IV of Spades celebrates rekindled friendship with comeback album ‘Andalucia’

MANILA, Philippines, November 13 ------ After six years apart, members of the Filipino pop-rock band IV of Spades are officially back together with their second album, “Andalucia,” a comeback born out of their mended friendship. Seven years after releasing their debut album “CLAPCLAPCLAP!” (2019), Zild Benitez, Blaster Silonga, Unique Salonga and Badjao de Castro have reunited to begin a new chapter. Their latest release also marks the band’s evolution from breakout acts to modern rock idols.

Released on Nov. 5 under Sony Music Entertainment, “Andalucia” took time, patience and healing first for the quartet. “We needed to fix our relationship first before making new music,” the band said. “It would’ve felt meaningless if we hadn’t reconnected as friends.”

During an intimate album listening party on the eve of the release, which The STAR attended, the band recalled how their road to reunion began. They had already been hanging out behind the scenes, with Zild initially reaching out to his bandmates and inviting them to gigs during the pandemic. “Na-invite niya kami dahil sa convincing skits niya,” Blaster shared. “Napalabas niya kaming tatlo sa lungga. Sa totoo lang, medyo may iwasan pa nung una,” he admitted. After a few hangouts, the awkwardness eventually faded. Then, the idea of making new music together came into view early this year. “Nagulat din kami na ang comfortable na namin sa isa’t isa,” said Blaster. Unique added, “Masaya. Nakaka-miss din na kasama silang tatlo.”

Zild, meanwhile, admitted, “In denial pa ako nung una, ‘Hindi. Hindi ko sila miss.’ Pero nung tumatagal, ‘Miss ko na sila,’” prompting cheers from the room. When they finally decided to make new music together, it didn’t feel forced. “Sobrang relaxed lang, para lang kaming may ginagawang school project,” said Blaster.

IV of Spades mostly worked on their new record at “Andalucia” — Zild’s apartment, which also inspired the album’s title. It became their creative middle ground, where they jammed and rediscovered their rhythm as a group.

For “Andalucia,” the band focused on creating music that feels alive when played on stage. They jammed to the songs before recording them to capture a raw and authentic sound. “Gusto namin tunog-bahay, kasi sa bahay namin ni-record,” Zild shared. “We talk about real-life things — flaws, people, and topics that aren’t often discussed. The process was more fun and collaborative this time,” the band said.

Among the tracks, it’s Aura, the first song they wrote after reuniting, which holds the most meaning. “Aura is what reconciliation looks like,” Blaster said. “Siya ‘yung nagbunga ng lahat ng mga songs na sumunod,” he added. Other highlights include Nanaman, which features Blaster on lead vocals, along with Karma, Tar, and Kabisado, which serve as Blaster, Badjao, and Unique’s personal favorites. “Ang cute pala namin minsan,” Zild said in jest about their Aura music video.

After pursuing solo careers, the band found that making music together again felt easier than before, noting how their approach to collaboration had changed this time around. “Lalong dumali nga ‘yung dynamic namin. Nawala na yung urge na kailangan i-prove yung individuality. Wala nang kailangang patunayan sa isa’t isa. Akala ko mas mahirap kasi baka mas malalaki na yung ego namin,” Blaster admitted. “Pero mas tumaas yung mutual respect. Fan kami ng work ng isa’t isa, kaya kapag nagkatrabaho kami, parang ‘Aye! Ka-trabaho ko ‘yung mga idol ko!,’” he added.

Their time apart helped them mature, making the creative process smoother and more open, with their individual styles now complementing instead of clashing. “Parang nauunahan na agad ng improvement kaysa criticism,” said Blaster. “‘Di pwedeng mag-clash, trabaho namin ‘to, eh. Malaki na kami. Ang corny kung away ulit!” quipped Unique and Zild. For Zild, the process was freeing. “Ginagawa namin kung anong feel namin. You can’t please everyone. But I can please myself and my friends.”

The group now follows a simple rule when creating songs: “Kapag gumagawa kaming song, dapat gusto naming apat. Hindi dapat ‘yung tatlo lang ‘yung may gusto o dalawa,” shared Balster. Following their surprise reunion last July with the release of Aura and Nanaman, IV of Spades is set to perform again for fans who have been waiting for years. Their Dec. 12 concert at the Mall of Asia Arena sold out quickly, prompting a second date on Dec. 13, presented by Karpos Multimedia. The shows promise a mix of “Andalucia” tracks and reimagined favorites — a true celebration of friendship, freedom, and finding their harmony again. “Super grateful,” said Zild of their fans’ continued support even after years of hiatus. “Never naming tinake for granted na may naghintay, may nag-support, may na-excite.”

Source: philstar.com