive piano notes, or the staccato-like strum of the guitar woven with the thick, stubborn saxophone riff.

But try traveling at midnight while staring at the stars from outside the window while listening to this song. Somehow, the stars seem so much closer, you could almost feel yourself floating.