Power of Pop Review: Bread and Circuses

Powerofpop.com | December 18, 2010
by Kevin Mathews

The Camerawalls - Bread and Circuses | Lilystars Records

Simply put, this EP is one of the most accomplished pure pop music that South East Asia has produced in 2010. Composed of Clementine (vocals/guitars), Law Santiago (bass) and Joseph Rudica (drums), The Camerawalls is a Philippine band that has been around for about three years and this EP contains five strong reasons why classic pop fans need to sit up and take notice.

Not only are tracks like A Gentle Persuasion and My Life’s Arithmetic Means possessed of impossibly catchy melodies but on songs like the vibrant Longevity, the baroque Birthday Wishes and the breezy title track, The Camerawalls display the breadth of its mature songwriting technique and instrumental excellence – the guitar work on Longevity is breath-taking, the atmospheric nuance of Birthday Wishes is spine-tingling and the wondrously crafted title track recalls the heavenly majesty of The Smiths and Aztec Camera.

Highly recommended!