Paramita dares to be different

The line-up of songs in the album Tala by Paramita is an uneven lot. The cut can be profound like Stillness, "Your silence means nothing to me/ I am much braver now." Or inane like "Hey, I thought of you today/ I thought that I should tell you/ How much I miss you." Or Pinoy rock cutesy-wutsey unintelligible like Porcelain/ Sunrise which goes like this "You with the marble eyes/ Fragile with porcelain bones/ You look at the stars and you wonder why/ Are you as hungry as I? Yesterday’s news but still new to me."

That can be poetry for some or pretentious gibberish to others. It is a trend of thought which is uniquely Filipino and something that has become prevalent in local compositions these past months. Check out those songs with bad grammar and conflicting chords set against a garahe mix now occupying the hit charts. Since such is the situation for local music nowadays then it is only right to opt for the poetry classification to describe the music of Paramita.

These poems in Tala are framed against interesting arrangements and well-thought-out mixes. I have to say that it is a daring move on the part of the group. Listeners seem to prefer the easy and predictable these days and Paramita could have taken the easy route. Think mushy ballads masquerading as rock songs performed in monotone. But these guys did not. So I laud them for daring to be different and for putting individuality over a sure positive reaction from the market.

That though is only one reason why we should listen to what this group has created. Paramita is the Buddhist term for perfection and I am glad that Paramita tries to do just that. This trio is a tight, confident bunch that offers solid performances in every track. Acknowledged frontman Ria Bautista is an adept songwriter and soulful vocalist who, despite her petite frame, knows her way around the drums. The contributions of Norman Dellosa, guitarist, and Alsey Cortez, bassist, cannot be considered minor either. In fact, credit for the ingenious arrangements goes to the whole group. The use of musical instruments in the entire package is particularly clever most especially the inclusion of strings and the smattering of tribal beats in some cuts.

The first single release is the broken-hearted cry entitled Takipsilim. The other songs are Carousel, The Indefinite Transition of Perceived Realities, Panaginip Lang, A Dreamer’s Lullaby, Hiling, Stillness, Tala, Waiting for a Sign, Porcelain, Sunrise, plus an acoustic version of A Dreamer’s Lullaby and a pressured pleasure remix, whatever that is, of The Indefinite Transition of Perceived Realities.

October shows at Merk’s

Merk’s at Level 3 in Greenbelt 3 Ayala Center, Makati carries on its tradition of staging brilliant Filipino talents this month. On tap are Bernie Uy in Don’t Worry Be Happy! on Oct. 17, 24 and 31; Acoustic Jive on Tuesdays, Oct. 18 and 25; Merk & Friends with Richard Merk and Eddie Katindig on Wednesdays with guests Lyn Sherman tonight, Sandra Lim on Oct. 19 and Judith Banal on Oct. 26; Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez in Love You, Hate You, Love You tomorrow, Oct. 20 and 27; acoustic artist Dawn plays before and after the show; Route 70 is in charge of Fridays; Aretha & the Souled Out Band takes care of Saturdays, Oct. 22 and 29 with Flintstones & the Gang on Oct. 15.

Top 25 albums

Tower Records and Music One rank the following as their top 25 selling albums: Memories of Love: Live by Kevyn Lettau and others; Versions and Beyond by M.Y.M.P.; Nina Live by Nina; Hale by Hale; Side A: Gig Live by Side A; Anthology by The CompanY; Chillout Project: Sisters of the Sun by Various Artists; American Idiot by Green Day; Halina Sa Parokya ni Edgar by Parokya ni Edgar; 2Hot, an all-hit compilation by Various Artists; Half Empty Half Full by Cueshé; Paghilom by Dicta License; Chillout Project: House Sessions 2 by Various Artists; When Love is Gone by Martin Nievera; Jasmine Trias by Jasmine Trias; Monkey Business by The Black Eyed Peas; Silver Shiny Jeepney by Various Artists; Can’t Get Enough of the 80’s Vol. 2 by Various Artists; Strike Whilst The Iron is Hot by Orange & Lemons; Steady Lang by Brownman Revival; Palabas by Sponge Cola; Home by The Corrs; Light Peace Love by Bamboo; Kitchie Nadal by Kitchie Nadal; God Bless the Child by Mishka Adams; and The Singles by Barbie Almalbis.