After Five Years, IV of Spades Returns to the Philippine Music Scene

IV of Spades, the trailblazing Filipino band credited with reshaping modern OPM, made their long-awaited return this week with the surprise release of a new single, Aura. The track marks their first original release since April 2020 and their first as a reunited lineup with former frontman Unique Salonga since his high-profile exit in 2018.

The comeback wasn’t announced in advance. No teaser campaign, no cryptic countdown. Just the music: a five-minute indie-pop track defined by dreamy instrumentation, minimalist production, and lyrics about love and presence in a chaotic world. Still, the understated nature of the release belies its weight. For Southeast Asian music fans, this is one of the most anticipated comebacks in recent memory.

A band that redefined OPM’s global potential

Formed in 2014, IV of Spades rose to prominence during a period of transition in the Philippine band scene. With their vintage-inspired aesthetic, disco-funk sound, and sharp songwriting, the group quickly set themselves apart. Early singles like Hey Barbara, Where Have You Been My Disco?, and the breakout hit Mundo became viral sensations, combining retro influences with a modern edge and crafting a sound that felt distinctly Filipino while remaining globally accessible.

By the late 2010s, IV of Spades was being hailed as the new face of OPM, not only for their commercial success but for what they represented. They embodied a new model of how Filipino music could evolve, resonate globally, and still hold onto its cultural core. At a time when most regional acts struggled for visibility beyond Southeast Asia, IV of Spades was selling out shows, racking up millions of streams, and building a strong grassroots following across Asia.

Their success sparked broader conversations about the potential of Filipino artists to break into the international mainstream without conforming to Western expectations. They weren’t exporting pop tailored for foreign ears; they were exporting themselves, and fans responded to the authenticity.

A sudden split, then silence

In 2018, the band’s momentum was abruptly disrupted when lead vocalist Unique announced his departure, citing creative differences. His exit came just as IV of Spades was poised for an international breakthrough, casting uncertainty over the group’s future. Despite the setback, the remaining members continued under the same name and released their debut full-length album CLAPCLAPCLAP! in 2019. The lineup featured bassist Zild Benitez, drummer Badjao de Castro, and guitarist Blaster Silonga.

Then in 2020, they released the single Sariling Multo (Sa Panaginip), a slower and more introspective track, before entering an extended hiatus. For years, the band’s status remained unclear. No official breakup was announced, but no new music or performances followed. In their absence, each member pursued solo projects, further fueling speculation about the band’s future.

Why ‘Aura’ matters now

Aura marks not just the end of a five-year musical silence; it signals the restoration of a band that once stood at the cutting edge of Filipino music. Unique’s return is especially significant, reuniting the original lineup for the first time since their meteoric rise. His voice, songwriting, and creative energy were central to the band’s early identity, and his departure left a vacuum that fans never fully moved past.

The surprise nature of the release, without fanfare or hype, also reflects confidence. There is no need to announce a comeback when your very existence commands attention. The song’s tone is more subdued than their earlier work, but its emotional clarity and cohesion suggest that IV of Spades may be entering a new creative phase, one that focuses more on musical depth.

It’s also worth noting the broader context. The Philippine music industry today looks very different from how it did five years ago. There is a growing infrastructure for exporting Filipino music, stronger international interest in Southeast Asian acts, and a more receptive global audience. IV of Spades returning now, at a time when artists like SB19, Zack Tabudlo, and Ena Mori are gaining traction abroad, feels not just timely but strategic.

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What’s next?

The band has released no further details on whether Aura will lead to a new album or tour. But even without additional announcements, the release has reignited interest in a group that many believed was permanently on pause.

If IV of Spades were once the band that opened the door for Filipino music to be taken seriously on the world stage, their return could mark the next phase of that journey. Not a comeback to where they left off, but a step forward into something bigger.