True Faith

Having endured the ’90s and the last decade, True Faith opens the new era with pump-up music of strong originals that should be of good news to their fans. There’s a very good reason to keep the faith as “Love Parade” rides on clean-sounding, synth-driven pop compilation submitted into full and substantial melodic adventure. The 12-track CD to hit the market any day from now is a testament that the five-man gang headed by the now-iconic Medwin Marfil did not squander the lull sandwiching the present and 2006 – the year they released their last all-new material album “Stray To Be Found.”

Here, the group clearly captured the theme they’re comfortable experimenting with. With their name taken from one of the songs of ’80s disciple New Order, the band’s new wave connection gets through this album seamlessly, with Med admitting taking into account early influences such as China Crisis, OMD, and Berlin. Track 8 “Strangeflower” offers a high recall, feel-good groove, and innovative arrangement – all ingredients of a hit pop from that time. It was logical therefore they featured three artists outside the band in recording the number. The inclusion of Luke Mejares, Ryan Armamento (Corporate Lo-Fi), and Carlos Magno (Out of Body Special) puts emphasis to it as a frontliner for the album’s float.

However, opening song “Yun Lang” steals the show for instant radio airplay. The upbeat stroke picked as first single carries an easily likable verse melody, complemented by the voice of guest Armi Millare (of Up Dharma Down) who backed up lead singing Med. It adds glamour that she played “quality minutes” and did not overshadow the ever-distinctive vocal appeal of True Faith’s main man.

The first lines of the album already got some hook, saying, “Gusto ko ay magpaiwan/ Kung ika’y magpapaiwan ‘yun lang/ Makita ka ay ayos na/ Lumilipad pakiramdam/ Huwag ka sanang lumayo pa/ ‘Yun lang aking paaalala.”

In an interview with the Manila Bulletin, Med reasoned, “We’ve considered ‘Yun Lang’ as a standout track throughout the making of the album.”

Interestingly, an even finer proof that “Love Parade” is sending a serious statement is the second track. Guitarist Allan Elgar, brother of Rivermaya’s Mike Elgar, arguably proved his worth in joining True Faith (as its latest member) by scoring the album’s killer bullet called “Pangako.” The song has all the promise of a big hit, especially with a heart-embracing chorus that goes “Pangako mo ako’y lalayo sa delubyong naranasan nitong pagod na puso/ Pangako mo iingatan ako isusulat panibagong yugto sa ating kuwento.”

Even with Allan’s knockout punch, Med, as always, dominates the songwriting department and deserves so, with effective cuts like “Pag-Asa” and “Lihim” being probable top attractions for listeners wanting mid-tempo ditties True Faith is known for.

Arrangement-wise, one can expect salutations from the 80s movement, with “Mounatin Wind” making use of a cute harmony vocal spice reminiscent of Spandau Ballet’s trick in “True.”

With respect to its legacy, True Faith picks up worthy principles from the 80s music which it solidly reshaped to meet current expectations.

“Love Parade” is under Viva Records which signed the band after it promoted a Greatest Hits collection CD off their former mother studio. Essentially, it is a new beginning, with the band’s faith in the power of competent creation ever much true.