Music
Any Name’s Okay has come a long way since their performance in the Friday slot of UP Fair Cosmos back in February 2018. With singles like “Clouds” (2018) and “Hawaiian” (2018), the five-piece alternative pop-rock band of college students from the University of the Philippines Diliman has made a name for themselves with upbeat and quirky songs.
Now, their debut EP All I Feel and See is a powerful testament to the band’s growth. The tracks included here are a lot more mature, both lyrically and thematically. “Clouds” and “Hawaiian,” while being great songs in their own right, are too radio-friendly for their own good–sacrificing depth for easy-to-digest melodies. All I Feel and See aims to change this view, offering a shift in tone from what we usually expect from the quintet.
The band’s ability to veer off from their usual cheery sound has been hinted at by their past single “Orasan” (2019), which is also included in the EP. The track’s folk influences complement vocalist Sofia Abrogar and rhythm guitarist Lumanog’s haunting voices, as it tugs at the heartstrings of its listeners with themes of love lost.
Another great example of this shift in the sound is “? (Who Do You Think Of),” which is the EP’s standout. Abrogar’s captivating voice shines amid the mellow production and melancholic lyrical themes–all captured splendidly with the line “who do you think of when you sing about love?” repeated throughout. This is a breath of fresh air from the funky guitar riffs we’ve come to expect from Any Name’s Okay.
Yet, this showcase of versatility comes alongside the signature sunshine-y vibe that fans have grown to love. “The Sun” and “Coconut” evoke the band’s trademark tropical-infused beats reminiscent of their past singles, effortlessly complementing Abrogar and Lumanog’s peppy vocals. These two, along with “Vivid,” ensure that the band hasn’t forgotten their old sound–and you’re bound to smile or swoon with lyrics like “the sun’s got nothing on you.”
Clearly, All I Feel and See is a strong first attempt by the band to branch out, and it’s proof that they can competently do so. The record mixes the band’s older sound–so as not to alienate their old fans–and serves fresh new ones to keep the songs from getting stale. Vocalist Lumanog’s bigger role in this EP (especially in the titular track “All I Feel and See”) is also a welcome addition. And with what listeners will personally feel and see from this record, the future is as bright as the sun for Any Name’s Okay.
