Paramita = perfection?

This will make my "jump on the bandwagon" official - I am now attempting the one thing I have always dreamed of doing - making a CD review, so here goes nothing.

Ive heard of Paramita on NU long time ago - it was their single Takipsilim, which is the very first cut on their album Tala.

Takipsilim is a perfect love story gone wrong - very typical plot but was delivered very well. Lines that goes like "aaminin ko, lahat ng ito, ay inaalay.. lamang sa iyo" gives it all away - but the beat is "raunchy" so dont think this is an MYMP hit. A perfect first track - as this usually gives the impression of the whole album and this didn't dissappoint. The song would have sounded perfect if it has been recorded properly - you can easily tell that the bass are sounding "sabog" even at a low volume - which is really annoying.

Carousel, The Indefinite transitions Of Per are the next two tracks - i almost never noticed the they are two different cuts since they do feel like one - and yes the bass still sounds weird >_< you can easily tell that the vocals are recorded on top of the guitars and drums since it is much clearer.



A Dreamer's Lullaby - the softest side of the band - and a very good song to say the least. I love the part where there is a second voice singing "close your eyes and i'll sing you a lullaby, nothing to fear coz i'm right here by your side" continuosly on a fast pace while a soft/slow voice is singing "come live another day..." and everything will stop right before the second voice finishes "nothing to fear coz i'm right here by your side" - ahhhhh just perfect.

Hiling - is one of their singles , and has the same premise as takipsilim - you can easily tell that Ria must have experienced the agony of heartbreaks as she sings every line convincingly. Simple tagalog sentences sound so complex when performed by the band - which shows how deep the band is. The quality of the songs are OPM at its finest form.
NOTE: Do not listen to Hiling if you are on a similar situation coz this one is a tearjerker, do stay away from sharp objects as it might find its way to your wrist. Best line on the song:

"kung ito ang 'yong hiling, gaano man kasakit sa akin - ibibigay sa yo...
nanlalamig na bang pag-ibig mo? (repeat till blood is already flowing from your wrist"
*stayed number 1 on NU's countdown for 3 weeks

Stillness reminds me of a Cynthia Alexander song - which means it is good. Lyrics is again good - another highlight of the album. Best line - "i sold half my soul, am i free to keep the other half?" - take note of the violins on the background - nice.

Tala - if you are still conscious (from the blood loss) by the time you are hearing this song - you are one lucky son of a bitch. The song still has the same progression the band is using so if you love the first few songs on the album - chances are you will like them all. I saw them performed on breakfast but i only catched them singing Takipsilim, and just like Tala - they know how to use their instruments well, notice how they would like to speed-up and suddenly slow-up the beat of a song. They have done this so well as if the song is a living story - with great climax and unforgetable endings.

Waiting for a Sign is like an english version of Panaginip Lang - so I dont know what sign should I wait for before I notice the difference :)

Porcelain/Sunrise - is another highlight of the album for me, I dont know why I am thinking of Cynthia Alexander (again) when im listening to this song - but i like the progression. They again used the 2-voices-singing-alongside-each-other attack at several points of the song and i like the way they transition to each other as if they are two different singers. Not sure if i interpret the song right but its about two people who have changed along the years. It can be lovers or friends - but again, a song for your wrist.

The album is a must buy for music enthusiasts - I am not sure if they have been advertised well by IVORY records coz I feel it should have sold or at least have been advertised better. The songs will easily attach to you as you can easily relate to them. I have said this a lot of times but the way they attack a song is very much different, simple words that may sound awkward if sang by Jolina or Sharon Cuneta sounds unique with Paramita - and that is their gift - listen to Panaginip Lang and you'll know what i mean. They do know their strengths and they do know how to maximize it - this is not your ordinary pinoy music - THIS IS REAL OPM.

One thing I pointed out is the recording - the sounds of the drums and guitars are "grungy" as if they are set at the max level even on soft parts of a song. But mind you, dont let this things prevent you from grabbing this piece of gold - cant wait to see them perform live coz it should be one hell of an experience.

Paramita - B+