Barkada is an alternative band based in Houston, TX. “Barkada” means “friends” in Tagalog, which is fitting since they all met as friends in college. Consisting of Peyton Till (vocals), Cesar Jimenez (guitar/vocals), Ryan Rodriguez (bass) and Julian Combong (drums), the band incorporates a number of genres into their sound. An undertaking that includes jazz, hip hop, funk, math rock and indie with bedroom pop grooves, the band’s self-titled EP Barkada is a varied approach covering a wide array of sounds.
Barkada gets going with “Agora,” where soft strumming on the guitar sounds melodic and harmonious in the start. Next, the vocals strut in. Right from the start you can feel the jazzy undertones making its way on this track. Till’s vocals embrace a style similar to the likes of Amy Winehouse and Joss Stone. The music stops and goes in bursts which gives the song a startling vibe. I loved how improvised everything sounded and gave it a spontaneous appeal. Off to a sauntering groove, the instrumentals come in with a warm and intimate sound on “DBJ.” Jimenez’s vocals are a smooth blend. The cool undertones really made for a chill sound. This song felt like a definite slow burn. The band felt like they are in no hurry to end the song. They languidly play their instruments. On “Scarlet,” the rumbling of bass lines rolls forth beneath this track as upbeat drums add a jaunty beat. Till’s vocals feel vibrant here. This is a slow simmering jazz number that felt very flavorful. I loved the energy of this song and greatly enjoyed Till’s vocal delivery. On “Tarantino,” shimmering guitars pave the start of this song. The vibes are melodic and reverberate through this track. A sauntering drumming beat sidles into great effect. The percussions adds a lively feel. The guitars give a near psychedelic vibe as the song has traces of surf and garage rock in it. A pure instrumental, the band really jams out here. Off to another happening groove, “Union Square” moves in with a driven sound. The jaunty rhythms will no doubt get you moving in no time. The drum solo feels very invigorating. This is another number where the band chooses to jam out with full flavors. The band closes the album on a colorful note with this distinctive closer. Flitting beneath the grooves of this album are Till and Jimenez’s jazz infused harmonies that felt like the focal point to these tracks. Supporting them are some great musicianship as Jimenez brings in the wonderful guitar work while Rodriguez brandishes his skills on bass with Combong coming in with consistent drums. The progression of these songs feels very natural like a jazz improvisation where the band just gets up and just starts jamming together. I thought this gave the tracks a playful air that can’t be easily mimicked. The ‘playfulness’ will most likely translate into an energized live set. Though the band, similarly to other acts, won’t be able to perform live on stage due to pandemic restrictions, the EP will have to serve as the immediate distraction in the meantime. The band makes headway with this album and I look forward to seeing more from them soon.
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