Drip - Identity Theft

I am not a cognoscente in music, but I know a good one if I hear one - and after listening with the album for nearly two months now, am giving my acknowledgement to the sophomore effort of a group that some people in this city probably have not heard of, unless you are like me, who don't mind going astray from the mainstream local music and looking for something green.

The band is called DRIP.

Who are DRIP? you might ask, well they're three quiet and serious looking cool dudes who scratch, click, and play their musical instruments, together with the sultry looks and honeyed female vocalist.

DRIP comprises Beng Calma-Alcazaren on vocals, Malek Lopez on live keyboards, sound design and programming, Arvin "Caliph8" Nogueras on Turntables and FX, and Ian "Morse" Magbanua on beats, samples and programming as well.

They independently released an EP in August of 2003 and did constant live performances in different spots of the city, and since then Drip's cult status grew. Their first full-length album called "Far Side of the World" was released in 2004 under Terno Recordings, the same label of Up Dharma Down and Paramita.

However, the group caught their "mainstream" break through their fine cover of APO’s Kabilugan ng Buwan.

And after 4 years of hiatus, the group is back with their second album entitled "Identity Theft", which happened to be the first CREATIVE COMMONS full-length album in the Philippines.

So what's Identity Theft sound like?

The first track "Fallen", opens with "I see you fall.. That last breath is yours no more" and the next thing is a pumping sound that subtly creeps into your bones.

"Kindergarten Romance" is a classic trip-hop track that could easily be mistaken for a track that comes from a Kruder & Dormeister's Sessions CD. The song as Beng described it, "talks of love in the purest sense - willing to endure pain and mistakes for the beloved." Mmm.. So make sure you have a glass of your favourite cocktail while listening to this track. Oh, just for your information, Beng's favourite cocktail drink at the moment is Screwdriver!

"Run To Follow" zooms in with a beat that's haunting - it's like a scene in a black & white film, where a woman chases a man, who is then chasing another woman, and as she hides in that corner, she can't stop whispering to herself: "Who's that girl?!"..

"In Between (Remix)" is a familiar track off the band's debut album, a track that suddenly re-incarnated itself while the group was working on this album, and it was too good to let go, so it was remixed to a more up-beat feel and voila. It landed a spot on the album to add a laid back sound for our nonchalant thoughts.

"Bloodletting" is a reflective track with bittersweet tinge to it. With longing lyrics and great entwinement of Beng and Armi's (of Up Dharma Down) vocals, you will know what will happen to you after listening to this one.

"Swanker" is an intense track that shows that the group is indeed "in control".

"Faultless" on the other hand, is what the title suggest - it's free from error. A harmonious sequence of Calliph8's scratching, Malek & Morse's knob-twiddling and the cool guitar playing by courtesy of Junji Lerma of Wahijuara/Radioactive Sago Project. This is a nice treat.

"Blind" for me is somewhat the weakish track on the album.... it might take awhile before it grows on me.

"Is Anybody Listening?" is a perfect song that Beng would sing to a crowd of people who don't seemed to care. So beware people, you've been warned.

"Identity Theft" is a track that will have your feet tapping away with that sonically, trippy mix of beats & programmed music.

"Morning After" is the first single off the album, and I believe a perfect choice, as the lyrics are catchy, and has that 'last song syndrome' effect. And a nifty video to boot!

"Turning Grey" might sound familiar to you, especially if you purchased the World Wildlife Fund benefit CD "Environmentally Sound" two years or so ago. Yes, that was the same track but now been polished and sonically enhanced. It's a perfect track to end the album, as it leaves us wondering what would be the next Drip album would be like?

In comparison to their debut cd, it's discernible how Caliph8's turntablism, Malek & Morse's intensified sound programming, and Beng's euphonious vocals made this album more focused, polished, and cohesive.

One could say this is not as dreamy as their debut, and it lacks the pleasant highness to it - but as we all know, that having the same ingredients in food can be a little wishy-washy, so being experimental is not such a bad thing after all.

And as for the persnickety, electronica music aficionado out there, yes it maybe a little bland or passe but it's not dull.


Overall?

Personally, I love listening to this album when I'm about to go out (e.g. clubbing), as it gets me into the mood.

Also, I'm more of a lyrics person - so I enjoy reading Beng's lyricism.

Alternatively, this record is just right for those who want a little more oomph in their ambient or lounge music. So, let's call it Drip-hop.

Want to get your copy of Identity Theft?

You can get a copy of at Fully Booked stores (High Street, Rockwell & Greenhills), Magnet Cafe (Katipunan & High Street) and KT in Greenbelt 5.

Want more of DRIP?

Check out their Multiply, and/or MySpace.