IV of Spades Is Back: How 'Andalucia' and a Nationwide Tour Are Reigniting Pinoy Rock in 2026

The year 2026 has been nothing short of extraordinary for Filipino rock music. At the heart of this resurgence stands IV of Spades, a band that defined a generation with their infectious blend of funk, rock, and indie sensibilities. After a five-year hiatus that left fans wondering if they would ever see the original lineup together again, the quartet — Unique Salonga, Blaster Silonga, Badjao De Castro, and Zild Benitez — has made one of the most triumphant comebacks in OPM history. With a critically acclaimed sophomore album, sold-out arena shows, and an ongoing nationwide tour, IV of Spades is proving that Pinoy rock is not just alive — it's thriving.

The Long-Awaited Reunion

To understand the magnitude of IV of Spades' return, you have to go back to where it all began. Formed in 2014, the band quickly rose to fame with their debut album CLAP!CLAP!CLAP! in 2019, which spawned timeless hits like Mundo and Bata, Dahan-Dahan!. Their unique sound — a fusion of groovy basslines, tight drumming, and the distinct vocal interplay between Unique and Zild — made them stand out in a Philippine music scene that was then dominated by acoustic ballads and pop.

But in early 2020, the band announced an indefinite hiatus. Frontman Unique Salonga departed to pursue a solo career, and the remaining members explored their own musical paths. For four years, fans held onto the hope of a reunion, sharing bootleg recordings of their early shows and keeping the IVOS torch burning on social media.

That hope finally paid off in July 2025, when the band surprised everyone by releasing "Aura," their first new single in six years with the original lineup fully intact. The song — a sweeping, emotionally charged anthem about longing and everlasting love — immediately shot to the top of streaming charts across the country. Read the lyrics to Aura here.

'Andalucia': A Musical Evolution

Building on the momentum of "Aura," IV of Spades released their second studio album, Andalucia, on November 5, 2025, through Sony Music Philippines. Named after Zild Benitez's apartment where the band regularly gathered to write and rehearse, the album represents a significant artistic evolution.

Where CLAP!CLAP!CLAP! was defined by its disco-funk energy and youthful exuberance, Andalucia takes a more mature, introspective turn. The band has described the record as "warm, guitars, drums, less synth" — a deliberate move away from electronic textures toward organic instrumentation that highlights their growth as musicians.

The 12-track album takes listeners on an emotional journey across themes of love, mental health, yearning, and resilience. Opening track "Tara" sets the tone with its acoustic warmth and inviting melody, while "Monster" tackles the subject of confronting one's inner demons with a driving rock energy. Tracks like "Nanaman" and "Konsensya" explore heartbreak and guilt with surprising vulnerability, while "Karma" brings the energy back up with all four members contributing vocals.

One of the album's standout moments is "Captivated," a track that showcases the band's signature blend of poetic Tagalog lyrics and infectious melodies. Check out the lyrics to Captivated here. The album closes with "Suliranin," a gentle reminder that bad days are temporary — a fitting conclusion to a record that balances darkness with hope.

Critics have praised Andalucia for its cohesion and emotional depth. Billboard Philippines called it "a masterclass in artistic reinvention," while fans have embraced the album's willingness to explore new sonic territory without losing the essence of what made IV of Spades special in the first place.

The Historic MOA Arena Shows

December 2025 marked a watershed moment for the band. IV of Spades announced a two-night concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena — their first major solo shows since reuniting. The initial December 12 date sold out within hours, prompting the immediate addition of a second night on December 13.

Both shows were nothing short of spectacular. The band delivered a marathon three-hour, 30-song setlist that spanned their entire career, weaving tracks from Andalucia together with beloved classics from their earlier releases. The crowd sang along to every word, from the opening riff of "Monster" to the closing chords of "Mundo."

Beyond the hits, the band also treated fans to unreleased material, performing two new songs — "Terminal" and "Okay Lang Ba?" — offering a glimpse into their evolving sound and hinting at what may come next. The concerts were hailed by Manila Concert Scene as "one of the year's top concerts, marking a truly historic milestone in our local scene."

The Andalucia Tour 2026

Riding the wave of their MOA Arena success, IV of Spades launched their first-ever Philippine headline tour in 2026. The Andalucia Tour has taken the band to cities across the archipelago, bringing their electrifying live show to fans who couldn't make it to Manila.

The tour kicked off on May 31 in Davao at the USeP Gymnasium, followed by stops in Laguna on June 6 and Cagayan de Oro on June 27. Next up is a highly anticipated show at the SM Seaside City Cebu Arena on July 18, followed by a final stop at the John Hay Convention Center in Baguio on August 16. Each show features a two-hour-plus set with over 30 songs, including the complete Andalucia album performed live alongside fan favorites.

For fans in the Visayas, the Cebu show on July 18 promises to be a highlight of the tour. SM Seaside City Cebu Arena has become a premier concert venue in the region, and IV of Spades' performance there is expected to draw thousands of fans from across the central Philippines.

The Bigger Picture: Pinoy Rock's 2026 Revival

IV of Spades' resurgence is part of a larger renaissance for Filipino rock music in 2026. The Eraserheads documentary, which premiered on Netflix earlier this year, introduced a new generation to the pioneers of Pinoy rock, while bands like IV of Spades, Ben&Ben, and Lola Amour are carrying that torch forward with fresh energy and global ambition.

Lola Amour recently joined Janet Jackson's lineup at the F1 Singapore Grand Prix show, marking another milestone for OPM's international reach. Meanwhile, IV of Spades' story — a band that broke apart at their peak, found their way back to each other, and returned stronger than ever — resonates deeply with fans who grew up with their music and are now witnessing their second act unfold.

What's Next for IV of Spades?

With the Andalucia Tour still underway and hints of new music already teased during their MOA Arena shows, the future looks bright for IV of Spades. The band has shown that they are not content to simply rest on their legacy. Instead, they are actively pushing their sound forward, connecting with new audiences through their tour, and proving that the chemistry that made them special a decade ago is still very much alive.

For longtime fans, the reunion has been nothing short of a dream come true. For new listeners discovering IV of Spades through Andalucia or catching them live on tour, the message is clear: Pinoy rock is back, and IV of Spades is leading the charge.

Conclusion

The story of IV of Spades is a testament to the enduring power of musical chemistry and the unbreakable bonds formed through shared creativity. From their explosive debut to their long hiatus and now their triumphant return, the band has weathered every challenge that the music industry has thrown at them. With a brilliant new album, a sold-out arena show under their belts, and a nationwide tour that's bringing their music to every corner of the Philippines, IV of Spades has cemented their place as one of the most important bands in OPM today. Whether you're a longtime Liwanag or a curious new listener, there's never been a better time to discover — or rediscover — the magic of IV of Spades.