PolyEast Records 2010
12 Tracks on the CD:
• Lapit! Lapit! Lapit!
• Lakad
• Takbo
• Stranded
• Pera Pera
• Sugatan
• Putik
• Sulputin
• Bisikleta
• Downhill
• Dispalinghado
• Siesta
Memorable and melodic guitar riffs. Right mix of synths, distorts, and percs. The distinct Raims vox.The Sandwich sound that defined the band since Raimund Marasigan took over vocal duties in 2005 continues in their latest offering, Contra Tiempo, Sandwich's sixth studio album.
Ever since Marasigan became the frontman of the five-piece band, the Sandwich sound has become frenetic, punkish, quirky, pop-rockish, and at times lighter than their heavy, grunge-influenced era with former vocalist Marc Abaya. Defined by melodic and memorable licks and rhythms, the Sandwich sound of today is a bit of a departure from their distortion-heavy days (Grip Stand Throw, 4-Track Mind, and Thanks to Moon's Gravitational Pull) but despite that, they have maintained their edge and rawness that still puts them well categorized as a rock band.
Contra Tiempo, as an album, evokes movement or motion (or the lack thereof) -- obviously evidenced by such tracks as Lakad, Takbo, Bisikleta, Downhill, and Lapit! Lapit! Lapit! While the other track titles might not seem like it, listening to the lyrics and the melody of these tracks also makes one think that they adhere to the album's "motion" theme. If this theme was deliberate or not, I don't know but it works as each track moves you to the next, evoking a progression.
If you're weary of that really heavy rock-metal sound and wish for a distraction that is lighter yet edgy then this album is for you. Keeps you awake while driving and it grows on you. After a few spins of the CD, you'll find yourself mumbling memorable choruses and verses because that's how addictive the music is. Sandwich fans (yours truly included) have no doubt in my mind, that this is the same, true-blue Sandwich we've all fallen in love with. Don't look for any underlying symbolisms behind the lyrics because there's probably none. The songs' lyrics are pretty straightforward. These are not just songs, they're stories and the authors (Marasigan and company) have chosen not to complicate the listener's enjoyment behind symbolism, innuendos, and stuff. They sing their stories with catchy tunes and oh-so-easy-to-remember lines.
Despite the English titles in some, all 12 tracks are in Filipino / Tagalog. Are they unable to write English songs, some might ask. As someone who has dabbled in songwriting, writing in your own tongue allows one to be more creative and witty. I guess the same is true with Sandwich. But don't get me wrong, Sandwich has done great English songs in their past albums.
There's nothing really starkly differentiating Contra Tiempo from previous Sandwich albums. And in this case, that's a good thing because that mainly tells us that Sandwich is consistent -- consistently good -- dishing out another superb album for people to enjoy.
Memorable tunes for me include Lakad, the Ondoy-inspired Putik, the LSS-inducing Pera Pera, and Stranded. Even my daughter, Ikai, has already learned to mumble the chorus of Stranded -- "Stranded sa airport, stranded sa airport" evoking curious looks from her Auntie who can't fathom what song her niece was singing.
Sandwich fans will have another killer album to add to their collection. New listeners who have never heard of Sandwich before will most likely try to get their hands on earlier Sandwich albums.
The album title is a line from their song, Sulputin.
Final Rating: 5/5
