I Keep On Saying...

Nexxus's album Keep on Saying purveys a "boy band" sound with an approach reminding one of the Backstreet Boys or Boyzone, but Nexxus differs in that the group plays its own instruments. Nexxus has five members, which include a lead vocalist, guitarist, bass guitarist, drummer, and keyboardist. All the instrumentalists provide vocals (background), while several members of the group write the material. The lead vocalist, Deck Pagsanghan, has an excellent voice, fully developed and ready to meet any challenges, including international ones.

The backing harmonies are impressive, and the group has a mellifluous sound. The songwriting is solid, and songs such as the melodic, moderately paced "Believe" and "Love Me" achieve international standards, as does the melancholy "No More Regrets," which features an interesting vocal arrangement. The group's instrumentation is nicely honed, and there are some adventurous moments, including the wah-wah guitar on "No More Regrets," the "popping" guitar notes that punctuate "Love Me," and the graceful piano that adorns "Now that You're Gone." Everything is held together by the cohesive vocals of Deck Pagsanghan.

Several songs, such as "Sa Piling Mo" (In Your Arms) and "Bakit Nng Ba" (Why Is It) feature a Filipino-styled, easy listening approach and won't be as interesting to international audiences. Filipino artists must walk a tight-rope between pleasing its local audience and attaining international standards. Nexxus, however, manages to do this.