Less than a year after the release of their well-received debut single, “Laman,” the US-based Pinoy rock supergroup, The Mellow Dees are back with a new single and it comes in both English and Tagalog versions.
As explained by the band’s vocalist-guitarist, Melody Del Mundo, the new “back-to-back singles,” “Amber Alert” and “Sakim,” both released by Lilystar Records, are two different songs that “share the same melody but are not direct translations” of each other.
“Amber Alert” in particular, was inspired by a recent Hollywood scandal.
“Both songs focus on someone who is greedy, narcissistic and one who is untruthful with his or her intentions. I wrote the lyrics for Amber Alert with Amber Heard in mind. I first wrote this song early last year as ‘Sakim,’ the Tagalog version. I originally had the song slower and more mellow but the lyrics didn’t call for that kind of beat so Wolf suggested that we play it more upbeat which turned out better,” she recalled.
“Wolf also suggested writing an English version close to its story but not necessarily a direct translation of it. At that time, Johnny Depp and Amber’s court trial was ongoing so I thought her story would be close to what I can write for an English version of ‘Sakim’.”
Now that Melody has shared the inspiration for the song, the lyrics very much reflect what she personally thought about that much-talked-about issue.
What a Schemer
A narcissistic opportunist
Playing on a role of a victim
And running over everyone to reach your evil goals
Manipulator
Haven’t you had done it all
Dictating and control
A twisted Scammer
I’m sickened and disgusted by your tainted soul
As noted by Melody, “Sakim” is indeed not a line-by-line translation of “Amber Alert” but still pretty much talks about the same self-centered, duplicitous individual.
Sakim
Sinungaling
San nanggaling
Ang isang tulad mo Ika’y mahangin
Hindi mo aaminin tunay mong anyo
“The Tagalog lyrics are outright berating that it’s so shameful,” she added.
But whether one is listening to either “Amber Alert” or “Sakim,” both songs are anchored on the same propulsive, driving beat that has characterized the lounge punk sound of The Mellow Dees which the band describes in their website as “a natural blend of semi-dreamy-operatic vocal work, psychedelic guitars, and a hard rock rhythm section.“
Melody once again sings with her trademark sense of pain and anguish even as the song also showcases Robin’s virtuosity with his riveting guitar work while Wolf’s familiar rat-tat-tat drumming and timely fills make up for an unforgettable recording that will likely leave fans wanting for more.
And more is what The Mellow Dees will unleash when the new album including “Amber Alert” and “Sakim” will be released this August. Melody further revealed that the band has been recording new songs since January. She also shared what fans can expect from their subsequent release.
“The songs in the new album have different themes and different emotions but they’re all connected to each other. The way the songs are lined up from beginning to end actually tells the listener a story. It takes the listener on a life’s journey with one’s ups and downs.
Asked how the Mellow Dees have grown and evolved since all three of them seasoned musicians started getting together, Melody admits that when they first started jamming, they have no idea how the sessions would turn out or if being in a new band is something they all would like to pursue.
“But if I can say it based on what I think it is, Wolf, Robin, and I just enjoyed the music so much and how the songs are sounding as we kept playing them in our rehearsals. The songs have come alive and we can feel each other’s energy in every song when we play them. It’s a very cool way of connecting and you can hear it when we play. We’re still playing music together because of this. I’d also like to mention our session bassist, Phil Recto who’s just as dedicated and passionate about his playing as us,” she pointed out.
With a new single and an upcoming album, The Mellow Dees are all very excited about the near future as they intend to promote their new music heavily. Since it has also been a while since they last visited and performed in their home country, Melody, Robin, and Wolf are also hoping they can play here again much sooner rather than later.
“We will be playing more gigs for sure to promote it once it’s out and it’d be great if we could share our music live on stage there in Manila if we get invited by a producer or promoter from there to play. Hopefully, we can also come out with a music video soon. But right now, we just want the album to be released as planned.
The Mellow Dees’ “Amber Alert” released last June 16 is now available on major streaming music platforms. “Sakim,” on the other hand is scheduled to drop on June 30.
THIS IS HOW THEY ROLL | The Mellow Dees drop new single for upcoming album
Source: News Paper Radio
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