In a world that has started to prioritize singles versus full-length releases, it can be hard to find good albums and EPs. Luckily enough, VisMin had a number of records from different genres and different cities all over.
Whether you’re a pop stan or an avid mosh pit participant, there’s a little bit of everything for any type of music fan. With that, and in no particular order, these are our picks for the best albums and EPs released by VisMin artists this year.
BAKESHOP RADIO — Bakeshopboyz
We love a good concept album, and when you have the Bakeshopboyz craft a record that weaves together radio show-like interludes in between tracks, you have something that’s immediately a must-listen-to. The best thing about BAKESHOP RADIO and its companion album BAKESHOP SUMMER RADIO is that you have to listen to it all the way through in order to truly appreciate how good it is.
Focus tracks: 38 DEGREES, GASOLINA, DOWNTOWN
Awkward Dancer V.s. The Harmless Devil — Awkward Dancer
At a time where the resurgence of shoegaze and noise rock in the Filipino indie scene is in full force, it can be hard to sift through all the fuzz. However, Cebu’s Awkward Dancer is a shining star in their debut record Awkward Dancer V.s. The Harmless Devil. The eight-track album is melancholic, haunting, and with just the right amount of distortion to make each track impactful in their own way but not overwhelming.
Focus tracks: Reel Fixer, Onesie, Southeast Emo
Through the Passages of Time — Cyber Band
There are no words to describe how exciting and thrilling it is to listen to Cyber Band’s Through the Passages of Time. Aside from its jaw-dropping 23-minute title track, each song on the album feels like they’re straight out of this high-fantasy, sci-fi story line. This is a record that you have to intently listen to, because you never know when a tempo change, breakdown, or genre-shift is going to happen. If there’s one album you have to listen to out of this entire list, make sure that it’s this one.
Focus tracks: Through the Passages of Time, The Return of Man, Babylon’s Dream
Abandoning Sanity — Sephtis
When you first listen to ABANDONING SANITY, you can expect just that — an EP that’s eerie, dissonant, and haunting. Yes, it’s short and sweet (clocking in at almost just 13 minutes long), but Sephtis doesn’t need anything more to get their point across. If you’re looking for something that’s chock full of headbangers and a soundtrack for losing your mind, make sure to queue this EP up.
Focus tracks: Man is the Prey, Weeping Wounds
FLYTOWNIVERSE — D-GARS
D-GARS’s FLYTOWNIVERSE is addictive in all the good ways. While the Mindanawon rapper is best known for “TABANG MO TANAN,” the song is truly just the tip of the iceberg. He plays with interesting audio samples (I mean, a church sermon in a hip-hop song?) and bars that utilize the rhythm of the Bisaya language so well. You can’t help but bop your head along to every song.
Focus tracks: TABANG MO TANAN, YAWA SAVIOR, SPLASH GAWENS
First Things First — Intertwined
Launched on January 11th, Intertwined’s debut album ‘First Things First’ was a highly anticipated release, marking a significant milestone since their winning performance at Wanderbattle 2019. As Cebu’s first masterful foray into jazz fusion, the album showcases the exceptional talent of Henrick Pestaño and Amanda Gabucan-Pestaño, who strike a seamless balance between songwriting and arrangement.
Tracks like ‘Ring Ring’ and ‘Be Mine’, familiar from their earlier releases, resonate with charm and nostalgia, while new offerings such as ‘Sunny Day’ highlight the band’s evolution. The latter track, in particular, encapsulates the vibrant energy and technical prowess that firmly establish Intertwined as champions in their genre.
Focus tracks: Ring Ring, Be Mine, Sunny Day
Singles — Folding Bed
Folding Bed always seem to do the unexpected. The same goes for their most recent full-length release, Singles, a compilation of previously released tracks over the years. Whether it’s an unexpected chord progression, an indie pop-like guitar riff in the middle of fuzz and distortion, or a tempo change, you’re always sitting at the edge of your seat when you listen to a song.
Focus tracks: Down The Drain, Dystopian Love Affair
Clones & Flying Cars — Coney Reyes on Camera
From their debut single “Homerun” to their indie track “Ice Pop” featuring Kim Trinidad of Loop, Coney Reyes on Camera have steadily carved out their own niche in Cebu’s indie music scene. As one of the few indie acts to take on the challenge of the Wander Battle competition, the band has shown that their artistry speaks for itself, without needing to rely on hype to gain attention.
After five years of sporadic activity, Coney Reyes on Camera finally released their debut album, Clones and Flying Cars, under PAWN Records. The album introduces listeners to standout tracks like “Monamie” and “Wonderfall.” Among the highlights is “Call Me Lily,” a poignant collaboration with Libya Montes that’s brimming with emotion — a track that deserves to be savored and never skipped.
Focus tracks: Call Me Lily, Monamie, Wonderfall
Seeker — Wilfreedo
Reggae juggernauts Wilfreedo are masters of genre-bending, and their latest album Seeker is no exception. In 10 tracks, they bring a refreshing twist to reggae by incorporating heavy rock elements, ska, funk, jazz, and more to create a tight-sounding and politically conscious record.
Focus tracks: Harakiri, Youth Revolution, SPO1 Tampalasan
Dreams With You — St3r10
Franco Dosdos (also known as St3r10) packs a punch in this earworm-worthy compilation titled Dreams With You. The pop and EDM producer blends genres like funk, electronic, and hyperpop to make a great pop record. Features from acts like Wiji Kun, Liana San Diego, Sulkee, and Keith Human further elevate the album with their unique voices and takes on the melodies. Great record, no notes.
Focus tracks: Heist (ft. Wiji Kun), Two Hearts (ft. Liana San Diego), heart emoji (ft. Keith Human, Cali Essé)
Honorable Mentions
A Life Of A Bai — Cookie$
Celebrated Cebuano rapper Cookie$ seemingly slows it down in A Life Of A Bai. Typically known for his hard-hitting hype trap beats and tongue-in-cheek bars, in A Life Of A Bai, he takes a refreshing smooth and chill approach throughout the whole record. The features on the album are also great choices — you have Mistah Lefty, Jkey, Justraw, Chuya, Hazi, and famed O Side Mafia producer BRGR.
Straight to the Domes of your Heads — Turnpike
Turnpike’s debut album, Straight to the Domes of Your Head, released under Melt Records, delivers a raw and unrelenting showcase of the band’s intensity and craftsmanship. With bone-crushing guitar riffs and thunderous drumming, the album captures a visceral energy that channels rage to their sound.
Sean Villareal and Bhenz Bryle Tomilap strike a compelling balance in their music and lyrics — creating something fresh yet nostalgic for fans of the glory days of metalcore. Dropping the album in November sets the tone for an explosive 2025 for Turnpike, signaling they’re a band to keep an eye on. Tracks like “Fatal Cleansing” are a fierce and invigorating way to kick off your Monday morning.
Check out our list of the 25 best songs of 2024 here.
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