The air has been thick with whispers and hopes. Now, after six years of eager anticipation and seven since their last full-length album, OPM icons IV Of Spades, composed of Zild Benitez, Blaster Silonga, Unique Salonga, and Badjao De Castro, have finally graced us with their new album, Andalucia. Released on all music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment, this isn't just another album drop; it's a testament to growth, reconciliation, and the enduring magic of a band that carved its own distinct niche in the Filipino music landscape. This collection of tracks feels both intimately familiar and refreshingly evolved, a warm embrace after a prolonged absence.
In a recent conversation with the band, eager to hear the story behind this monumental return, the burning question on everyone's mind was clear: Why now? The timing, they shared, simply felt right—a moment when each member had found a better place mentally and emotionally. It wasn't just about the music; it was about healing. The hiatus wasn't merely a break from the stage but a journey of individual self-discovery. With peace finally made with the past, the creative process flowed with ease and joy, marked by a renewed sense of comfort and connection.
Additionally, they shared that it wasn't a sudden reunion; they had actually been reconnecting behind the scenes long before Andalucia began to take shape. The initial spark? Zild was the one who extended the invitation in 2022, amidst the quiet hum of the pandemic. "There was a bit of hesitation at first, a little awkwardness," Blaster confessed, a moment many can relate to after long separations. "But then we just hung out and enjoyed ourselves." Interestingly, Blaster had also tried to convince Zild earlier to reunite, but the timing wasn't quite right until that fateful pandemic night. This foundation of renewed friendship allowed them to rediscover their creative synergy.
With a new album comes the inevitable question of musical direction. Will they revisit the nostalgic retro-funk style of their old tracks? "No plans yet," they collectively stated, with a hint of mischievous excitement. "That's the exciting part; we don't know what comes next." They emphasized their love for creating music that reflects their current vibe and evolution. This freedom from expectation, the embrace of the unknown, is what truly defines IV Of Spades' artistic spirit. The album's title itself holds a special significance. "Andalucia is the apartment complex I used to live in," Zild shared. It was a familiar haunt, a place where the band members would often gather to hang out, share ideas, and simply be. What started as a casual joke to name an album "Andalucia" eventually stuck, becoming a fitting emblem for a project born from reconnection and shared history.
Despite the long break, returning together to the music scene felt surprisingly effortless. “There weren’t any challenges, actually. It actually became easier,” they shared. Having explored their individual musicalities during the hiatus, each brought a newfound depth and clarity to the collective. At last, there is no more trying to prove their individualities, allowing them to shift their focus and pour their heart out into truly enjoying the music they create. This sense of ease and unity shines through in the album, a body of work that captures both their growth and renewed creative spirit.
Diving deeper in the process of making Andalucia, IV of Spades approached production with a balance of spectacle and authenticity, aiming for a sound that would translate seamlessly to live performances. They began by jamming together before recording, rediscovering a chemistry that felt stronger than ever after years apart. Amid the intensity of creating, it was the simple moments like sharing meals, playful routines, and the unglamorous realities that reminded them why they began making music together in the first place. The album itself is a journey through their collective growth, with each track serving as a distinct chapter: “Tara,” “Monster,” “Paru-paro,” “Nanaman,” “Konsensya,” “Tamis ng Pagkamali,” “Aura,” “Karma,” “Tangerine Boulevard,” “Kabisado,” “Rewind,” and “Suliranin.”
While every song resonates, my absolute standout, the one that truly captured my heart, is "Konsensya." From the very first note, it wraps you in a melancholic yet strangely comforting embrace. There is a raw honesty in its melody and lyrics that speaks directly to the soul. It feels like a quiet confession, a gentle urging of the inner voice we often try to silence. It’s a track that demands to be listened to in the quiet moments, where its introspection can truly sink in. "Konsensya" isn't just a song; it is a conversation with oneself, a poignant reminder of the moral compass that guides us. This piece showcases the band’s remarkable ability to craft deeply moving and thought-provoking music that remains undeniably potent.
Fittingly, this emotional depth carries into their next big moment, a triumphant return to the stage. This creative resurgence reaches its peak with the band’s sold-out concert at the Mall of Asia Arena, presented by Karpos Multimedia. Due to overwhelming demand from fans, the show has been expanded to two nights on December 12 and 13, 2025. Marking the live debut of their new album alongside reimagined classics, the shows serve as both a celebration of their past and a bold prelude to the next chapter of their story. With the powerful comeback of one of OPM’s most promising icons, IV of Spades reignites a flame that shines brighter than ever.
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Written & Captured by: Abbegail Aguada