Unique lives up to name in new album

The first thing that came to mind after listening to Unique’s new album titled Pangalan is, did they make a video for Delubyo? Although having a video for every song is a must nowadays, Delubyo is not the usual pop tune. Well, I checked YouTube and there it is a video for Delubyo. That is really gutsy of Unique, because the five-minute track in the middle of the album is not really music.

You see, Delubyo can only be described as weird. It is the kind of background sound suitable for those scary tales that we would pass around in the dark when we were kids. Add to that the intro to the radio show Gabi Ng Lagim with its howling dog and you will have a true spine-tingling horror fest.

But not really. Delubyo is a cacophony of sounds. Despite the title, it is not even about the deluge. It is made up of everyday noises that one is likely to hear in multi-family dwellings with thin walls. Domestic spats. A preacher in a TV show. Conversation. Laughter. Some music. All of those and more are in the video, including eerie silence in empty halls.

Now, what is a cut like Delubyo doing in what is supposed to be a music album. Well, Pangalan is by Unique and this kid has a mind of his own, which means he does not really think like others. Maybe when Unique decided to call the album Pangalan, he decided he might as well live up to his name. After all, Unique is his real name.

Unique was a founding member of the band IV of Spades, which was the major pop sensation a few years ago with the big hit Mundo. He made the controversial decision to go solo after only two years with the group and soon made his debut with the well-received album Grandma. Pangalan, which he boldly dropped during this quarantined period, is his second solo bid. The album is as unique as its creator in every way.

Just think, aside from the likes of the unsettling Delubyo, he calls on a Lamang Lupa in the, in your face headbanger of the same title. “Sa’n mo ba ko dadalhin/ katotohanan ay ayoko munang harapin/ gusto ko lang namang makalimutan/ ang dala-dalang problema/ kahit pansamantala.”

He is a restless soul in the piano-based ballad Pahinga, where he states, “Di tayo para sa lahat.” He is battling with self-doubt and indecision in the alt-rocker Huwag Ka Sanang Magagalit. He gives a strange lilting rhythm to the pounding Dambuhala. He admits “Ramdam ko ang pag-iisa,” in a video where he duets with himself and eats cupcakes while in a pastel setting in the melodic Bukod Tangi.

Unique is at war. I do not know with whom or with what. But it is great to know that his music is providing him with the arena and some fantastic armaments. Besides, he is also clearly savoring the results of his life-changing decision to leave the IV of Spades and be independent.

Unique is now basking in the freedom of being able to do the kind of music that he wants. Just imagine no three other members with their own parents and managers and personal tastes to consider. As the credits due Pangalan clearly says, “Written, Produced and Arranged by Unique.” I will not be surprised to also see “Mixed and Mastered by Unique” in future productions. This kid is truly talented.

Although it is truly unconventional, Pangalan is a tight, polished production that is more focused than Grandma. The only problem is on which and how it is focused. Unique’s vision is uneasy and his target teeters between enjoying his talents and wallowing in loneliness. Can’t he just be happy about his success?

Happy or not, it cannot be denied that Unique’s restless angst is what lights up the extraordinary Pangalan. This album is one of the most exciting releases of the year. In fact, Unique already has me wondering what curious ideas he will come up with for his next one. More creepy lamang-lupas or other creatures perhaps?