They’ve been known as one of the more well-known progenitors of the current crop of indie bands espousing soul music. And the Chillitees return proudly with Espasoul, the band’s follow-up to their critically-acclaimed debut album Extra Rice. The album features 10 tracks including the new single Skatetown, which comes with a music video directed by keyboard/sax player and acknowledged bandleader/main songwriter Dan Gil. Chillitees has emerged as a cult favorite among people on the look-out for something new. They have earned their success through hard work and constant gigging. Their debut album earned high reviews and key gigs for the band. The band has been a constant favorite in compilation albums and special projects such as Kami nAPO Muna Muli, Hopia Mani Popcorn 2 and the 100th Anniversary compilation album of Hershey’s Chocolate. Espasoul is a rich, musically textured follow-up to their debut album. For the recording of the album the band recorded late 70’s-early 80’s jazz fusion style, with the guitars, bass, keyboards and drums recorded live simultaneously. The drums were recorded muted 80’s style while Gil utilized old keyboard models such as a Roland ’79 model, Juno 60, Roland S09 and a vocoder. The album also marks the band’s present line-up with Gil, guitarist Jon Padilla, bassist Allen Umali (formerly of Third World Project and Sino Sikat?), drummer Dexter Aguila (formerly of Sun Valley Crew and The Bitter Pill) and lead vocalist Uela Basco. Members of Chillitees recorded the songs in the album along with horn player Ramon Mancio, former Chillitees member Ryan Ventura and guests. Espasoul is a collection of uncompromising yet appealing tunes, with some songs going as far as six, seven minutes while still retaining that light, soothing soul of its predecessor. "We weren’t conscious of what will get played on radio and stuff like that," says Gil. "We want to offer something new, but we still came up with something we strongly believe is an album that’s still easy to digest and groove to anyway…." Notable track on the album include the sensual "Gatas," featuring Noli Aurillo, the seven-minute, Seawind-inspired "Damang Dama," the catchy "Paglipas," "Wala Akong Magagawa" featuring guitarist par excellence Kakoi Legaspi and blues master Binky Lampano, and of course, "Skatetown," a homage to the old skating center in Ali Mall, Cubao. True to the song’s theme, "Skatetown" borders on roller skate rink friendly disco grooves. -Cris Ramos