IV of Spades opens up on their friendship and new era

There's always lots to say about IV of Spades.

There were talks about a member leaving, possible conflicts, continuing as a three-piece band, that member coming back, and the full lineup's comeback which threw the public for a loop.

But actually, IV of Spades are just four awkward, introverted guys given the spotlight. They want to make music, and that's what they're doing.

Their no-nonsense approach to making music is evident in this new chapter. They release music on Wednesdays because too many artists release on Fridays. They named their album "Andalucia" after bassist Zild Benitez's apartment, where they hang out. In short, they are doing things their own way, and are no longer letting outside pressures define them.

GMA News Online sat down with the band following their "Andalucia" album listening party to talk about their new era.

IV of Spades got back together again following a hangout with drinks. "Tapos nag-usap kami kung oras na ba gawin 'to officially," guitarist Blaster Silonga said.

Blaster added that their friendship before the comeback was really made up of hangouts, even playing badminton and biking.

"Ganun siya, super spontaneous," Blaster said.

"Tsaka slow burn," Zild added.

Blaster said they had "no choice" but to work on the relationship before coming back as a band.

"Mas nagka-respect kami sa isa't isa," Zild said. "Tsaka nalaman na namin 'yung feeling na hindi kami magkakasama, so alam namin na gusto namin ginagawa namin."

Each having their solo projects, Blaster said this influenced their band in such a way that "nakaka-miss na may kasama."

"Parang nakakapagod naman 'yung ikaw 'yung nasusunod sa lahat ng bagay eh. Parang masaya naman na meron kang ka-burden," Blaster added.

With this, vocalist Unique Salonga said they reunited and came back as a band because "OK na kaming lahat eh. Mas happy na kami sa isa't isa."

Zild added, "Sabi nga sa 'min, 'if not now, when?'"

The band has come a long way since their 2019 album "CLAPCLAPCLAP!" with "Andalucia" as their first album with Unique.

IV of Spades has learned a lot, with drummer Badjao De Castro emphasizing, "Alagaan ang isa't isa."

Unique added, "Tsaka 'yung collaboration. Pa'no mo enjoyin 'yung paggawa ng mga songs na may ibang tao."

"Tsaka 'yung pag-enjoy ng proseso kesa nung outcome," Blaster added.

The band has also moved away from their time as a disco funk band, now experimenting with various sounds from loud rock to slow love songs, and with themes of yearning, mental health, lust, and more.

"Nagkataon na lang na nandun na kami mentally," Blaster said. "Dun nag-progress 'yung mga personal taste namin music-wise tsaka kahit songwriting-wise, dun na rin kami napunta."

"Iba na 'yung taste ng music," Unique added.

"Dumaming experiences tas mas marami ring kayang ikuwento," Zild said.

"'Pag gusto naman namin sumayaw, kantahin na lang namin 'Hey Barbara,'" the bassist added with a laugh.

IV of Spades are set to bring all they've got to their first arena shows, happening for two nights on December 12 and 13 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The band said they are equally nervous and excited for it. They are focused on practicing and not letting outside pressures get to them.

Describing their current era, the band finished each other's sentences and said that it's all about kuwentuhan, beers, rawness. It is their favorite.

"Exciting tumugtog ngayon," Zild said. —MGP, GMA Integrated News