Jay Som (the recording/stage name of Melina Duterte) performed at The Foundry in Philly on Tuesday, October 29th. Jay Som released her fully self-recorded/produced/mixed sophomore LP Anak Ko (which translates to “my child” in Tagalog) this past August and I’ve been rockin’ it extra hard all Fil-Am History Month. The album’s lead single “Superbike” (official lyric video below) gives off dreamy Cocteau Twins vibes and the remainder of her 9-song album is all killer no filler (NOTE: obligatory Sum 41 reference). Every track on the album is unique in style and mood. “Nighttime Drive” (which is my official Fall weather driving jam) has a chilled out ’70s pop ballad vibe and features a beautiful string arrangement during its conclusion. Standout sleeper track “Crown” is reminiscent of Pinkerton-era Weezer minus the misogyny. Needless to say, Anak Ko is on my shortlist of favorite albums of the year.
Jay Som opened their Anak Ko-heavy set with lead track “If You Want It”, but they also broke out Everybody Works favorites “Baybee” and “The Bus Song”. While Asian American womxn in music are literally killing it right now, it was still especially surreal and inspiring to witness Duterte on stage doing her thing (as a Fil-Am). Alls I gots to say is you go, homegirl!
Opening for Jay Som was fellow California-based band Boy Scouts. Keep scrolling below to see more photos from the show.
