Why Kiss Jane?

Don’t you just think it amazing that nice things happen when these are least expected. I say this because at a time like now when I had just about given up on the local band scene, because of the mostly mediocre output released these past months, I came across Kiss Jane. It was quite a surprise. I just felt it would be good right from hearing the sparkling downbeat of the first cut. I was not disappointed. As the cliché goes, this group’s debut album Free, sounds like a breath of fresh air. It is new, all original and effortlessly engaging. Once more, we can say that there is hope yet for Filipino pop music.

I guess the type of songs in Free are what usually happen when a group does not aspire to be unique or is obviously reaching for greatness or perhaps to be touted as better than everybody else. There is nothing forced or complicated in the package. The CD just segues smoothly from one cut to the other with pretty melodies and simple lyrics. It bucks classification, there is rock, pop and bits of R&B; and best of all, everything sounds like lots of fun. It is not as hilariously irreverent as early Eraserheads, but it is also very infectious. Kiss Jane just wants to make music that is good to listen to. And they did so in Free.

Blurbs about Kiss Jane say that drummer, songwriter and frontman Sheila Rosette, who was formerly with the band Juana, invited friends to form a band just so she could have somebody sing her original compositions. Then maybe, she can get a few of them recorded by some singing star hereabouts. Those who rallied to her cause and now make up Kiss Jane are Jaq Dionisio on vocals; Jeff de Castro, guitars; and Heinz Capiral, bass.

With everything in place, they came up with some demos, which Sheila presented to Sony Music. She did not only get her songs heard, she came away with a label deal for Kiss Jane. They will be singing their songs in a CD that is their very own. Mind you, this came about at a time when the market is down at the dumps and labels are wary about signing new acts who sing their own originals.

Seven of Sheila’s songs made it to Free including the first single release Kahit Na and the sweet and sexy Lagi, which I say will make a good follow-up. There is also another potential biggie in the rocking Lihim, which was composed by Jonathan Ong. The other cuts are Free, Minsan Lang, Baliw, Langit, Mistakes, Bituin, Sana, Don’t Wanna and All The Things. All of them, nice, well-produced tunes.

And not to forget, I also see vocalist Jaq as crucial to the success of Kiss Jane. It is her singing that gives the band its distinctive sound and she is great. Listen and agree. You can now Kiss Jane and enjoy it.

Incidentally, the name Kiss Jane comes from the song Sweet Jane and also harks back to Sheila’s stint with Juana, which translates to Jane or actually Joan, which might just be the same. Whatever.

Meanwhile, just in case you haven’t noticed, the MYX also plays videos of original Filipino songs when they are not playing those hits from Korea.

Here now are the Top 20 videos in the Pinoy MYX Countdown for the week. Kiss Jane’s Kahit Na is ranked at No. 9. Here goes the list:

Gabay by Callalily; Please Be Careful With My Heart by Christian Bautista and Sarah Geronimo; Di Lang Ikaw by Juris; Like Eskimo by Slapshock; Picture Picture by Tanya Markova; Love Will Keep Us Together by Sarah Geronimo; Magbabalik Ka Pa Ba? by Nikki Gil; A Call To Arms by Urbandub; Kahit Na by Kiss Jane; Yun Lang by True Faith with Armi Millare.

Parang Si Ely Buendia by Soapdish; Red Heaven by General Luna; Sayang Sayang by Aljur Abrenica; Harinawa by Hale; Kalayaan by Bamboo; Breathe Again by Chicosci; Someday by Nyoy Volante; If I Just Believed by Eric Santos; Gaan by Archipelago; and Down For The Count by Boy Elroy.