This year was a great one for records; what more for Philippine music. The amount of releases we wanted to include here far exceeded the capacity of this list. After much deliberation, we narrowed things down to titles that really stuck and have proven significant.
Still, by no means is this everything. Without further ado, though, here are 14 of our favorite local albums and EPs from 2019:
ビクター ＭＫＩＩ – Itterasshai
Naga-based electronic musician Victor Andrada returns with yet another stunning beat album. A bit stylistically different from the last, this release incorporates elements sampled in new ways, from jazz to funk. Itterasshai satisfies what fans have come to expect while still keeping them alert.
Polar Lows – Hereafter
This new shoegaze band from Manila is extremely promising. Deriving from the dreamy flavor of melodically loud bands like Cocteau Twins and Slowdive, this debut is an experience deserving of more traction.
half-lit – paradigm shift
This year, no one anticipated the announcement of a debut EP from BP Valenzuela’s alter ego, half-lit. While many were expecting a new album from the musician’s self-titled project, fans were instead graced with a wonderful indie rock collection of music about self-discovery and life changes.
The Rave Tapes – Infernorama
Local band the Rave Tapes this year held its launch for an amazing, long-awaited debut four-track, Infernorama. These songs are filled with attitude and grungy bass lines, bringing to mind the walls of sound and angst of bands like Deftones and Catherine Wheel.
TCKLDMNKS – Risk Culture
Hailing from South Cotabato, Mindanao, mathy post-rock four-piece TCKLDMNKS is a wildly underrated band showcasing imagery of the apocalypse and exhilarating adventures. Fans of toe and Enemies will be sure to appreciate this.
Moon Mask – Relapse
It’s hard to believe this EP from Zeon Gomez and his band was released only this year—it already feels like a timeless classic. On this sweeping release, emotional synth-pop tunes blend in and out of each other, tackling themes such as failed romances and memories forgotten.
Anesthesia – Closures
Emo band Anesthesia is a local act absolutely worth checking out. If you’ve been to any of the band’s live shows, you’ll know their heartbreak and passion shine through, just as much as in the songs’ studio versions. Tracks like “CBTL” and “Favorite” will have you jumping around in no time, but don’t just take our word for it—listen for yourselves.
Om. – Holding Pattern
The music of instrumental artist Om. is akin to the feeling of traversing through unexplored mountains and grasslands away from the noise. This hypnotic collection of ambient pieces will help calm the nerves, inspiring one to pack their bags and leave the city behind.
noa mal & the esthers – nobody can dance to this?!
The number of albums released this year by Noa Mal herself is unbelievable—the inspiration just doesn’t seem to die. One of our favorites is her collaboration with the Esthers, something that showcases the Lucena-based artist’s familiar lo-fi/bedroom pop sound, but this time with fresh elements.
Ourselves the Elves – Self Is Universe
With hints of psychedelia sprinkled, this new full-length from indie rock staples Ourselves the Elves feels like an unlocking of worlds. Delve deep into your soul and its connection to what surrounds, floating through 13 tracks of rewarding growers. Local graphic artist Ev Yu contributes the wonderful album art, too.
GYHT – Life Is a Simulation
“Goodbye Yesterday Hello Today” has explored various styles throughout its existence; this latest offering from the band feels like a fitting combination of their previous work. Electronica, psychedelic rock, and dream pop all come together to form a coherent release, complete with poetically pained, desperate lyrics.
The Spirals – The Curse of the Spirals
Darkness takes over with this Cebu band’s instantly recognizable brand of post-punk. Without a doubt inspired by bands like Bauhaus and Joy Division, the members also inject influences from other styles of music to formulate something they can call their own. Fans of the Essence and the Bravery are sure to love this.
tidal – life after
This short but sweet EP from new local alternative band tidal feels strangely nostalgic—it’s a very specific kind of nostalgic, but it works absolutely well. To really understand the release, you need to listen to it from beginning to end.
Mural – Mural
Dreary indie rock at its finest. This gazey four-piece from Cebu deserves a place in your constant spins, especially if you’re into bands like the Sundays, Bikini Kill, and the Pains of Being Pure at Heart.
Words by Kurvine Chua.