Why You Should be Listening to 'Sinungaling' by Nameless Kids
Pure indie-pop goodness.
by JV Ordoñez
Published on Apr 28, 2026
Filipino indie-pop outfit Nameless Kids is back with another earnest, infectious tune of unresolved affection and the awkwardness of proximity.
The band composed of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Nhiko Sabiniano, guitarist and vocalist Kim Allen, and drummer Imay Alconaba taps into that phenomenon of lying to yourself re: feelings for your object of affection. It doesn't hurt that they've got a knack for whipping up pristine, jangly earworms.
The official lyric video for "Sinungaling" by Nameless Kids
We were first acquainted with the band brimming with potential via their summer anthem "Midsummer High" and biker-tinged banger "Outlaws," which evoke youthful, coming-of-age feelings we all long to escape to.
The indie-pop group shows their evolution and how tight they are with their musicality in "Sinungaling."
The uplifting instrumentation against the poignant introspection of the lyricism is a dead ringer for bands like the Toronto-based band Valley, which was without a doubt one of the best live shows we covered last year
Frontman Rob Laska, vocalist and drummer Karrah James, and bassist Alex Dimauro knocked it out of the park when they brought their beloved 2024 record "Water The Flowers, Pray for a Garden" to life at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.
We also got to chop it up with Sabiniano and Allen following their performance at the Esquire Philippines Man at His Best 2025 Awards Night at the Hilton Manila, Newport Resorts. in Pasay City.
The frontman sang his praises for Valley and how the Canadian group has been instrumental to the artistic growth of Nameless Kids.
To our ears, "Sinungaling" evokes a similar euphoric and simultaneously melancholic sonic signature to cuts from Laska & Co.'s Lost in Translation record, which also hones in on self-reflection and reconnecting with people from your old stomping grounds.
At the weekend, Nameless Kids launched their vibrant single at 123 Block, Mandala Park in Mandaluyong, with special guests Kenaniah, Novocrane, 12th Street, and Suyen.
The vocal chemistry between Sabiniano and Allen is even more electric than ever, with the returning Alconaba's drumming chops forming the backbone of the track. These are elements to a formula for songs with insane replayability and compelling themes that Nameless Kids is refining to a tee. We will definitely be keeping an eagle's eye on the band's next steps toward an ambitious creative direction and a potential album on the horizon.
Nameless Kids at their single launch at 123 Block, Mandala Park
Esquire PH's resident music scribe, loafer disciple, and essayist fluent in niche internet subcultures and Philippine politics.
View More Articles About: