MANILA, Philippines - They started as a young band eager to play and share their music to people. Since then, their success has been unparalleled. Two major label releases (Destination XYZ and Fisheye), a gold record, more than five No. 1 singles (Stars, Take My Hand, Magbalik, Pasan, Sanctuary and Susundan), and screaming fans, Callalily has achieved more than any band has experienced.
Now, Callalily is moving forward and it is evident on its third self-titled album. To its members — drummer Lemuel Belaro, bassist Aaron Ricafrente, rhythm guitarist Tatsi Jamnague, lead guitarist Alden Acosta and vocalist Kean Cipriano, the brand new offering is a representation of who they are as a band, hence self-titled.
“It was designed to be an honest, no-frills showcase of our emotions and views. The album was to symbolize being about ‘us’ in our purest form,” Alden said.
Guiding them for this work is ex-Eraserhead and The Dawn bassist Buddy Zabala.
“It was a privilege to work with someone arguably synonymous with OPM bands of this era. His ideas are a crucial part of the album especially giving it an air of maturity in a musical sense,’ Alden said.
“Man! It was one hell of an experience. We love working with him. He brought out the best in us and maximized our musical capabilities. Through him, I learned that to create a good album, you have to enjoy and bring out a good vibe in the studio and with the people you work with. No pressure, just rock and roll. His ideas were magical,” Kean added.
Those experiences certainly helped the band craft songs that are almost a summary of their previous album Destination XYZ and Fisheye but still unique. Nananaginip tells how one expresses his heartache. Aside from him, Kean and Alden likewise contributed songs. The topics in the album range from letting go (Someday Oneday), changes (Eyes On Me Ohh-Lala, Dance All Night), heartbreak (Dahilan) to love (L.O.V.E. and Goodnight). There are also songs they consider weird (Nagagalit), personal (Langit) or just happened (Right). Other singles are Liwanag and Gabay.
“It is a mix between sweetness and angst,” Alden said of their songs.
If some consider their sophomore effort to be “heavier” than their debut album, they are one in saying this new record is “organic, solid, less sparkle and meatier.”
Callalily’s album is out under Sony Music Philippines.