IV of Spades Wrenches Hearts in New Single "Konsensya"
The surging and recently reformed rock group IV of Spades have been relentless in making up for their seven-year absence from the local music scene, and their new single "Konsensya" is one of their most painful tunes yet.
"Ako lang ba talaga (Am I really the only one)? O mayro'n kang gusto sa iba (or do you want someone else?)," is a bar/ chorus from the new single that encapsulates yet another emotionally resonant indie rock track from the boys.
The alternative rock/progressive rock outfit consisting of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Unique Salonga, bassist Zild Benitez, lead guitarist Blaster Silonga, and drummer Gabriel “Badjao” de Castro IV, has opted to go for a consistently melancholic tone backed by smooth drumming, subtle clean guitar leads, and passionate vocal performances.
Bassist and vocalist Zild Benitez takes center stage and stuns with his singing chops in this one, which seems to be part of a round robin of member-focused singles.
The song offers introspection on themes surrounding the conflicted willingness to feign ignorance just to stay with someone in a faltering relationship, and even the resignation to share a partner with another person.
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"Basta sa'kin ka umuwi (Just come home to me)/ Kahit ulitin gabi-gabi (Even if it keeps happening every night)/ Mahahati na lang kami (We'll just share you)," Zild sings the track's hook, with Blaster and Unique playing second fiddle on backing vocals.
The group seems to have channeled their inner Rico Blanco/ Rivermaya with this track, but it is also a dead-ringer for one of Zild's solo records, such as tracks found on Huminga (2021) or on Medisina (2022).
In their last single, "Nanaman," Blaster reported for vocal duties, which he was all too familiar with, looking back on their debut and sole LP Clapclapclap! Released in 2019.
Think of the infectious hook on "Come Inside of My Heart," and you'll see why we've waited seven years for them to come back.
"Nanaman" was a groovier alternative rock track that seemed like the boys channeling their The Strokes influence, while "Konsensya" has that sonic signature from the mid-2000s local rock scene.
Blaster's beefy yet pristine guitar tone during the song's instrumental solo also transported us back to that era, with the segment tapering off with a whirly fade out.
The band seems to be pivoting toward a creative direction where all of the members are inevitably queued up to shine. Maybe the time off and their respective solo ventures were all part of this destined plan for the group's creative renaissance.
