Ely magic strengthens Soapdish album
If there's a song that loudly declares the effect of rock icon Ely Buendia on Pinoy pop culture, it's the track that graced the new album of four-piece band Soapdish called "Goodluck.. Goodbye." The song is titled "Parang Si Ely Buendia," a number inspired by someone's obsession for the former Eraserheads frontman or to be more precise the defined image he created for rockstar wannabes.
Penned by vocalist Jeff Bolivar, the wittily titled song is easily the catchiest piece in the 12-track venture from Viva Records. One can simply realize that it has all the trappings of an Eraserheads single - catchy, easy, and distinctively OPM.
"Ginawa namin 'to para sa kaibigan namin na big fan ni Ely. Narinig na ito ni Ely and we're happy nagustuhan niya," said Jeff during a recent chat before a gig at Sagujo, Makati, one of their regular gig venues.
Excerpts of its lyrics should be of interest to countless Eraserheads fans: Naggigitara siya maghapon/Kumakanta buong taon/ Pito ata Chuck Taylor niya/ Pantalong butas at punit/Halina't tayo'y sumama. The song has become a staple in the current Soapdish live act, having instantly transformed into a favorite among its die-hard fans and mere curious ones.
The album's carrier single "Adjust" is now playing in popular FM radio stations. The top pick is another slow alternative pop rock recording, though the one that sounds like the cousin of their biggest hit to date "Pwede Ba?" is "Lahat Ng Sinabi," meaning to say this has the same potential the former provided en route to being chosen to be a theme for ABS-CBN's "It Started With A Kiss."
Another notable track is "Sinehan," with one of its two versions featuring the voice of former Moonstar 88 vocalist Acel van Ommen. "The collaboration sounds pretty good," said a music insider of the tandem.
Other songs in the album are the melodic "Theme from 'Goodluck... Goodbye"', well-picked opener "Di Na Bale" and admirable fillers "Sa'ng Parte?," "Like A Star," "As I Fall," "I Don't Love You Anymore," and intrumental exit play "Pwede Na."
A band formed in Fairview, QC, Soapdish released their indie CD "The New Beautiful" in 2005 before landing a breakthrough contract with Viva that led to its self-titled debut album in 2006. The now mainstream act joined a compilation called "Hopia Mani Popcorn" where their version of Sharon Cuneta's "Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko" became the album's first single. Past hits include "Ewan Ko" and "Tensionado."
Bolvar's sidemen are Melvin Feliciano (Bass/Back-up vocals), Pei Signey (Guitar/Back-up vocals) and Kurt Floresca (Drums/Percussions).