EP REVIEW: Alyson - Self-Titled EP
“Sugar, spice, and even more sugar, yeah that’s pretty nice”
Good music doesn’t necessarily have strict requirements to fulfill to be considered good. Appreciation of music as an artform is based on subjective appealing qualities that varies with each individual. Some seek only the best displays of technical ability and lyrical concepts, some search for new soundscapes forged in the fusion of multiple genres. Whether it be a casual listener content with curated Spotify playlists, or a music buff that dissects albums and songs with meticulous detail, the appreciation of music is rooted in enjoyment. That range of enjoyment also varies in scope just like the subjective qualities an individual can hold. It could be limited to only a few artists or a single local scene, or it could span multiple genres and eras of music. If one were to hypothetically graph out every artist to ever put out music in quadrants that track the enjoyment of every individual based on their tastes, one would find that the middle of the imagined graph hosts the so-called “accessible” music: music that’s just simply fun to listen to.This EP fits snugly in the middle area.
Alyson is a four piece indie-alternative band formed around September of 2012, and have been consistently playing gigs around Metro Manila. Their first EP, an eponymous five track release, was made available September last year. The release features songs that showcase their sound laced with influences from Japanese rock. The Japanese influence makes itself evident in two tracks, but overall the sound doesn’t stray far from the cookie cutter indie rock sound. However, the output is a consistently sweet batch of cookies, a few short treats that entertain while making sure not to overstay its welcome, and at the same time allows the listener to anticipate more from the band.
Heto (Na Naman) is one of the best tracks of the bunch, and starts the EP out strong as the instruments slowly unfold for the first 45 seconds, then bursts with energy as the lyrics proceed to deliver saccharine sentiments of love. From the first track onwards, two things are made evident: these songs are going to give sugar a run for its money with how sweet they are, and the drummer stands out in the best way possible. Taking a closer look at the drumwork, the EP serves as a great example of how the right drummer can absolutely carry every song. Aside from the drumwork, the vocal melodies show their influences in doo-wop music with how catchy they are. Line Line Yellow contends with Heto (Na Naman) for being the best track, shifting from a relaxed jam to a fast-paced declaration of love, bursting at the seams with sweetness and melody. This buildup and transition was made possible using the irresistibly catchy vocal melodies spread around the song, with “hold on tight to the handlebars” at the three minute mark being the best executed line in the entire EP. The tracks Telescope and Duyan reference their influences in Japanese music with an anime dialogue sample and a few lines in Japanese, respectively. The track SAY (Something About You) contains the best performances of the guitarists, and the best bassline in the EP.
Not a single second feels wasted in this release, and the EP lays the groundwork for Alyson’s further artistic evolution. This EP does the tired indie rock sound justice by utilizing engaging songwriting and a charm that can appeal to everyone. Alyson proves that music shouldn’t be automatically judged and discounted because it’s an easy listen.