Project 52 (8/52): Hangover - Sugarfree

.:Project 52 (8/52): Hangover – Sugarfree:.

One of my favourite OPM bands of all time, Sugarfree, is disbanding. Now, I know I’ve written about this before, but I guess devoting today to commemorate Ebe Dancel and the rest of the boys is a poignant moment for me, to say the least.

So sue me, I’m not as big a fan of Bamboo, so that particular news doesn’t hit me the way Sugarfree does.

I still remember it like it was yesterday: 2004 was the year where I was singing only two songs all day long: Unwell, by Matchbox Twenty, and Mariposa, by Sugarfree. There was something so real, so desperate about Mariposa that just resonated with me. Unwell elicited the same feelings, and everytime I’m alone, I sometimes think how strange it would feel to be the only person who would walk into Mariposa on my own. It’s a mystery I will probably end up answering at some point. And yes, I plan to do that by walking into Mariposa on my own.

There’s something so true about their forlorn lyrics: emo before the word even existed. They knew how to tug at the hearstrings, and Ebe’s vocals were marvellous, and I would go as far as to say that if I closed my eyes, Ebe’s voice could easily draw comparisons from me to Ely Buendia, which is a huge testament to how great Sugarfree’s lead vocalist was, but there’s also something to be said about the guitar riffs that are unmistakably Sugarfree’s from the moment they begin. Not all bands can have a sound so true and distinct that just hearing their guitar riffs would automatically remind you of the band and not just the song. Sugarfree is one of those few exceptions.

“Hangover” is one of my favourite songs from this group. Just listening to the song really makes you feel how it is to be so hopelessly into someone, drowning in memories, and realizing that what you need is love, and that love can only be from her. Only from her. The fact that the song neatly dovetails with “Buwan” by the Itchyworms also helps make the song doubly impactful. Try playing both songs one after the other. You’ll get what I mean.

Anyways, I’m using this week to really say “thank you” to Sugarfree for a great run of music and memories. If your music will continue your separate ways, rest assured I will continue to support you guys in your individual endeavours.