Filipino Indie/alternative rock band She’s Only Sixteen (SOS) released their pandemic-inspired extended play (EP), The Other Side, on November 27, 2020. The EP also includes “Broken Glass” and “Good Company” as its previously released singles.
The four-piece collective is composed of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Roberto Seña, lead guitarist Andrew Panopio, bassist Anjo Silvoza, and drummer King Puentespina. While working together as one unit, the band members also ventured on their individual creative projects along the way.
During the pandemic alone, Seña released his single, “Apologetic Dancer” under the “Lazy McGuire” project. While Silvoza released the four-track Abstract EP as the alternative/indie project “The Relax.” On the other hand, Puentespina released two singles for an upcoming EP under electronic music project “crwn” and being added to his plethora of electronic beat projects since 2015.
Wondering what’s on the other side
As artists who struggled during this pandemic, the band used these emotions for the EP’s identity.
With live online gigs marched on towards the new normal, the band had a YouTube livestream on their channel to listen to the EP before it was released on streaming platforms. They briefly shared their thoughts on each song from the EP.
The opening track “Good Company” introduces us to a more laid back and chill vibe, which speaks so much to how the band coped with these hard times.
With typical SOS fashion, the catchy beats to the songs are accompanied by poignant lyrics, “So then they say, it's better to have loved and lost than not at all. And yet here we are, the moment that we lost is all that ever was.” The song also featured backing vocals from Filipino R&B/Neo-soul singer August Wahh, who collaborated with Puentespina on the Labyrinth EP in 2019.
However, the band still focused on songs about relationships whilst making one reminisce during the pandemic, and tunes to move forward.
“Broken Glass” talks about toxic relationships and how often do people still hold onto them out of familiarity and the feelings that were once shared. Even with its funky and upbeat tune, the lyrics go, “You’re out the door, I pull you in, let’s talk about it. Pull you a chair, the coffee’s getting cold in silence. You open fire, my walls are down – I’m so defenseless. But where’s the lie? I often stay from independence.” This track is something that’s worth adding to your “late night ride” playlist.
Meanwhile, “Wake Up” was the hardest track to finish. The song is about making music during the pandemic, according to Seña. It’s groovy synth production will make you dance in the streets on a nightly basis. But it’s the pandemic, so dancing in your room or while showering is good enough too. “Nothing’s going right and you wonder why. Wonder what it’s like on the other side, baby. Is it even worth it if you even tried. No one’s there to hear you despite how loud you cry.” The band brought back the 70’s disco vibes with this one, and packed by the typical SOS lyricism. Seña’s high notes are definitely a surprise, moving away from the “too Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner sounding” criticism.
“Ghost” is written by Puentespina and is dedicated to a close friend of theirs who passed away. Seña heartfeltly said to check on your friends during the pandemic because that’s important. The song reminds us to not take someone or something for granted, “Linger in the room so I see the signs. Flicker on the lights if you say, “Hi”. Trade it all for you in the second time. Guess I’ll say “Hello” in the second life.” This song is something to play during a drive by as the sun sets.
The closing track of the EP is a song that’s inspired by the scene from the 1952 musical romantic comedy Singin’ in the Rain, starring Gene Kelly. And yes, it’s that iconic scene where Kelly’s character is in fact, singing and dancing in the rain. “Just A Bit of Rain” sounds pretty far from everything the band has ever done, according to Silvoza.
Seña shared his experience of unemployment after leaving his job and focusing on music full-time. “When I was a boy, I hoped to work with my hands. When I was a teen, I thought I had it all planned. But now I’m a man, wishing that I was a boy. No worries now, I found myself unemployed,” spontaneous moments come and go and it’s okay if our supposed plans get derailed.
Overall, it’s a different sounding collection of songs compared to their previous releases. It’s something to get used to, as it’s a departure from the usual headbanging and scream-worthy lyrics that the band are inclined to.
According to the band, they’re planning to release more EPs every quarter of the year in 2021.
