Crib: The next big thing in original Pilipino music

There's a new band in the music scene called Crib and they just launched their debut album.

"Crib has been in the music scene for almost 10 years now. We are active in gigs. Now we have an album," says TJ Sarvida, lead vocals of the band, who is a dead ringer for actor Paulo Avelino, during an interview at the Metro Walk in Pasig City recently.

Sarvida says that the band use to play back-up to some of the popular OPM artists aside from their nightly gigs prior to invading the mainstream music scene.

"Our genre is sub-genre rock, also known as adult-oriented rock. Our influences include Toto, Michael McDonald, Hall and Oates, Christopher Cross, etc. For newer artists, our influences are Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran," adds Sarvida, a young entrepreneur.

Asked to describe their self-titled album, Mike Caleda, keyboards and vocals, who composed most of the songs, says: "Collective experiences namin ito at ginawa namin sa music. Kung mapapakinggan ninyo 'yung buong album, parang storya po ito ng isang tao, mga pangyayari sa buhay ng isang tao. Chapter by chapter. Nagsimula ka, kinilig ka, na-in love ka, nasaktan ka, hanggang sa naka-bangon ka."

The Crib sound is characterized by a rich-layered sound slick production and a heavy reliance on jazz and pop rock hooks. It's music is almost soul-driven, catchy with harmonized vocals.

Aside from Sarvida and Caleda, other members of the band are Dard Enriquez, lead guitarist; Mark Decena, guitar; Rancis de Leon, saxophone; and Bogs Bautista, drums.

Crib's debut single is "Di Inaasahan." Another song "Ibang Araw Na Lang" is set to be released soon. Other tracks in the album are "Lipad," "It's Over," "Yes," " Sabihin Mo Na Lang (mahal kita)," "Sabi Mo," "I'm Stronger," "Relax Ka Lang," "and "No Limitation."

The band is produced under Glass Onion Entertainment, the same management team that handles Paolo Santos, Pido Lalimarmo, Thor Dulay and Jimmy Bondoc. Their team manager is Al Henson. - ROBERT REQUINTINA