By this time it is more obvious than daylight that the band scene is in for a long upswing. So here’s the deal for new groups breaking into the foray: Swim or sink.
But then there are special cases. Like in the case of Pupil.
Attention automatic because Pupil brings back Eraserheads’ frontman Ely Buendia in the mainstream race and Pupil team players Yan Yuzon (guitarist), Dok Sergio (bassist), and Boks Jugo (drummer) are everything but neophytes in the game having had a long credible list of former bands and brothers who are themselves key members of other well–known groups. Given these favors and the pro–bands pendulum that is the current music scene, it’s nearly a win–win situation.
Then again, like all introductions must cease, it all still boils down to music. Debut album "Beautiful Machines" under Sony–BMG comes out as the much–awaited Ely comeback project. Fourteen cuts of musical evolution that doesn’t only focus on Pupil’s frontman but more of the birth of a departure band totally different and individual from Eraserheads. In fact when asked if shades of Eraserheads still exists in Pupil’s maiden output, Dok told Manila Bulletin, "Hindi mo na maririnig ang Eraserheads dito. Iba na talaga. Although we do covers of Eheads in our live performances. If I were to describe our sound it’s just rock."
Dok is the latest addition in Pupil’s line–up having joined the former Mongols just last January. He used to play for the Teeth ("Prinsesa," "Laklak") in the ’90s while his brother Japs Sergio plays bass for Rivermaya. He said he’s always the follower type of member; someone who "joins the band during inputs and creative process but not when its comes to decision–making."
This is so because, "I’ve learned to master the art of keeping quiet. I’m a fan of the book ‘Celestine Prophesies,’ and it’s like my religion that I now treat things on a very spiritual level, even when it comes to music and the group."
He also revealed that he doesn’t mind if Eraserheads questions come up too often in interviews because "we’re fans of Eraserheads’ music."
However, Dok admitted bands are just everywhere, "Saturated na talaga. Maybe it’s because everybody can do their own records these days na masaya naman. Before you really need a label to go with your album but now, it’s anything goes and there’s much more freedom in that."
The parts of ‘Beautiful Machines’
Like all mechanical devices, Pupil’s album "Beautiful Machines" is composed of 14 parts (songs) each hoping to convey the overall machinery (character) that is Pupil.
The carrier track "Nasan Ka" is a straightforward Tagalog pop–rock that’s both catchy in melody and message. And at 3 minutes and 4 seconds, you can easily deduct why it was chosen as the carrier single.
Actually, Tagalog songs in the album are the more downright, radio–positive tracks by Pupil. Aside from "Nasan Ka," "Gamu–Gamo" and "Kalawakan" co–written by Ely and wife Diane who also manages Pupil.
"Beautiful Machines" aptly opens with first song "Different Worlds" with welcoming lyrics that goes "This is the opening of the show/ So glad you came here tonight/ Heard you got lost in the woods again/ Well that makes two of us."
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