EP REVIEW: AUTOTELIC - TAKIPSILIM

Autotelic are a six-piece pop-rock outfit from Metro Manila. And for a long while, the band has been going around the country making a name for themselves. They sort of launched their own brand of slick pop-rock music in the atmosphere since their debut self-titled EP was released back in 2013 -- an EP which everyone I know in my circle, including myself, enjoyed since it came out. The band successfully became the staple arena rock band for their energetic live performances and songs that heavily relies on the cleaner but playful side of the rock music spectrum, maybe throw in some 6cyclemind or some Spongecola, really weird comparisons but oh boy they do remind me one of those bands. Whether it would be catchy-as-hell singles such as “Dahilan” and “Languyin”, or their slower but instrumental heavy songs like “Misteryoso” or “Mulat”, I can admit that some of their cuts do seem to have a greater effect on me wherein I just jump and sing a long to their tracks. Shortly after record label sign later, they released a debut fell length album which I happen to not like it that much. 2016’s “Papunta Pabalik” was good because a few songs were great because of the big budget production supporting it, but in the flip side, the album wasn’t really their best for its songwriting, in fact some songs were somehow reused from their older material - A move which I think was really unnecessary in their part. Other than that, some songs in the album were just plain and too sanitized. It even came to a point where the album just became a snore-fest for having so much filler in between tracks, it felt like an ambient album as it went on.

Now, fast forward two years later, the band released their latest and second EP, “Takipsilim.”The sudden release of the EP was a surprise for everyone who wanted them to lay low a bit and return to a 4 to 5 song format. Now, if we talk about “Takipsilim” right now, Autotelic are now wearing these neons colored shades by playing funkier and head bopping tunes. Specifically in their title track, “Takipsilim”, they have that cool synth lead and Josh’s vocals singing over these passionate guitar solos in the background. “Huli” have these fast percussion instruments in the back, a bit of experimentation at play here in the production as well. The bass line is followed some scratching sounds and a guitar solo. Josh still has that same tone. That kind of singing is starting to become obvious now. “Hindi Alam” sounded like a smooth 80’s throwback, sounding a bit like Paula Abdul or maybe Eurythmics in other angles. Their lead vocalist, Josh, has improved his vocal work in this one. But not for the next track “Kahit”, a song where it felt like forever to finish in one sitting. Don’t get me wrong, the intimate funk is still present here but their lead vocalist seems to have troubles in finding a consistent spot to stand out, but it just goes to show that Autotelic may not up the ante for their vocals, sadly. The EP’s last track “Papunta Pabalik” sounded like it fits better in their debut album, but in “Takipsilim” I could care less about it because it felt an uneven end in the project. Overall, “Takipsilim” takes Autotelic a ride full of risks. Some tracks hit (“Huli”) but most of the time it misses (“Kahit”, “Papunta Pabalik”), the band started with a couple of fun tracks but then it became stale as they repeat ideas back in the 80s. Add also some distinct vocals that doesn’t really show “change”, where in fact I expected they would turn a new leaf from their commercial debut. The EP showed some kind of potential, but it doesn’t live up to the band’s small but linear discography. Now what do you folks think of their new project? Do you like it or not? What is your opinion about it? Let me know in the comments below. Always leave a reaction below if you feel like it.

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