Who is “Blaster?” The former lead singer, guitarist and creative force behind Philippines band IV of Spades, Blaster Silonga (wiki.) Blaster’s solo debut LP “My Kosmik Island Disk” was released on October 8, 2022. Somehow the music muses of the interwebs (and the “if you like this, you will also like…” bots) connected me to him shortly thereafter. For this I am grateful.
“My Kosmik Island Disk” is remarkable in several ways. There is the joy in the construction of the songs. There is the inspiration of dream pop and the Cocteau Twins. I also hear occasional musical choices that echo Richard Carpenter’s arrangements for the 1970’s duo Carpenters.
In the press notes from Island Records / Phillipines, Radiohead and David Bowie are listed as influences for Blaster.
Blaster is a talented guitarist and capable vocalist. Clearly also a solid songwriter. He creates vibrant waves of sound and then centers himself as the calm in his own musical storm.
The album is sung in Tagalog (though Blaster sings in English on previous IV of Spades records.) This only adds to the Cocteau Twins “feel.” The arrangements are dense, rich and interesting enough that at no point did I wonder what the English might sound like. Not needed in the least.
Three singles have been released so far. I’ve put those videos on this page. In the newest, “O KAY GANDA,” we hear the Cocteau Twins even in the voice treatments. The plunking strings are a driving force, and in the video Blaster plays with persona and masculine / feminine attire.
This sort of sound has apparently been bubbling under the surface in the Philippines for a few years. Blaster draws from influences from around the globe, including “Japan City Pop.” The first single from the LP is actually sung in Japanese. Here’s that version of “Disko Forever.” It has over 200,000 views in less than two weeks.
So what do we get in “My Kosmik Island Disk?” A nearly 37-minute dream pop, Manila pop, art pop rush of sound that plays out like a synthpop space opera. It’s inventive, beautifully captured…crisp and bright. Intriguing at the start and delightful by the finish.
LINK: https://www.facebook.com/blastersilongaonline
UNCLE EARS is a music blog written by David Falk. davidrfalk@gmail.com David was born in 1962 and gravitates towards melodies, adventure, unsigned artists, fresh discoveries. He trusts his ear to know what it likes and loves sharing what he finds. He lives near Seattle, WA, USA.
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