When 'old school' sounds brand new

The thing with music like fashion, trends and fads, it is often cyclical in nature. “Old school” music often resurfaces, given a tweak or twist; and if enough years have passed, they sound fresh and contemporary. There are elements of that in the three CDs featured today and they augur well for how music today can salute the past and yet be exciting.

Shontelligence — Shontelle (MCA Universal). This is Rihanna Lite, and I kid you not, as Shontelle also hails from Barbados. In fact, she’s a bit older than Rihanna and is more of a local star, so she probably decided, “If Rihanna made it, why can’t I?” T-Shirt is the single that placed Shontelle on the map; and I loved Battle Cry and Superwoman. There are some tracks that too closely follow Rihanna’s formula in her earlier CDs, mixing reggae and calypso, and given that Rihanna already took those steps there is a deja vu or “been there, done that” feel to those tracks. When she sticks to the smart pop T-Shirt showed she can come up with, the CD works much better for me. A lot of promise, and let’s just hope she stays away from violent-type singer/boyfriends.

Under Summer Sun — Matt Wertz (Universal Republic Records). It is for the ones who wondered how acoustic music could evolve and still be relevant today. It’s like John Mayer with a stronger pop sensibility, or James and Livingston Taylor all spruced up for the twenty-somethings. And if Paolo, Jimmy and Nyoy would listen to Matt, I’m certain they’d incorporate some of his tunes in their act. The first five cuts of the CD are a real class act; and they’re perfect for summer drives and keeping the blues away. The third track 5:19 is a perfect anthem for longing and young love; and I’d heartily recommend the CD to any music lover. Unfortunately, I had to get this in Hong Kong, as I don’t think it’s been released here. Matt is a new favorite on my CD player.

Arko — Arko (Synergy Music). Also known as one of the hotter bands now playing the live music bar circuit, Arko is a band that comes with a left-right combination. This thanks to winsome lead vocalist, Anna Melissa; and nimble axeman Brian Sta. Ana. The music is highly-energized, guitar riff driven, and when you layer on top of this Anna’s waif-like vocals, it’s got winner stamped all over it. Independently produced, the CD is a mix of English and Tagalog tunes, penned by the band. While its live act involves a lot of smart covers, the release showcases the band’s songwriting skills. I especially liked Sa Iyong Mga Mata, Bahala Na, Agimat and Around Me. Think of a more pop-influenced Cranberries, and appreciate how Brian changes time signatures within tunes, and uses his guitar licks like “sabers and daggers.”