Knock Three Times Two Sided Man: Manny De Leon’s Quirky Rock-Pop Gem from the Philippines
Alright, let’s talk about Knock Three Times Two Sided Man, Manny De Leon’s groovy little album that feels like a mixtape your cool older cousin made for you in the '90s. Released under Alpha Records and brought to life by the wizardry of Danny Subido (who both arranged AND supervised this baby), it’s got just two tracks—but don’t let that fool you. Sometimes less is more, right? Especially when “less” sounds this good.
First up, we’ve got “Knock Three Times.” This track hits like an unexpected text from your ex—familiar but kinda thrilling all over again. It’s got this punchy rock vibe with pop undertones that sneak up on you like a cat in socks. The rhythm? Sticky as pancit canton on a rainy day. You’ll find yourself humming along before realizing you’re actually singing “knock three times” while waiting for your coffee order. And honestly, isn’t that what great music does? Gets stuck in your brain without asking permission.
Then there’s “Two-Sided Man,” which flips between moods faster than a balut vendor dodging traffic. One moment, it’s smooth and reflective; the next, it’s rocking out like it’s auditioning for a jukebox musical. The lyrics are clever enough to make you think twice about whether Manny was dropping hints about his own personality—or maybe everyone has a bit of a "two-sided" streak deep down. Either way, it’s catchy as heck and leaves you wondering if he wrote it during one of those late-night existential crises fueled by too much instant noodles.
What sticks with me most about these songs isn’t just their hooks—it’s how they feel so distinctly Filipino. Not because they scream jeepneys or sampaguita strings (they don’t), but because they capture that laid-back yet ambitious energy unique to local artists trying to carve their space in the world. They’re not perfect, sure, but perfection can be boring anyway. These tracks have heart—and sometimes, that beats flawless production any day.
So yeah, Knock Three Times Two Sided Man might only clock in at two tracks, but damn if it doesn’t pack a punch. It’s short, sweet, and leaves you wanting more—a bit like karaoke night when someone cuts the power after your third song. Manny De Leon may not have set out to change the game here, but he definitely crafted something worth remembering. Now excuse me while I go knock thrice on my neighbor’s door… just cuz.
