Popfilter's sound on its 2000 self-titled debut is marked by pop-inflected melodies sung tunefully over alternating forceful electric guitar and gentle acoustic guitar. Many songs from the Philippine rock band remind one of the now-defunct
Gin Blossoms from the '90s. The strong singing of Gerald Esquerra adds much to the album's enjoyment, as do the harmony vocals. The opening "I Scream" starts on plaintive, minor key acoustic guitar, giving way to the snarl of reverb-edged guitar. The moderately paced singing is strong, as are the harmony vocals. The song includes a distinctive guitar line. "Tugon" ("Answer") starts on an almost pretty, metal-influenced chord progression, reminding one of the Deftones; the guitars fade back, and tuneful, tender singing is heard over gentle acoustic guitar. Distinctive vocal harmonies enter the scene and the forceful guitar returns. "Ringer" opens on a repeated, mellifluous bassline, soon topped by cascading electric guitar, giving way to relaxed singing of a pop-inflected tune. The bridge is catchy and quite distinctive. One of the album's best songs is "I Like," strongly reminding a listener of the mellifluous rock of the Gin Blossoms. The singing and vocal harmonies heard on this song are quite distinctive and make the strong melody even stronger. "Lumiliwanag" ("Getting Bright") is a pretty love song and alternates between gentle acoustic and gritty electric guitar. Significantly, the band members write their own music, along with the two co-producers.
Popfilter is an engaging, intelligent album. ~ David Gonzales