Atomic Bomb

• Artist: RiverMaya
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1997
• Genre: Rock

Review

In 1997, RiverMaya, one of the Philippine's most popular and talented bands, rock or otherwise, released its third album, Atomic Bomb. With each album, RiverMaya navigates adventurous musical territory with verve and confidence. One element remains constant, and that is the band's penchant for melody and hooks. As on the previous RiverMaya albums, keyboardist/guitarist Rico Blanco deserves much of the credit for the strong songwriting. As on the band's 1996 album, Trip, the essence of Atomic Bomb takes its cue from British pop music, as heard here on "Saturday," "Wild Angel Candy," "Sunny Days," and "I Shot the Walrus," among others. RiverMaya's Brit-pop influences include such '90s bands as Oasis, Blur, and Suede, as well as such British icons as the Beatles and the Kinks. "Sunny Days," in particular has a Kinks feel to it. RiverMaya has also become highly proficient in the studio, adding interesting and imaginative sound effects, and incorporating strategically placed instrumental fills and interludes that contribute to the album's overall cohesion. Atomic Bomb also includes an enjoyable Beach Boys-type rave-up, "Tea for Two," as well as an art rock type of song, "Ballroom Dancing," that former Roxy Music member Brian Ferry would feel comfortable singing. "If" is a touching song built on a foundation of tender piano and contains a gorgeous string arrangement as well. "Hinahanap-hanap Kita" ("Always Looking for You") and "Kung Ayaw Mo, Huwag Mo" ("If You Don't Like, You Don't Like") are geared towards Filipino pop, and were hit singles for the band. According to the label, Atomic Bomb sold 120,000 units, which is triple platinum (platinum is 40,000 units in the Philippines). The album gets a vote for best Philippine album of 1997, and is one of the best Philippine albums ever made. ~ David Gonzales, Rovi

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