A banner year for 6Cyclemind

I guess that it can be safely said that as far as local bands are concerned the winner for 2007 was Sponge Cola with its funny and wistful Tuliro. But 2008 is a different year and shockingly it is now half-way over. Sponge Cola is still doing fine gigwise but seems to be cooling its heels hitwise. As of this feeling that 2008 is shaping up to be a big year for another band and that is 6Cyclemind.

The reason for this is the consistent strength at the charts being exhibited by 6Cyclemind’s fourth album Fiesta! Magsasaya ang Lahat. Inspired by the fiesta atmosphere that greeted them while on a nationwide tour two years ago and released late in 2007, the CD has already produced three consecutive hits. These are Magsasaya, Aaminin and the latest is the mind-pounding, can’t get rid of Saludo.

And there are other candidates for the charts in the 18-track opus by 6Cyclemind. Pwede has a sexy reggae beat and should make another good single. There is also the love song Gusto Na Kita, or the biting Kwentong Barbero or why not the happy title cut, Fiesta. If you want something unique there is Si Lola Ipay, which has songwriter/manager Darwin Hernandez’s grandmother reciting a poem.

Want something stranger still? There are guests Maricruz at Fonzy. They are the pet dogs of lead singer Ney Dimaculangan.  They have their own song in the album plus barking tracks in the other cuts. Listen to the rest of the CD and perhaps you will find more interesting bits in the other titles Mag-usap, Hula ni Juan, Probinsya, Ethan Jaco at Felicia, Sumabay, Nasayang, Alagaan Mo Sya, Buhay and Nawawala.

I do not know if it is still available but fans should make sure they get copies of the limited edition release of Fiesta! This one comes in a two-CD pack, which includes a bonus DVD with interviews with the band, behind-the-scene footage during the making of the Fiesta short film, clips from the group’s Rhum on the Rocks provincial tour and some music videos.

It is really no surprise that 6Cyclemind is displaying superior musicianship and a feel for what sells. It is made up of veterans in the band circuit, who have gigged with several other bands. Ney is on lead vocals; Rye Sarmiento on rhythm guitar and backup vocals; Chuck Isidro on lead guitar; Bob Canamo on bass; and Tutti Caringal on drums. The sixth member who suggested the band’s name is songwriter and manager Hernandez.

6Cyclemind has already recorded four albums, Permission to Shine, Panorama, Home, which is made up of covers, and Fiesta.

You can catch the band perform cuts from Fiesta and other hits at SM Manila today at 4 p.m.

Caronia’s I Heart My Colors jingle

Caronia, the hand and foot care brand, which I like lauding as truly Filipino, has done something interesting with its I Heart My Colors jingle. Originally recorded by the rock band Imago, the song was recently given a dance remix by no other but the famous Jay Durias. And Caronia has made a music video to go with it.

It was directed by Treb Montreras with choreography by Chelo Aestrid and features Caronia Girls Jessy Mendiola, Abbey Rangasajo, Sky Bautista and Arianne Fowler. Helping them thump to the grooves of I Heart My Colors are Thou Reyes, JM Vergara and dancers from Airdance and All Stars. Check video out on MYX and MTV.