Ciudad –
Follow The Leader (Independent)
The fifth album from Philippine band Ciudad continues
their exploration of all thing indie and pop. It can’t be easy reaching a
worldwide audience when you’re based in Manila, but on this evidence, they
deserve whatever success comes their way. One can only hope that talent and
charm will eventually win out, and they’re already making inroads. Their fourth
album “Bring Your Friends”, released in 2008, was hailed a masterpiece by the
Philippine music press, and “Follow The Leader” will, without doubt, enhance
their reputation. The band’s intrinsic tunefulness, their clever songwriting
and readiness to experiment, without sacrificing a shred of accessibility, will
surely stand them in good stead.
Principle songwriter Mikey Amistoso, together with
his bandmates Justin Sunico and Mitch Singson, repeatedly pull out all the
melodic stops. “Due Dates” provides a near
perfect start. Delightfully twee yet packing a real pop punch, its hugely
addictive tune and lyrical twists and turns bring to mind the Beach Boys, Mo
Tucker’s VU, Sean Lennon, Sarah Records and a host of C86ers. When you think it
can’t get any better, the magnificently monikered Jazz Nicolas weighs with a
faultless keyboard coda. As with the remainder of the record, it feels ideally
suited for lazy summer days and may just make a Northern European winter a
little less grey. Further highlights are plentiful, and it would be remiss to
sign off without mentioning a couple of them. The title track utilizes an
amiable female backing vocal courtesy of Marie Jamora, and brings to mind The
Dandy Warhols, though not as punky, it’s just as appealing. “When You Get to the Top” rolls along with plenty of
bite to Amistoso’s words, and guitarist Sunico builds riffs aplenty. Great stuff.
Rob F.
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