Filipino indie rock trailblazers IV OF SPADES are back with a bang as they unveil their extremely anticipated sophomore album Andalucia. As the looming six-year hiatus ends, and the seven-year drought without a new album since their 2019 masterpiece CLAPCLAPCLAP! comes to a close, fans are over the moon with the release of this 12-track record that's packed with bangers, and steeped in that distinct IV OF SPADES style.
Throughout the band's hiatus, fans have been hoping for a reunion and a new album drop to get back into the IV OF SPADES groove. Their prayers were answered with the surprise release of the pre-album singles 'Aura' and 'Nanaman' in July and 'Suliranin' in early October — sending the world of indie rock into an exciting frenzy.
Andalucia is not just an album, it's the artistic reinvention of the band as they debut a newer, wiser and more mature sound as a result of internal reflection and healing. “We needed to prioritize ourselves and our relationship first before working on a new project while we weren’t okay,” the quartet shares. “It would’ve felt meaningless if we hadn’t fixed our bond before returning to making music.” As they come back stronger than ever, Andalucia marks a bright and new journey ahead for the multi award-winning band.
In a dynamic and genre-defying collection of tracks co-produced by IV OF SPADES with Brian Lotho and Emil Dela Rosa, they delivers on their unique musical individuality and emotive writing that fans have grown to love while infusing their newfound growth and maturity, delivering an even more engaging listening experience.
The album bursts with life as the vibrance of the focus track 'Monster' lights up the record. It takes listeners on a sonic expedition through the gritty rock elements and retro vibes that flow seamlessly with the modern touch of the 21st century. The pre-release singles were a triad of teasers that set the vibe for the authenticity that this album was going to bring. 'Aura' holds incredible sentiment, being the first-ever track that the band worked on post-hiatus.
'Nanaman' takes its place as one of the standout tracks in the album as it features vocals by Blaster Silonga. Their most recent pre-album single 'Suliranin' is a feel-good anthem that gives listeners an escape from societal pressures, urging them to embrace the tune and leave the worries of life behind. 'Konsensya' embodies the band's aims to break the boundaries of genre — seeing them take on a ‘90s alternative, Britpop style.
The hitmakers explain the narratives that each song captures and the process of creating music together after the reunion as they share, "Thematically speaking, we talk about things in life: flaws, people, and topics that often aren’t discussed openly. It’s more fun now because we have more songs. The direction is clearer, and the process is more collaborative.”
With Andalucia, IV OF SPADES crafted a grand, cinematic sound while staying true to their one-of-a-kind musicality. “We wanted a sound that we could play live,” they express. “The production is ambitious, so we started by jamming the songs before recording them.”
Being guided by mutual respect and the shared goal of creating music that they enjoy as much as their fans will, this album comes from a place of love and pride — renewing their chemistry and strength.
Throughout production and recording, it was the little things that reminded them why they began making music together. They share those moments of simplicity as they say, "What truly matters are the small things. Eating together. Whoever’s late buys the coffee. Sometimes we’d turn off the aircon, so we’d all be sweating while recording."
To mark the milestone of the album and their awaited reunion, IV OF SPADES will be performing on 12 December at the Mall of Asia Arena, with a 13 December date added due to high demand. The concerts will showcase new tracks and old classics, celebrating the band’s journey and what’s ahead.
Experience the nostalgic feeling of listening to your favourite band once again with Andalucia. Listen firsthand to the growth, sincerity, and warmth that this album exudes.
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