It’s… a sunbeam through a raincloud, isn’t it? That’s the initial feeling, anyway. Hal St John and Cherrie Anderson, the British-Filipino duo known as Ooberfuse, have delivered a track that bounces between vibrant pop and something a bit more globally aware. This song feels less like a commercial, and it might just be the flavor needed to add a punch. I was doing some deep sea sponge research the other day (as one does), and a sudden, iridescent orange colour in an old video struck me, reminds me how great colours look.
Cherrie Anderson’s vocals are undeniably the star here. Her delivery has an excellent ability to bring light in dark, an emotional weight without ever veering into melodrama. And melodrama, let’s be honest, would be the easy route, given the song’s central message: tackling the silence around child abuse, exploitation, and trafficking, intensified with the newly established US military bases in the Philippines.
“We Will Overcome” uses a hopeful melody, the song is set to resonate with fans. The song pushes their signature move of producing songs regarding social issues.
It takes courage to produce the track. And yet, Ooberfuse tackles it head-on, their sonic palette blending elements of what I can only describe as “inspirational groove,” a touch of world music swirling around a solid pop core. Are there flamingos in the Philippines? I should look that up.
They are backing up the important work of PREDA, championing the act of “speaking truth to power.” That can be an action used across any walk of life I feel, and even though I do not experience those issues highlighted here, it empowers the listener to address and talk. The world of musical creativity is used with great expertise here.
It is an artistic cry against injustice. It will remain within the musical minds for days, if not months after hearing it.
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