10. Postcard in the Sky is released!

After two wonderful EP's Leo and Orion, David has finally blessed the world with an LP called Postcards in the Sky and what's the best way to spoil the Filipino fans but to set its release date on the day of the Manila concert itself, right? PCITS may have to be my favourite DA record as it speaks so much of how David and his music has grown through the years and it tugs so many strings in the heart of his struggles and realisations from his Chilean mission and life as a whole. My top picks are Cracks of Heaven, Aiming For Hope, Someone to Love (Ooooh, have you found the one then? hmm?), Upset With Me (intriguing) and Seasons (such emotions).

Do check it out on iTunes, Spotify and Amazon !!

Making friends at concert shows is easy. It feels like you can already tick one off the non-existent what-do-i-look-for-in-a-friend checklist: sharing a common passion towards something. But keeping them is challenging especially when some of the connections have started in the most unconventional way possible (but also the most typical way these days): the internet. You do not get to see them as much as you would want to. You get preoccupied with different things. You pursue different goals. And yet like most relationships, you got to make it work.

I want to focus on the music festival alone given that it's been fun and all but there's just so much that has happened during the BRF weekend that I cannot help but share them (rant about them at some point). I am pretty sure I have re-written this entry a lot as I cannot quite get to the feel of it and reading the final outcome, it is not as detailed as I have initially thought I'd write. Maybe it is better that way. Anyway, here you go. Here, after a couple of months, is what went down at the BAZOOKA ROCKS V!

Some says the lineup is underwhelming comparing to the previous four years but I could not care less because:
(1) the festival is back after taking a break last year and it has returned as a two-day affair yet again
(2) The Maine is going to be in it for Day 1
(3) I may not be all that familiar with the bands from Day 2 but Nia and I will get to attend on the same event together for the first time after like having known each other for years.

Should be exciting, right? And yes, the hype.

To be totally honest, though, I have heard of State Champs before but I only have downloaded their songs after the announcement as a sort of preparation for the event. I have listened to a few With Confidence songs and I am clueless as to who Cambridge was. I do not know what to expect except that I know I am up for some good time care of my titos from Arizona and I am already okay with it.

State Champs' music, however, is easy on the ears. I love how slick their music was that I can only compare them to Urbandub which is a major compliment as Urbandub is the best band ever (at least for me). They are loud but they are not loud, if you know what I mean (does that even make sense). They make performing and playing instruments beautifully seemed easy. I didn't dare Google live performances, not even watch the music video prior to seeing them so there will be an element of surprise. It feels like you've been handed a menu and yet your mind is like, "Surprise me." Nia has kind of warned me about Ryan Scott Graham who is her favourite band dude, though. And all I know is that he is the bassist.

Day 1 is up (recap is here) and it is all that I ever wanted for a perfect The Maine set (except for the fact that they didn't get to sing Taxi but it's alright). We were still on a high from the meet & greet when something bad happened. Somebody stole Nia's phone and it was just there at the exit. Right there, merely seconds after exiting that we have not yet fully grasp what was happening. The nerve and professionalism, per se of these people, really. A quick moment of weakness and it's cost Nia her phone and all the moments captured in it in the form of photos/video of her students and the likes. What a way to kill the buzz and we have not even fully properly PCD-ed yet. I am proud of Nia during those times, recounting the events at the security division's office that I have experienced firsthand, too. She's held it in though internally we were both a mess. 

Sometimes we think we are strong enough to deal with life's mishaps but not until we get exposed to the dark side of life that we would realise that you can never be truly emotionally prepared or physically ready. But you always have the choice on how you will face these demons; if you prefer to let it get into you and deal it with confrontations or if you will keep your cool and stay logical.

I do not know how I'd comfort her in action and in words as I have never been in this kind of situation before, and so I just stayed her side until her mum came to fetch her up. We get a night of rest mentally preparing for another rocking day and how we wished it ended at that. 

Here comes Day 2 in which we've witnessed/saw people encountering the same situation as us the previous night.

It was so fucked up: knowing who did the thing and not being able to confront them and the security is staying mum even when they themselves know who's committed the crime. If the ones who are supposed to take actions and the authorities who are supposed to protect people won't even bat an eye when we have reported the incident, who will? (Reminds me of the whole war against drugs shenanigans, but that is another story to tell.) That feeling of helplessness is something I would avoid if I can help it. That unfortunate incident and a couple of calls and online emotional torture by the culprits on the day that followed, Nia and I are just thankful for it to be over. 

Got each other's back! At the queue for Day 1 (top left) and Day 2 (top right), during the meet and greet (lower left) and after the sick show.

Cambridge.

I am a Dobby next to With Confidence's vocalist, Jayden. Hearing them perform Voldemort is such a treat.

Lastly, STATE CHAMPS.

A Ryan Scott Graham sandwich was served.

The night #AprilxNiaLiveInManila2017 came to life.

On Day 2, we were able to just focus on the music and the bands because there is no phone to capture it personally (for Nia). We danced and sang along. We had fun.

Cambridge is a riot, embodying the definition of fun on stage. With Confidence served us with some great performances as well. I tried to be the best wingwoman and captured some moments with Ryan Scott Graham using my phone especially during State Champs' set as they were Nia's favourite. Derek DiScanio's vocals are on-point. We have lost ourselves in the music right there in the front row barricade and it was really a night to remember.

My braso de mercedes may be massive, but life... is cute. One RSG sandwich, coming right up. x #AprilXNiaLiveinManila2017 #landiventures #goals #achieve #thirdwheeling #youputthebaeinbassist #ryanscottgraham #statechamps

A post shared by April Ann (@aprilskelter) on Jul 4, 2017 at 7:29am PDT

It was not the perfect night, yes. But it should not stop us from experiencing life. We've learned and we'll come back stronger and we're more vigilant than ever, that's for sure. 

We didn't let hate and fear win. We lived in the moment. Yay @BazookaRocksPH upload niyo na M&G pics, pls haha jk @Vernon_Go pic.twitter.com/OImDDEJL7D

— April Ann (@AprilDeGuzman) June 29, 2017

See you soon (again) and on a better circumstance, STATE CHAMPS.
We're ready for you.

And cheers to more fun hangs with friends! We've got each other's back.

I am ending this long overdue concert recap with a long but awesome BRF V mini-movie from Pulp Live World. Thank you for being champs every single time!



x

Man, does that tweet relate to me on an extreme level. I am very ecstatic to see them as early as this leg of the lovely little lonely tour was announced and the day has finally arrived! I am meeting them (again!) and I am finally seeing them play a full set for the very first time (would you believe). I have been a fan of their music for years and it feels good to finally experience them in full.

They are one of those bands who speaks and listens to me through their music. The lyrics hit hard, and not only did it make you feel things, it also makes you think about love, life, the past hurt and heartaches, the future and everything in between.

They are always so fun to watch, so at ease with the stage and with each other: a testament to the years that they went through everything together. To every struggle to come up with a record with no major labels backing them up, only a family (8123 community) that's been like a rock to the bands and the fans who love them and their music a lot. I mean, who wouldn't love them? They are so pure. They gave out the most genuine smiles and warmest hugs. Oh...kay. This is me trying to come up with at least a decent, un-biased review of the show and yet, this is also me trying to hold it in. Apparently even with the emotionally draining weekend that my friend Nia and I have gone through ( to be elaborated on another post/the  BRF post), I still can't shut up about them.

One of the best, nostalgic nights, it is.

I already felt like crying as lovely played and the band came onto the stage followed immediately by black butterflies and déjà vu. Well, you know how smooth the transition of the songs on the record was and I am getting lost for words at how I really love the latest album that you cannot help but listen to its entirety every single time... and that I am here to witness everything live!

Got to love the fact that they have managed to squeeze in bits of old but gold stuff from their earlier records, too. Man, I did not see Ice Cave coming.

A post shared by April Ann (@aprilskelter) on Jun 26, 2017 at 4:57am PDT

The only downside of the actual show (not really) is that they did not sing Taxi. It was one of my favourites from the new album. Many fans have been clamouring for it and I think it is because sometimes we don't need cryptic and deep, we just need some honest, straightforward lyrics of reassurance, and that is what Taxi is to me.

I have been planning to ask them during the meet and greet with reference to Taxi, "Is the sadness everlasting?" but they ended up not singing it so I practically screamed on John's face, "WHY DIDN'T YOU SING TAXI? I was waiting for it!" (pretty entitled girl you got in there, John haha) to which he laughed heartily, hugged me tightly and responded, "I'm so sorry! We didn't know it yet." and all is well again in the world.

Side note: The meet and greet photos are not up yet so I would just add them here once it's out. I am getting impatient actually as it's been exactly a week as of this writing but I do understand why. They have accommodated all the VIP ticket holders after all (that's around more or less a thousand people grouped in six after the show). I was next to Jared on the photo because I didn't get to see loads of him during the actual show. Not that I am complaining because Kennedy is also a delight to watch. Garrett is cool and Pat is the sweetest.

Edit Update: The meet and greet photos are up! And here's ours.

Your Tita April and Tito Jared looked cute, eh

A post shared by April Ann (@aprilskelter) on Jun 24, 2017 at 9:12am PDT

I will be there when it happens.
See you soon, loves.

April x

Well, hello, June! It's already the second half of 2017 and I am just as stoked as what the future will bring. I am still working on the travel update (was grateful to get to explore Cebu last month) and there's another that's coming up this month so I hope I don't slack (though most likely I will because, you know, life). I miss writing so much. But anyway, I've been listening to these records for a while and these are long overdue album reviews (kind of), but here it goes!

***

Harry Styles - Harry Styles

From the hallway to the dining table, I can see why some reviewers have described this album as a fan letter to the rock legends but subjectively, if you are into the genre (specifically the 70's and Brit rock), it may really feel like it sometimes.... but in a good way. You just can't help but compare it, right, but it should not stop you from enjoying the whole package. 

Top picks for me would be Kiwi, Sweet Creature and Two Ghosts.

Say, Kiwi gives me a good ol' The Beatles vibe centering on Paul McCartney's style (and as I may have previously stated, that is what Harry is to me as Zayn is to my John Lennon). It also feel like something that could be off of Arctic Monkeys earlier records (see Favourite Worst Nightmare tracks). What I am saying is, his musical influences are evident and I don't see it as something that is bad. Clearly, he is on that stage of finding what he would want to sound like apart from the band and if people would like what he has to offer. I think it's enjoyable to listen to, at least for me. It is also nice to see the creative process, especially when H talks about it on interviews. You can see why he did not jump right in and he has taken time to release the solo work (that, and because of the break due to filming). Everything feels calculated and well-thought of. 

Lyrics are not as cryptic or honest as I would have expected from him, but it is what we would want to make out of it. Pretentious at some point, cunning but also gentle and subtle (I probably am not making any sense but, yes). His PR team did a great job at promos, too; Whether it's about this bandmate (Louis Tomlinson) or Taylor Swift or whoever that they want to throw in the scene (He's never admitted nor labeled himself but let it be known that I support your preferences, Harry. Even your quirky choice in clothing *wink* Just be you.) though, I may not be a fan of that kind of PR and would rather prefer to focus on his music alone. 

I look forward to more and maybe some collaborations in the future? Heaven knows that duet with Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks at one of his secret shows had me so shookt™.

It is nice to put up on a quiet night in, book on one hand and wine on another (with a turn table and vinyl to complete the whole aesthetic). And though I still think the hype towards it is overrated, I do appreciate the hardwork that he's put in it and I would 100% attend a show should he drag his solo arse in Manila sometime in the future.

PS: It is just maybe because it is my hamartia but the bass parts are badass and impressive. Kid Harpoon. Adam Prendergast. (Yes, I did Google their names. I am enamored by you.)

***

After Laughter - Paramore

If Hard Times came right after Brand New Eyes, my younger emo self would definitely not appreciate it as I may be craving for something that is remotely close to their debut and earlier records. I remember having mixed feelings towards Now before, but hearing these today I realised that the self-titled album is necessary for my musical growth as a fan. Safe to say that I have matured as their music went on from one genre to another up to what it is now (80's tinged shenanigans). I grew up with them. Experienced life as they had theirs and I think that is what has made this record more relatable than ever. Gone are the days when I would complain how their music sounded more Hayley Williams-ish rather than sounding like the actual Paramore. I am now appreciating the band's music as it is. 

We all know how they have almost called it quit as most members have left. But Paramore is back and I am ever glad for that. Zac Farro is also back. And me, just like them is still emo, just a proper upbeat.

Rose-Coloured Boy has been on an awful amount of repeat on my player these days. 26 is my ultimate jam. Forgiveness, Fake Happy, Grudges. Catchy beat, crazy riffs. Every single song hits me in the face of the realities that we all encounter every day. On that fleeting moment I realise how fitting the album title really is ("It means that look on a person’s face when they laugh really hard and then there’s this moment where they come back to reality.") and I cannot help but be amazed by how powerful words and music can be.

There have been so many new stuff that came out and my NSA update became so out-of-hand and long that I had to do a PART 2 (Read Part 1 here). Not that I am complaining. It is a pleasure to share these goodies with you (if you are even reading this).

After most of the founding members of the band have left, I have almost lost hope of ever getting to hear a new Paramore song again (Paraless with two members left, we used to joke). But Zac Farro came back and alas, they are back and are sounding more bad ass than ever and come May 12th, they will be releasing After Laughter (the same day as Harry Styles. Should be an awesome day.) and I have never been more hyped up.

They've recently released a single called Hard Times and man, did I miss them. It has that 80's rock/dance vibe into it and it may be different from the older tracks but it is good. While the melody sounded happy, it has that dark side, sadness stripping every line (Sneaky Hayley lyrics as per usual). The lyrics isn't even reassuring (that everything will be alright in the end) but it is a reminder that after all the hard times, the choice is still yours to make, on to whether to go on or decide that you are done.

The album title in itself is genius. After Laughter according to them is that moment when you're done laughing and there is that trace of the laugh that remains before you go on your usual face/stance. What is it that has brought you back in reality? Will it be good, will you smile, will you be laughing up some more? There are a lot of possibilities and that is what's making this album, I don't know, special on its own.

Next is their Monumentour buddies, Fall Out Boy surprising everyone prior to Patrick Stump's birthday with a song, a tour, and an album to be released in September. Seriously, they should have a Monumentour Part 2 and include Manila in it!

Going back, Young and Menace, everybody. 

Pete Wentz explains (on their page),

"The gentle pull of a tide that rolls over and over again and by the sheer nature of its essence it becomes an indestructible will- ripping out sand- eroding what was before it- without a care... a transformational monster-becoming the madness and frenzy of a truly bulletproof wave. I'm not just here for your love, I'm here for all of the love. An overdose of dopamine- we are living inside of M A N I A right now. the never sleeping, never blinking- caught forever in the sunshine riptide."

MANIA. A political album. I am ready to get lost in the chaos. It's been too long.

And there's a madness that's just coursing right through me

And as far as the time, far as the time

Not sure I'm there yet but I'm certain I've arrived

Oops, I did it again,

I forgot what I was losing my mind about

I only wrote this down to make you press rewind

And send a message I was young and a menace

If I am off the deep end

I'm just here to become the best yet

I'm just here for the psych assessment

I'm just here for the, for the...

Fall

We've gone way too fast for way too long.

***

Saving the best for the last is Up All Night by David Archuleta. I know it's not the first song that he has released after his Chilean mission stint but there is something about Up All Night that is so special. We were joking like "WATCH HIM MAKE SOMETHING SO LIVELY OF A BOP (REFERRING TO THE TITLE) INTO A POP BALLAD (JUDGING IT THE COVER ART)" but we just miss David being all active, is all.

It is no secret how David is one of my all-time favourite musicians (albeit his music being different from the genre that I listen on a daily basis) and I am ever glad that he is indeed back. Moreover, I am eternally grateful for the friends for keeps that I have met through all the fangirling adventures that we had all for the love of David Archuleta and his music in the past. The song is catchy and it gives off the vibe of him finally finding his sound and not just the bubblegum pop that labels would push him early on his career. His music sounded mature (well, pop), in the most wholesome way that is totally true to his character. He is never hesitating to voice his heart out and that is what I loved the most about him. There will be a series of EP that he will be releasing in the coming months starting off with Orion which will be out on May 19th. There will also be tours and I really hope he would get to visit us in Asia soon as it has been too long and really, we miss him.

Buy Up All Night in iTunes here!

Feel the magic in the midnight air

Breathe it in, I wanna pass it on

The strength of fighting somewhere you belong

(I'm wide awake with)

Hands so small but I am safe and sound

Where I stand it feels like solid ground

No where else that I'd rather be

No greater gift than what you've given me.

Runner ups (also known as songs I would have featured if I had more time today) are All Time Low with a series of releases (I am yet to hear the latest one, though) with rad merchandises to match, Lana Del Rey's new song with The Weeknd and the Gorillaz' new album (though I am yet to listen to it as well).

Cheers to music and more.

April x

Not only did the month of April comes in epic proportions because apparently it is my birth month but it has been a great time for new music releases as well! I would post a lot of separate blog updates for my NEW MUSIC ALERT tab for but I don't have that much of time to do so here's a rundown of the singles and stuff that came out in the past month.

Let's start this one off on April 7th with the most anticipated Harry Styles debut single, Sign of the Times. I will be totally honest, sometimes I feel like he's over-hyped and just plain lucky that he's got the opportunity, the A-list connection and the huge following but I admire the honesty that he wants to share with the world through pursuing the music that is closest to his heart (One Direction is One Direction and I love their stuff as a band but it is also nice to hear their works individually). In Zayn's term, "real music", or so what he's felt that is real to him. He is talented, well-trained and equipped and he knows what he wants so he just goes for it (Harry has just worded it better, hence, lesser backlash). 

Also, among the five (even though Zayn has always been my favourite One Direction guy), Harry's music genre is actually the one that I dig the most. Having said that, I like the song and the whole package.

He may have gone a bit over dramatic with the glam rock production (my friends have more colorful words to say, mostly negative but, well), he struggles on live shows (SOTT is a pretty hard song to sing but sorry Haz, let's be brutally honest, the nerves card can only work once. And although I admire the passion, you have to deliver, hit the notes, work even harder because you are a singer /performer and you should be able to, you know.) and it didn't have to be five minutes long but the message has been heard. Welcome to the rockstar Harry era. I am delighted and excited for him. I even like the other song Ever Since New York that he's performed on his Saturday Night Live guesting. Ten songs. Slick aesthetic (I am loving the vintage feel of it). The album will be out on May 12th and he has already released his intimate show/tour dates. Who knows, I might get to see him. We'll see about that.

***

April 7th is not done being amazing as it is also the release date of The Maine's Lovely Little Lonely. I am so buzzing! It is everything my emo self has ever wanted (if the previous post about the singles off this album isn't enough of a proof). It has been years of great music and there is just no stopping them. The cohesive theme, the aesthetic, the heartfelt, hauntingly honest lyrics, the impressive song/instrumental transitions: twelve tracks of pure bliss. It is one of those records that you just cannot help but play from track one up to the last. That is how good it was and I am not even exaggerating.


It is hard to pick a sole favourite song from the album but I have been listening to Lovely and Black Butterflies and Deja Vu (in that order because A++) the most and I would definitely want to hear them perform Taxi and The Sound of Reverie come this June. I am totally sold with How Do You Feel? being the closing track because it is nothing but fitting to the whole listening experience. After reliving the heartaches, heartbreaks, the joy of falling in love, staying in love with life and love and everything in between, here goes a track that sort of reminds you that there is someone who is listening (albeit through their music) and you don't have to go through everything alone anymore.

***

Another April 7th explosive (honestly, you guys are spoiling me) is from my girl Michelle Branch, releasing a banger of an LP after 14 years with Hopeless Romantic. It's been a long time coming and it is, well, worth the long wait. 

The Fleetwood Mac and Lana Del Rey vibes of this record is something that I really enjoyed a lot. Long live pop rock! I miss the times when music is this honest and although she is not as mainstream sounding and will not probably as successful on the radio as her previous works were, I am totally fine with it. Self-indulgent, one would say. 

Best You Ever, the lead single off the album is gold. Michelle Branch has not lost her touch with coming up with the most impressive and straightforward lyrics. I could listen to Knock Yourself Out and Not A Love Song for days. I live for the angst and chill emanating off Fault Line and Living A Lie. I love everything about this record and I just could not get enough.

***

I have at least a few to add so I decided to just post a Part 2 for the April releases. Should be fun, right?

April x