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“Touch the Sky” ups the ante, opening in full. Surprisingly, it turns out to become a reggae-infused little number that, aided with sound bites (check the 1:44 marker), will make you think of substantial supplements said to free the mind and make you go on food trips.

“Castaway,” “Memorykill,” and “A Mass for the End of Time” go on trumpeting the band’s sheer talent and power.

When not demonstrating their mad musicians’ skills, Franco showcases lyrics that are quite sweet—lyrics for lovers and the broken hearted—but pleasantly remain non-cliché and non-emo, demonstrating a good command of language.

While all the songs deliver a wow upon first listen—indeed, talk about making a great first impression—it is the sixth track “Last Waltz” that repeatedly makes its mark.

Quite simply, it is an awesome, well-balanced track. None of the relentless burgeoning instrument, or the climax-after-climax structure that can tire even the most hayok of listeners.

“Next Train Out” is skippable but “Song for the Suspect” is an entertaining track. For a song about—okay we will lose our subtlety now—doobie, it’s curiously aggressive. But the lyrics is something to be listened to, with seriousness if we may add.

“Tetrahydrocholoridedub” is a breather that we could’ve had sooner in the record. It is tied to “This Gathering,” which breaks the silence from "Tetra" only to deliver us into the steady reggae-influenced song. It’s cool. But the sentimentality in the end, reminding us of Deftones’ “Back in School” isn’t.

“For My Dearly Departed” is a good closing track, with Franco and his guitar working the magic. We think it works precisely because it makes do without the effects and all the aggression, and all the palabok that come your third, fourth consecutive listen, becomes tired, unnecessary, and annoying.

It’s just Franco and the guitar sounding very precious, not quite vulnerable but sweet nonetheless.  

While this record or this band is not for everyone—quite heavy, we must say—it is deserving of everyone’s attention. And of the super band label. Their songs are well-written, the recording is quite good, too, and the experience is satisfying.

This is a band to watch for. We hope we aren't speaking too soon, but Franco, in their debut record, looks like the band that will deliver Pinoy Rock back from its coma.