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The new Rivermaya flies free, but can the band rule again?

Rivermaya 5.0: Mark Escueta, Ryan Peralta, Mike Elgar, Norby David (Photo courtesy of Universal Records)

"Panatang Makabanda," the new album from Rivermaya in four years, is a surprise package.

The band first offered a self-produced album for distribution to Universal Records. Instead, the record company countered with a contract to produce and distribute the album.

In recent years, the EP has been the main media to break new talents as well as to promote new music from veteran acts. Think the latest release from Pedicab, She’s Only 16 and Urbandub.

Musical chairs

So, Rivermaya is among the privileged few to be putting out a full album when the record industry is cutting back—feeling the pinch of piracy and multi-tiered options for the consumer’s buck.

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After the most recent reshuffle since Rico Blanco and Bamboo Mañalac flew out of the roost, original member Mark Escueta and third generation recruit Mike Elgar are now joined by newbies Norby David and Ryan Peralta in the fifth incarnation of the band.

On the new album, drummer boy Mark shifts to guitars. The three other guys take turns on lead vocals even as a few tracks find them harmonizing behind the designated lead singer.

It’s a curious development since in the last version of the band, a new lead vocalist was recruited via a reality show attracting 400 aspirants.

20 years in 2014

To Mark Escueta, these twists and turns were opportunities to reboot an iconic band, which is set to turn 20 next year.

“It’s been a good run so far. We’ve been doing this since grade school so it wouldn’t make sense if we stop now just because of other people’s perception of problems within the group,” Mark tells Yahoo! OMG.

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“We really feel very good about the future of the band. Our hearts are still 100% in the things that we do best. To me, this is the most relaxed, most confident combination of the band.”

‘The band should NOT be defined by personalities’

Adds guitarist and vocalist Mike Elgar, “It also doesn’t make sense to see Rivermaya in terms of this and that person being no longer with the band. The band should not be defined by personalities. It has been a group effort since the beginning and the new faces coming into the fold contribute in extending the solid legacy of Rivermaya.”

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Except for the final two tracks on the album—“Perfect Crime” is ruled by loud guitars while “Paalam” revels in the noisy fuss of saying goodbye—“Panatang Makabanda” reaffirms the band’s connection with the elder generation of Rivermaya.

More than half of the tracks feature the midtempo rock that has been the band’s staple as best exemplified by past hits like “Ulan,” “Awit ng Kabataan” and “Kisapmata.”

Collab with rapper du jour Gloc-9

New recruit Norby says, “We don’t have a problem in the creative department. We can do whatever we like. The support of fans has remained strong and longtime fans should be able to relate to the new songs and the new line-up.”

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Ryan Peralta agrees. He believes Rivermaya is at the highest point in a stretch that has produced 11 studio albums so far. In the new album, the band gets to do something new and have fun with the creative process—without pressure from their record label, peers or fans.

Rivermaya originally wanted to work with different artists but only got to do so with label mate and rapper de jour Gloc-9. Last year, the band and Gloc-9 went on tour with Bamboo in New Zealand and their mutual admiration resulted in the new song, “Nasa sa ‘Yo.”

Taking control

Rivermaya rocks the tune in the same mold as the album’s incisive first single, “Kailan Ka Magigising, Pilipinas?”

“The message is about taking control of things that keeps you from achieving your full potential. It may be about bad behavior or negative vibes,” says Escueta of “Nasa sa ‘Yo.”

“For me, you really can do anything with your life. Just have faith in God. The lyrics ‘may pangako na higit pa sa buhay mo’ (‘there’s a promise greater than your life’) means a lot. Steady ka lang and you will be amply rewarded.”

In a long career of ups and downs, Rivermaya is again gearing up to conquer the wild blue yonder it once ruled.

To preview the songs in 'Panatang Makabanda' and to buy the album, visit MyMusic Store and iTunes.

Editor's note: The blogger's views do not represent Yahoo! Southeast Asia's position on the topic or issue being discussed.