Manila Ice

Manila Ice showcases Eyedress's unique talent for lovesick composition and songwriting, and his DIY spirit. The album was recorded around the birth of his first child and represents the hopes and fears of a young parent as well as providing him with an escape from the realities of his personal life and the dramatic political events unfolding in his home city. He recorded and produced the entire album from his bedroom studio at his parents' house - playing lead and rhythm guitar, bass, synths, samplers, drums alongside singing and rapping. His music is informed by the diverse influences of his early life in Phoenix, Arizona and San Clemente, California followed by his family’s return to The Philippines aged 15. Taking to sampling and beat making as much as traditional musicianship, his thirst for expression has seen him turn his unique voice to rap, punk, synthpop and lo-fi indie styles. On Manila Ice, he strips his experimentation back to a more traditional songwriting, and brings a striking honesty to the narratives which weave through the record. Product photography - Michael Wilkin / The Vinyl Factory

The Philippine experimentalist's debut album ‘Manila Ice’ feels like pure escapism, vibrant in tone and so laid-back in mood as to be almost horizontal.