Gracenote's First Movement

Gracenote's First Movement makes a lasting movement.

I am a fan of Gracenote. Their music is reminiscent of the 90's pop-rock that I grew up with, combined with punkish-rock elements. They're not too heavy, and not too pop either, they're at the middle, and that's why rockers from both spectrum can enjoy their sound.

The Gracenote, from left to right Alvin Ortiz (who, sadly, already
departed the band), Chen Pangan, Eunice Jorge, Jazz Jorge and EJ Pichay

First Movement, I believe, is their second album. The first one, self-titled Gracenote, was released independently some time in 2009. Since then, they have come a long way and their music evolved. Three years ago you might have dared call them a Paramore knock-off, but now they are Gracenote.

First Movement consists of 8 tracks, the last one being an acoustic version of their current single, Amnesia. Kicking off the album is Knock Knock, written by the band's lead vocalist herself, Eunice Jorge. This track is an instant favorite of mine. The upbeat pop intro is very different from their previous songs, the lyrics are campy, but it complements the melody very well, making it a fun and feel good song, one that can lift you up when feeling depressed.

Gracenote rocking the elevators of APC
in their music video of Minsan lang Naman

The track is followed by a mellow one, Pwede Ako which can easily becomes a "harana" song, for the hopeless-romantics out there. Then there's their newest single, Amnesia, written by their band manager Darwin Hernandez. Eunice shows off her talents with the melodramatic violin intro, but I was instantly blown away by Jazz's bass and Ej's drum beats (imagine Silent Sanctuary). The lyrics are catchy, and the guitar riff after the chorus blends well with the violin. If not for Knock Knock, I would say Universal Records made an excellent choice for a second single. 

The fourth track is a sad song, titled Far Away. I have heard it many times on Youtube, but this is the first time I heard a studio version. What I like about this song is the violin riff all through out. (and seeing Eunice Jorge perform this song while playing the violin adds power to this heart-wrenching song). Listen to the lyrics well and you will know that Chen Pangan (seriously, is she related to the Jett Pangan?) would make a very amazing song-writer someday.

Ms. Violin Girl Eunice Jorge shows off her talents at DLSU-Taft

After crying (yes I did) a lot from the last song, Minsan Lang Naman lifts up the air with the usual pop-rock melody we've all come to love. It was the band's first single and their first song to have a music video. (which was shot at -and produced by- APC). It was a good song, but very similar (except for the violin) to the rest of the pop-rock songs playing on the radio. If it were me, I would have chosen Knock Knock as their first single. 

The fifth song then pulls us back down to mellowness with Play it Again. With its playful guitars, it reminds me of the Barbie Almabis days of acoustic rock. Then before the album ends with the acoustic rendition of Amnesia, we are treated with the party-esque Stop Stop! It's a nice distraction from the rest of the sounds of their album, but I am hearing some chunks of autotune, and I'm not a fan of this method. (I'm not sure here, maybe it's just me, so don't stone me to death).

That's me, with my own copy of First Movement
fresh from the music stands.

All in all, their album is great, and working under Universal Records and Soupstar, I am having my hopes up that they will continue to grow and cover more grounds. The mainstream radios now are filled with foreign R and B and K-pop songs, that's why it makes me happy to hear bands like Gracenote making waves despite the bandwagon. So if you're looking for music that is familiar yet new, grab a copy of their album now.


You can check out Gracenote on their Facebook page and Twitter accounts. You can also visit their Youtube channel for more videos (they have a lot of funny vids) and updates.

Read More