In 2000, Philippine group Passage released
The Disco Project. As the title implies, much of the music revolves around a dance-inflected beat. The music is often more adventurous than disco, and at times incorporates the ebb and flow of techno-styled sounds. Passage has six members, which, judging by an album sleeve photo, includes a female vocalist. The band members' roles aren't stated. The drums and bass are strong on many songs, including the opening "Come Into My World." The song contains a repeated, pulsating bassline, as well as a jazz-inflected piano solo that uses some dissonance. The vocals to "Come Into My World," performed by a male singer, sets a pattern for much of the album: Instead of a full-fledged melody, the vocalist sings a short, melodic phrase or motif that is repeated and held together by other motifs.
Funky rhythm guitar riffs adorn "Spark It Up," "In the Hole," and "Interlude III." "Welcome to My World" foregoes the dance beats and is a ballad with a full-fledged melody. "In the Hole" contains jazzy trumpet lines, while "Ain't No High" has a nimble, jazz-styled saxophone solo.
The Disco Project is one of the most ambitious albums ever released in the Philippines. Unfortunately, it is also lackluster and the songs have a tendency to sound alike. Stronger melodic motifs would give the songs more distinction. The heavy drum and bass heard continually in many of the arrangements also contribute to a sense of sameness. ~ David Gonzales