Beloved OPM Band IV OF SPADES Makes A Triumphant Return With “Aura”
Who would’ve guessed that a beloved team’s indefinite hiatus would finally come to a halt on a random Wednesday evening?
On July 16, famed Filipino rock band IV OF SPADES shook the internet with a surprise single, “Aura.” This single marks the end of a five-year hiatus while opening a new chapter for the band. The quartet features drummer Badjao De Castro, bassist Zild Benitez, guitarist Blaster Silonga, and lead singer Unique Salonga. What makes “Aura” all the more special is Unique’s return to the team after his 2018 departure. After seven years, IV OF SPADES is finally back together as a complete unit!
An Irreplaceable Aura
No one could have anticipated IV OF SPADES’s return — yet fans never lost hope for a reunion.
“Aura” arrives five years after IV OF SPADES’s last single, “Sariling Multo (Sa Panaginip).” Much has changed since 2020, and yet what remains intact after all these years is their unwavering commitment to storytelling. There is something gripping about “Aura,” even from its opening seconds; the nostalgic synths over the more mellowed tempo of the instruments create a warm, yet melancholic ambiance. That purely instrumental opening demonstrates their sonic storytelling abilities — setting the stage for the song’s message.
Listeners are then greeted by the voice that was once the soul of IV OF SPADES. Unique starts the song off: “I know you’re carrying some sadness / Unable to make sense of what you’re feeling, feeling / In the end, I hope to see it again / The sparkle in your eyes growing more beautiful / Where are you now?” Like hearing words of comfort from your beloved friend after a long time, this opening verse hits hard.
IV OF SPADES share a tale of longing, unconditional love, and found family in this single — a fitting theme for an emotional reunion. In times of uncertainty and difficulties, they continuously emphasize: “You’re still the one I’ll seek.” This indie pop song is resonant with universal messages of comfort. To simply describe it, “Aura” is like a warm embrace translated into a song.
The hype for IV OF SPADES’ return is real, with the official music video attracting over one million views in one day. The music video credits the quartet’s longtime collaborators such as director Raliug and photographer Shaira Luna. This longtime synergy is apparent in the video’s simple yet effective portrayal of IV OF SPADES basking in each other’s presence atop a green hill. The four are casually dressed, making it seem like a candid moment of friends hanging out.
Standing The Test Of Time
Even if you aren’t familiar with IV OF SPADES, you’ve most likely encountered their songs across social media. Their 2019 smash hit, “Come Inside Of My Heart” — an up-tempo indie rock song with sweet lyrics delivered through falsetto notes — saw a huge resurgence over the past few years. The official audio on TikTok has over 1.7 million posts, as the heartfelt tune serves as a versatile soundtrack. “Mundo,” their last single as a full team, is another classic, with the video of their live performance sitting at over 180 million views.
“Aura” is a celebratory moment for both fans and artists of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Numerous musicians chimed in across social media to share their excitement, including kiyo, Ben&Ben, Over October, and Janine Berdin, to name a few. It was also reported that “Aura” is now the biggest streaming debut on the Spotify PH chart with over 600,000 streams. Without any teasers or promotions leading up to the single, IV OF SPADES has still managed to shake up the industry with their undisputed legacy.
IV OF SPADES are a “once in a lifetime” kind of act. Each member possesses an innate affinity for music, as they all grew up in musician households. This translates into IV OF SPADES’s unapologetic and deliberate artistry that echoes throughout their musical endeavors — even extending into their personal works. This long-awaited reunion proved that although each member is a music titan in their own right, nothing quite compares to their combined synergy.
“Aura” is available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with IV OF SPADES on Instagram, X, and Youtube.
Interested in more OPM artists? Check out EnVi’s exclusive feature with Dionela at his New York world tour show here!
