In 1994, Philippine rock band
IAXE released their self-titled debut album. The band's sound is dominated by power balladry, as six of the album's eight songs are slow tracks of this type; also included are a reggae-styled number and a fast-paced tune. The opening track is the fast-paced one, "Buhay" ("Life.") The song's distinctive introductory keyboard line moves slowly at first. Then a fast drum roll kicks in and a rumbling bass figure adds to the reverberating undercurrent. The singing is quite emotive, as heard on the strong melodic hook contained in the chorus. "Buhay" is also punctuated by strong, searing lead guitar lines, as heard throughout the album. The next three songs on side one of the cassette are slow-paced power ballads, including "Jenny," "Walk With You," and "Sigaw Ng Mga Bata" ("Shout of the Youth.") The piano introduction to "Jenny" is tender and the song itself has strength, while the interesting "Walk With You" features a better-than-average melody. However, though the ballads are fine individually, by the time a listener reaches "Sigaw Ng Mga Bata," the first side's last song, one yearns for more variety. Unfortunately, the next two songs on side two of the cassette are also slow, but finally, with "Summertime" arrives some spirit. The reggae-inflected tune is definitely out-of-the-ordinary, though, with its kooky novelty ambience, and it ends up proving more interesting than successful. The closing "Ako'y Sa I'yo, Ika'y Sa Akin" ("I'm for You. You're for Me") features emotive vocals accompanied only by acoustic guitar. Overall, the album offers some good moments, but needs more of them, along with more variety.