Diamond in the Rough: Nerveline "Anesthesia"

While in Robinson's Boni, I saw a P20 CD bin in a CD sale. This gave me the opportunity to do the same review I did while in Japan; looking for rare finds in sale bins where you could get nice sounds for a price that is applicable for a cheap bastich like me.

First up is the Nerveline's 2005 album 'Anesthesia'. I heard this band in one of the discussions with our guitarist, since he's such a music adventurer. Seeing this in the same bin, I decided to give it a shot.

I never heard of this band before, so I concluded that this wasn't a commercial hit... then again, I never listened to local radio since the Emo band explosion.

It seems that they were a bit ahead of their time, as their sound is like a Ubandub and Kjwan joint project, with a bit of grunge and heavy alternative groove to it. 

The first track'Tear you up' is not much to listen to...too 'magulo', but the second track 'Missing' became my instant Nerveline fave. 'Dry' gives the most Nirvana-ish feel in the album. While 'Sunday Paint', 'Notice Granted' and 'I Told You So' shows a more modern alternative side of the band. 'Wreck' and 'Cradled Soul' are catchy, heavy riff laden songs that sounds like a subdued Tool-Sevendust combo. The title track 'Anesthesia'is a gloomy, creeping heavy rock song, though a bit operatic in the lyrics. The lone tagalog track 'Basang Labi' and 'The Nerve' gives a gloomy but heavy 90's pinoy alternative feel with a modern riff twist to it.

Although the riffs seems the same, because of their approach in arrangement and harmony, it still is a good buy for 90's alternative enthusiasts.

Diamond in the Rough: Fried Pride "Heat Wave"

Have you ever wondered what your favorite oldies might sound like as a jazz-lounge or bebop reincarnation? The Fried Pride duo of Shiho (vocals) and Akio Yokota (guitars) rejuvinates the songs with their own version of various covers applied with their own vocal flair and fine guitar playing.

You'll be amazed with their jazz-bebop rendidtion of 'Smoke on the Water' and 'Come Together', reminiscent of Yoko Kanno's 'Cowboy Bebop' fame.

For the easy-listening affectionados, there's the loungy 'My Romance', 'Hush-A-Bye', 'My Cherie Amour' and 'Yesterday'.

There's also the slow paced jazz ballad 'The Second Star to the Right', 'Free', 'Alfie' and Yokota's original 'Your Love'.

Some songs like 'Now and Forever' and 'Fantasy' we're not changed that much but still shows that Fried Pride identity.

You'll love the way Shiho's vocal prowess and Yokota's guitar playing complement each other, like a synergy of music that leaves a sweet taste in the ears.