Blog : The New Rivermaya?

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67 posts
12/6/2007 2:59 pm

Last Read:
4/24/2009 3:28 am

The New Rivermaya?

I just saw Rivermaya perform "Awit Ng Kabataan" with who seems to be their new vocalist, who's name is yet to be known (and might as well stay that way) in MYX MO 2007 on You Tube, and I cannot help but notice (and comment on) the obvious. This replacement sounds like a second rate trying hard copycat, trying to be somewhere in between a Bamboo and a Rico Blanco clone, or a hybrid if you will. At first, he seemed to be ok but he couldn't sustain it during the high parts, oftentimes caught in between a vibrato and a scream. Its seems like he's confused with who to mimic; Bamboo or Rico? And neither of them did he do justice to!

First of all, you're the new frontman of a very popular band thats been through a lot of revamps and storms including the latest one, that could be lethal (having lost your leader and cheif songwriter) almost as often as we try to change presidents. I don't think you'll get fans (true ones) excited if you go out for the first time sounding like a mediocre cover singer singing an anthem that your own band has been known for. I mean, its alright if you're from a different band covering another and paying tribute to them. Some bands do a great job of sounding like the original but others do their own version and manage to "come original". Its your band now, dude! The new Rivermaya is supposed to be about moving on, not about getting stuck in the past, so get over Bamboo and Rico. You have to make your own identity as a singer. You're not in a cover band!

The only good things that I can see in this guy is that he looks good and young. I hope this isn't the only reason the band got him. Otherwise, a lot of long time listeners (like me) would be disappointed! It would be interesting to know and hear about what Bamboo and Rico would have to say about their former band's neophyte sub (off the record). I could just imagine! Well, I hope I just judged him early. I also hope the way he struggled and choked was just a case of first major gig jitters. I can't wait to hear the new Rivermaya songs just to find out if this guy really has something to offer. Otherwise, this does not bode well for the group that call themselves "Ang Banda Ng Bayan". Its hard to fill in the shoes of Bamboo and Rico, but that's exactly why you should have your own style! Sorry for being skeptical, but I hate to see a well respected band and one that I grew up (and old) listening to, lose its luster.

Good thing, the video was followed by Urbandub performing their new single. Listening to it for the first time, I can tell that they're trying to change up and variate a bit (like they always seem to) but the signature sound is still there (a mark of all great bands). Its not as catchy or as hard-hitting/driving as their previous releases, but the good thing about them is that the more you listen to their songs, the more you dig 'em and get hooked to their sound!

Anyways, here's the search string for all those interested and those who haven't viewed it yet; Rivermaya & Urbandub @ myx mo 2007. Feel free to post your comments, suggestions, violent reactions or what have you, hehe!

Enjoy it with discernment. Peace out!

Mabuhay ang tunay na Himig-Pinoy!!!

Life isn't perfect, otherwise its boring!

The_Harlequin 47M

36 posts
12/13/2007 6:01 pm

loveDbeach

Yeah, he's cute! But thats not the issue. Rivermaya is not a "Mr. Pogi" contest, hehe! And you're right! Its make or break for RM now, I remember when Chris Dancel (from Fatal Posporos, now with Cambio and occasionally with Sandwich) replaced Ely when he left the 'Heads, Oh boy! It was all downhill from there, they just plunged into obscurity from that point. No one even hardly noticed that they were still around. The good thing about being original is, almost no one knows when you screw up! Hehe! I wish the newbie luck too!

Anyways, welcome back! W'zup? Thanks for posting again! I was already gettin' tired of this site actually!

Life isn't perfect, otherwise its boring!

loveDbeach 45F

598 posts
12/13/2007 9:23 am

So that's his name huh, Jayson. Cute name. Cute kaya sya? haha.
Hmmm... I have yet to listen to him sing before I can make any comments. There would of course be only one Bamboo or Rico. I hope Jayson would come as original. Harlequin, I think you do have a point. It's make or break for Rivermaya especially when the two aces have gone. 'Rivermaya' is just a name sustained by talent. So I wish this new guy good luck.

The_Harlequin 47M

36 posts
12/9/2007 9:28 pm

We'll see. We'll see... Rico may have broken a lot of hearts, but Rivermaya wouldn't even be where it is now without him. He stuck it out during the worst times. He was content on playing rhythm, keyboards and being a back-up to Bamboo while practically making all their songs when he was onboard. He picked up the guitar chores (both lead and rhythm) when they lost Perf De Castro. He was the one who got Mike Elgar (Lead Guitars, now the lone guitarist) and Japs Sergio (Bass) in when Nathan left. He practically carried Rivermaya through the storms. But everything comes to an end. In music, you either burn out or fade away. In Rico's case, (I know he must have his reasons, valid or not) I guess he got burned out. Its like the Ely Buendia departure from the 'Heads; Sad but inevitable... So, I guess you have a point. Lets not judge people by a single act, like I did...

Life isn't perfect, otherwise its boring!

The_Harlequin 47M

36 posts
12/8/2007 11:12 pm

Better yet; Judge not lest ye be judged yourself. I got his name now: Jayson Fernandez. Also, I wasn't able to mention Kakoi Legaspi, and original members; Jessie Gonzales (vocals), Kenneth Ilagan (guitar), Rome Velayo (drums) they were replaced By Bamboo, Perf and Mark respectively.

Kudos to Gabby Alipe of Urbandub! He was mourning the death of his father before I left (Inspiration for the song: "Endless, A Silent Whisper", which music video is the flipside to the carefree "First Of Summer"). Glad you came out strong out of it! Can't wait to watch your Sonic Boom and other gigs with Dicta License again!

Here's my favorite Rivermaya tune from the "Tuloy Ang Ligaya" album. They sound like "The Cure" here, only heavier and thicker. I love the bass line, the drumbeats and the prolonged hypnotic guitar riffs on this one. Its length (more than 7 minutes) is too long for mainstream radio of the new millenium, but for me, its the best song they made (considering all factors; musicality, lyric-wise, techicality and overall sound) since Nathan jumped ship, and arguably one of their best ever. I used to listen to it 3 times before playing the next song. I never get tired of it! This is Ipo-Ipo:

Binihag mo ako
sa isang ngiting mapanukso
wala kong nagawa kundi sumuko

Sa iyong mga mata
dahan dahan mong hinubaran
ang kaluluwa ko’t laman

Hindi tama ito

Ipo ipo
ang pag ibig na ito
Ipo ipo
ang ikaw at ako

Sa bawat paghalik
diablo’y palakas ng palakas
lumuha tayo’t bumaha

Niragasang lahat
ng tunay na nagmamahal
lahat ng pangarap iginiba

*If you bought the album, it contains the chords to the song. I'd love to cover this song with people who can play it. Sarap I-jam nito!

Life isn't perfect, otherwise its boring!

TraXia_X3M 37F

82 posts
12/8/2007 8:47 am

(Here's my violent reaction (with a dagger look on my face)): hehehe

Come on! Give that cute, young bloke, Jayson, a chance, man!
He may be not as good as Rico, but he was chosen as Mayas' new vox; which is tantamount to saying that he's the best among the other contestants. And the fact that Rico chose to go solo instead of sticking it out with his former group, for me he's not a true-blue Mayan.