REVIEW: Reo Brothers debut album hits local radio stations.

Album: REO Brothers from Tacloban
Artist: REO Brothers
Genre: OPM, Disco, Rock
Record Label: Star Record
Year: 2015

REO Brothers composed of Otic Siblings, Reno, Raymart, RJ and Ralph released their self-titled debut album under Star Records last January 2015.

Before I start, I would like to praise REO brothers for not giving up, obviously they came from Tacloban, the band was already founded back when Typhoon Yolanda hit and almost destroyed the whole City. Popular Pinoy Tag-line 'Bagyo ka lang, Pinoy kami' proven powerful by the band, 'cause instead of giving up, they pursued their dreams and now they're already making their way to stardom.

Okay, let's go to the album. Another obvious thing, legendary band, the Beatles influenced these kids as you can see on the cover of the album, from the trademark font-style to the famous Abbey road. It's okay to do it, seems like their paying tribute to the band, but on the other side, this can cause bashing from other People, and a 'copycat' trademark if they'll still use the 'Beatles' theme on their next records.

This band has a potential star status in the country, so much better if they'll build their own trademark which isn't hard for them to do.

I'll talk about the original songs written by Mr. Vehnee Saturno first.

'Ako'y Tinamaan' is a perfect jam when you're driving. The beat, the catchy tune and the easy to memorize lyrics will easily change your mood, from bad to good, especially when the traffic is getting so so wrong! And I think, that's the reason why this song is being played so many times on local radio stations.

Watch the Kilig-music video of the lead single 'Ako'y Tinamaan.'

'O Bakit?' all I can say is this song is making me think what it would feel like living with 70's music, well, I guess, it's really cool.

Let's go to the revivals,

'Manila' an ode to Manila hit song by the 70's Disco band Hotdog. I had to play the Hotdog's version on Youtube to see if there're any differences between the two, of course the voice is already given, but the Band didn't gave different flavor to the song. Just wanna point out, the blending of their voices on the chorus part sounds really good.

'Pinoy Ako' Popular song from the Reality show 'Pinoy Big Brother' originally recorded by Orange&Lemons. Opposite to Manila, this one is different from the original version, it's more upbeat and a bit faster than original. Hope this version will be used on upcoming season of PBB.

'Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko' a disco classic from VST & Co. The band gave more pop-rock vocals to this song, but the disco vibe is still there. It's like a combination of 70's BeeGees and 2000's The Click 5.

This album is one of the best OPM albums this year so far. To REO Brothers, congrats, claim the 'Best New Group/Band' award! I appreciate Star Records for producing new talents like this band, I'm looking forward for more.

What do I expect to their next record? I'm expecting the REO Brothers from Tacloban to be The REO Brothers. Don't be the next Beatles, be the first REO Brothers. Wish that when I see their next album, the cover art won't make me think of the Beatles or any other artists/bands anymore. About the genre, be it, continue showing the beauty of Manila Sound. It's okay to revive songs again, but I'm looking forward for more new songs.

Though I was a little disappointed to the theme of the album cover, over-all, it's an awesome album.

RATE: 8/10

TRACK LIST

1. Manila (Originally performed by Hotdog)

2. Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko (Originally perforned by VST & Co.)

3. Titser's Enemy Number One (Originally performed by Juan dela Cruz Band)

4. Pinoy Ako (Orange&Lemons)
5. Ako'y Tinamaan
6. O Bakit?
7.  Manila (Minus One)

8. Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko (Minus One)

9. Titser Enemy Number One (Minus One)

10. Pinoy Ako (Minus One)
11. Ako'y Tinamaan (Minus One)
12. O Bakit? (Minus One)