24. Review: PARALAYA: A Kapampangan Acoustic Album

Category: Music 
Genre: Pop 
Artist: ArtiSta.Rita 

 ArtiSta.Rita, Most Outstanding Kapampangan Awardees for the Performing Arts, goes acoustic with its 3rd CD offering, a musical detour that has everyone surprised after their first 2 albums of mostly traditional Kapampangan tunes. Already, Andy Alviz’s opus “Kapampangan Ku”, has become an anthem of sorts for Governor Among Ed Panlilio, and I was similarly hoping that “Paralaya” will yield another memorable hit.

Instead, what I got was an even collection of easy, melt-in-the-mouth melodies perfect for listening on drizzly weekend afternoons. “Bayung Bengi, Bayung Sinta” blends the lucid vocals of Nerissa Buan and Edward Bernabe in a song about hope and love. “Abe Muku” , composed by Mon David is a plaintive reminder of unyielding love, achingly sung by Michelle Reyes and Bernabe (who sings 8 of the 11 cuts) , but the repetitive lyrics make it sound a bit long-winded.

The same can be said for the lilting “Abe Pakakalale”. The album title—“Paralaya” (eastbound to Arayat)—captures best the intent and spirit of this new CD: from old roots to new routes, ArtiSta. Rita continues to expand its artistic horizons through its contemporary musical explorations, leading the way for other artists to follow. Just this month, the group has successfully completed their first U.S. tour, convincing proof that one can think local and can still go global. Other cuts: Akasya, Pamanuli, Bulan, Siwala, Tatang, Mayap a Oras, Aduan.