By Rito Asilo
Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines—With finger-snapping beats and a sassy vocal arrangement, Bituin Escalante opens her latest CD, “Ur Luv Thang,” with the groovesome track, “Let Go.” The lush music reverberates with a sexy and unconventional tempo that reminds listeners that Bituin’s latest album is not one of your run-of-the-mill, commercial releases. Ironically, this OPM compilation doesn’t sound Pinoy at all!
In a season of slim pickings from the local music industry, Bituin’s independently-produced album, “Ur Luv Thang,” is nothing short of a treat: The 12-song compilation is coated with a musically succulent hybrid of blues and jazzy tunes, all written by Dan Gil — it’s no wonder why some cuts follow through with similar groove patterns and vocal requirements. Even more pleasantly surprising, there are no revivals here, as is customary with most local releases.
Musical ennui
In her previous offering, the singer-stage actress dished out a memorably frolicsome song, “The Only Two People in the World.” Her independently-produced collection boasts of even more lusciously delivered numbers — an aural respite from the local recording industry’s current musical ennui.
In “Each Time We Say Goodbye,” for instance, Bituin delivers a lovely R&B duet with Artstrong. In the lone Tagalog track, “Kung Wala Ka,” about a troubled relationship, she dispenses an earnest interpretation full of soul and pathos.
Yes, the somber tune’s lyrics border on “jukebox” sentimentality (“Kung wala ka, buhay ko’y walang saysay. ’Di ako masasanay. Mabuti pang mamatay.”), but with Bituin’s full-voiced rendition (and Alvin Cornista’s moody sax), schmaltz takes on a different meaning.
An upbeat rhythm boosts “What You Do,” a cut reminiscent of the tunes popularized by Swing Out Sisters in the ’80s. Our top pick, “Last Tango in Manila,” fuses Latin sound with LL-J’s foot-stomping rap. When Bituin launches into her infectiously playful taunt (“I know you’re just putting on a show. You got something up you’re sleeve…”), you know she’s having fun — and so will you!
Feisty
Take the vocally and melodically fascinating “There’s No Single Thing.” The feisty number has a funny albeit simplistic narrative: “I was 8 and you were 9. We’d run around till dinnertime. Then, my dad would drag me back home — kickin’ and screamin’!”
A number of tracks, however, vacillate with indistinct melodic patterns (“Hurts So Bad,” “Inconsiderate”) that don’t take flight. Bituin would have been served well by a variety of musical styles (and songwriters) that could have showcased her range and versatility.
If a singer’s vocal instrument has the ability to pack as much wallop as Bituin’s, it’s only appropriate to expect more.
