My eyes were set in the anticipation to VXON’s first-ever album release on January 26th, as teasers on their social media heightened my excitement of the much-awaited comeback few weeks ago. The album, titled “20:20” with such wit, gives off a theme of a cosmic event, adding a layer of intrigue that goes beyond the initial promotional materials.
The morning after its release, I eagerly reached for my headphones, excited to get myself in the zone of VXON’s musical universe. Having already experienced their recent release, “Sandal,” my expectations were set inflated.
The clever play on VXON, pronounced as ‘vision,’ in naming the album mirrors the auditory journey that lies within. It serves as a prelude to what unfolds in the tracks, offering listeners a sonic spectacle. Little did I know that the album would be a revelation, and I thank the universe for allowing me to witness this cosmic event through clear vision.
With nine tracks, VXON’s album seamlessly weaves together collaborations with fellow artists, individual contributions from group members, and a diverse range of genres. It’s a musical odyssey, where each track transports you like a star traversing galaxy. Despite the different genres covered, the album retains a shining prowess, a testament to the group’s cohesive artistry.
1. SSP (Saksak Sa Puso)
In recent P-Pop memory, they may have just secured the most impressive opener for me. I understand these are strong words, yet it’s not merely about the catchy melody; it’s also about the impactful experience right from the moment you press play. The group’s commendable courage in approaching a chant that holds a special place in every Filipino’s heart is evident, particularly when considering that many people grew up playing with it. Now, by daring to interpret the song in a different way, I must say ‘SSP’ is crafted with poise. Their skillful wordplay in this childhood classic creates a lasting impression on your mind. With VXON Franz being part of the production and writing department, this unique track is destined to become an intense song you will easily get along with.
2. Kalaw
Penned by VXON members Franz and Sam, ‘Kalaw’ sparks memories of someone. I’ll just file this under the canon events of my life this year. I hate to admit it, but the song nudges me to still want to talk to that old person I used to be familiar with. However, just like the stars, they too pass with time.
‘Wala na ba tayong pag-asa? Kaya ba natin pilitin pa?’ Who hurt you all, letting us experience the same fate? It drives up moments in my life I wish I hadn’t encountered anymore. But that’s life. Suppressing myself from facing it might only hinder me from seeing things the way they should have always been, all because I’m afraid of asking these questions. Yet, deep down, I already know the answers. This song is incredibly captivating; I can easily envision it fitting into a coming-of-age story where individuals grow up together but must be separated in life for various reasons. The wordplay, shifting from ‘Kalaw’ to ‘Kalawakan,’ puts the cherry on top.
3. Gamu-Gamo (Sam of VXON) ft. MC Einstein
Reaching a certain point, the atmosphere of ‘Gamu-Gamo’ transforms into a blend of intrigue, notably attributed to the song’s wordplay, especially with the inclusion of ‘Kandila.’ The genuinely enchanting deep tones in their voices leave me longing for more. Consistently, the song emphasizes the significance of expressing one’s thoughts, instilling confidence. Instead of being off-putting, it resembles a long-lasting candle that effectively fulfills its purpose, also seamlessly making the collaboration mesh.
4. Coco (Enzo & Patrick of VXON)
I live for the beats in ‘Coco’; it’s the kind of track I’d eagerly share with friends to a beach day or liven up a road trip. It has its magical ability to transform any moment into something extraordinary, leaving you eager to press play again immediately. The vocals seamlessly complement the song, adding an extra layer that elevates the overall experience of this track.
5. O Kay Sarap ft. G22 AJ
From the very beginning, the intro grabs your attention, and though it kicks off strongly, I found myself appreciating it even more the second time around it shows up—immediately connecting with it. “O Kay Sarap” has captivated me to the extent that I believe P-Pop could benefit from more tracks like this—clear in their message without overly ambitious production. Each moment, particularly during the rap’s flow, brought me the gasp I have been longing to feel for a long time. It strikes a perfect balance—not overly ambitious, but just enough to effectively convey their message. The song genuinely lives up to its ‘O Kay Sarap’ moment, evoking the same delightful feeling in me. The rap left me breathless with its seamless flow; I must admit, this track truly stood out for me.
6. Miss Na Kita ft. Zephanie
Just when I thought I had seen it all with “Kalaw,” here comes Franz and Zephanie, wrecking and resurrecting memories I had already tossed into the bin. How dare they, with their heavenly vocals and striking lyrics, make me romanticize this melancholy I once decided to stop digging into. For me, the song’s accompaniment suits them both; it highlights the message that should have been conveyed. I can only imagine how challenging it must have been for Franz to craft such an evocative story on paper and then bring it to life through song—it’s like a form of self-sabotage, constantly revisiting memories you had once tried to escape. Yet, words hold immense power when they linger within; they urge you to rediscover emotions you once escaped. While ‘Miss Na Kita’ may have been crafted for a specific situation, it would undoubtedly have been a loss if this sentimental song had remained in the drafts, limiting its audience to just a few.
7. Kanta Ng Tanga (KNT)
“Let’s have fun!” the boys said after witnessing the tears and emotional response to ‘Miss Na Kita.’
You know that feeling when you’re weary, and there’s a song that can lift your spirit? For me, ‘KNT’ might just be that song. Beyond its catchy melody and vibrant energy, doesn’t it resonate with the times we’ve all felt a bit delusional in our lives? No wonder I’ve been playing this song non-stop; we share a common ground. I appreciate the song’s approach too; it avoids the typical cringey lyrics and instead delivers lines that leave you wanting more. This soundtrack is like my delusional confessions saying let your imagination run wild – we’re here, and we totally get it! Delusionally ever after, right?
8. Lisan – Stripped Version
After going through songs from the first to the seventh, I’ve noticed that, even though ‘Lisan’ was already released before the album drop, this stripped version of the song brings out more facets of the group’s talent. The emphasized vocals not only showcase their capabilities but also reveal a distinct stance. It highlights the way they approach the song differently and hints at the diversity not only in their vocals but also in their personalities.
9. Sandal
I’m genuinely curious: what kind of magic did they put into this song? Despite listening to it countless times, it still hasn’t aged like milk for me. I believe this type of song suits VXON perfectly; with ‘Sandal,’ they carry the tune with unwavering conviction. Out of their entire discography, this track reigns as my absolute favorite. It gets better with each listen, and as the final track in an album bursting with diverse genres, it delivers a powerful punch. It leaves a mark, saying that in “20:20,” they wrap things up with such impact.
True to form, the group did not disappoint, cementing their foothold in the industry with a firm showing that they won’t slip at any given time. VXON’s “20:20” is an exploration to the universe that leaves lasting impression and, dare I say, setting a new standard for other P-Pop groups whenever they release music this year.
You can check out VXON’s “20:20” on all major streaming platforms.
