Asin makes grand comeback

They used to call themselves Salt of the Earth. As inspired by the Sacred Scriptures, the phrase pertains to hardworking people. After a while, it was changed to the vernacular Asin to give more impact to the prevalent folk genre in the ’70s.

Asin’s entry to the music scene immediately created a roaring impact to avid listeners because of their thought-provoking and inspiring songs. They are best remembered by their track record of giving us songs with utmost relevance. Such songs include Masdan Mo Ang Kapaligiran, Itanong Mo Sa Mga Bata, Pagbabalik, Himig ng Pag-ibig, Ang Bayan Kong Sinilangan just to name a few.

However, the breakup of the group interrupted the smooth sailing of their careers. The group decided to focus on other things. But an artist will always be an artist.

After several years of operation, Asin makes their millennium comeback in the recording scene. Dubbed as Pag-ibig, Pagbabago, Pagpapatuloy, this 11-track album under Vicor Music corp. proves only true-blooded performers can have a graceful comeback despite the tight competition in the music industry today.

Asin’s latest album continues the group’s more than two decades of advocacy and saga. Like their previous albums, their eighth album aims to instill awareness to oneself and one’s surroundings and appreciation of Filipino music with provocative, inspiring songs about the environment, love and life. The album is highlighted by an overture of Asin’s two decades of music. Overhauling 14 of Asin’s chart buster hits, this tune is brilliantly arranged using ethnic instruments and guitars.

The album is also bannered by the carrier song, Ang Mahalaga by Pendong and Chat Aban. It comes at a very oppurture time as it talks of the importance of being provided with basic needs like food, shelter and work to achieve peace, unity in every home and love. Panibagong Bukas speaks about one’s hope for peace and the end of chaos, rivalry and war. Other possible hits include Pag-ibig, Pagmamahal; Hawak Mo; Monumento; Sa Bawat Nilikha; Aves de Rapiña; Kawangis, Pagbabago?

Another highlight of the album is Sa Malayong Silangan the last song written by Asin’s original member, Saro Bañares before his untimely death. And as if fate had planned it, Saro was able to record the song as a demo. This gave the surviving members of Asin, Pendong Aban and Lolita Carbon the idea of recording Sa Malayong Silangan with Saro’s demo version giving it the complete Asin touch. This song plus the whole album serves as Pendong and Lolita’s tribute to Saro.

This tribute is their main reason for the comeback. Lolita, main voice behind many of Asin’s hits, still has her trademark raspy, throaty, powerful singing voice. Music wizard Pendong Aban plays the acoustic rhythm guitar and does vocals. Together, they want to continue Asin’s inspiring and socially relevant musical masterpieces.

Pag-ibig, Pagbabago, Pagpapatuloy the album is out in cassettes and CDs under Vicoe Music Corp.