Cutterpillow

The Eraserheads are one of the Phlippines' most popular bands, and on 1995's Cutterpillow, the group put forth a strong case for being a talented one, too. Where the band's previous album, Circus, often seemed lightweight and superficial, Cutterpillow is more mature and cohesive, brimming with enjoyable, substantive songs. As before, the band tackles a variety of styles. The delightful "Back2Me" moves on a punkish vibe, the reverb-drenched guitars overlaid with the vocalist singing a catchy, snappy melody reminiscent of Green Day. The opening reverb-edged guitar figure of "Waiting for Me" is enchanting, as is the song itself, highlighted by a rapturous chorus. The acoustic-based "Poorman's Grave" is another fine song among a host of others. In fact, there isn't a bad song on the album. Where 1994's Circus was marred by superficial, almost "kiddie pop" melodies, the melodies on Cutterpillow are more substantive, with only a touch of "kiddie pop" on some songs, including the bridge on "Overdrive," which is otherwise a good song. The band continues its penchant for experimenting in the studio, and several songs are adorned with studio effects, including the squawks on "Yoko" and the Beatles-influenced strings that end "El Huling El Bimbo" (Last El Bimbo Dance). Speaking of the Beatles, this time the Eraserheads have a less overt tendency to imitate the Beatles' style, and they seem more original, more like themselves. This is a fine, enjoyable album, one of the best ever made in the Philippines.