Review by Jason Coulter
Have you ever felt your life was missing some
brilliant soul music from the Philippines? I
know I have. But don’t worry, our prayers
have been answered. Released in December
2014, Something New is the debut EP from
Banna Harbera, and it’s a wonderful listening
experience full of hooks, catchy choruses and
most importantly – soul.
The title track opens the EP and it’s perhaps
the strongest here. It’s full of confidence, and
the big chorus grabs your attention straight
away. But it’s the final third that really sees the
band open up and let go of their constraints
and the result is fantastic. The tempo rises and
with it the song comes alive.
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The catchy Aside is where Yzabel Torres
really shines as a vocalist. Her delivery is
effortlessly cool and with some lovely hooks,
the song will be stuck in your head for a long
time. There’s a lot of passion in her vocals, but
she there is also some help from Theo Blanch
on keyboard. The solemn, background keys
are very dreamlike and set the tone perfectly.
They list The Isley Brothers as an influence
and it really shows here.
I Don’t Even Mind finishes the EP on a more
reflective note. Jake Masigan is the star here
with some beautifully understated guitar.
Throughout the EP, Masigan is the driving
force, proving that the guitar doesn’t need to
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be at the fore to make it effective. It’s a lesson
in self-control and it works very well.
Banna Harbera are just laid-back and groovy,
there’s no other way to describe it. If the EP
needed something, it would be the confidence
to add a soulful ballad. Torres’ vocals would
certainly be able for the challenge. But alas,
we have been treated to three catchy tunes
instead. Be careful if you’re listening on
headphones while walking down the street, as
you may burst into dance at any moment. It’s
also the best way to experience Banna Harbera
as you really hear the subtle drums and bass
that carry the songs along. And, the EP is
available for free on Soundcloud too.