Cup of Joe (Facebook)

Baguio-based band’s time is coming, even if they don’t know it.

Do you crave something new and exciting to add to your music playlist? Look no further because Cup of Joe is your ticket. A band that is on the cusp of blowing up, we’re taking a close look at the songs that’s giving this alt-pop band the buzz and why they seem to be popping up on a lot of young listeners’ radar these days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lu0Fyg1oQ8

Cup of Joe is a six-member band whose members include vocalists Gian Bernardino and Raphaell Ridao, keyboardist Xen Gareza, lead guitarist Gab Fernandez, bassist Sevii Severino and guitarist CJ Fernandez. The band have been releasing music since 2019 and to date have ten singles to their credit.

Cup of Joe’s style and sound is not what you might call straightforward as pop goes but has been tweaking ears for its knack for catchy tunes and relatable lyrics.

Starting with 2019’s “Sinderela.” This acoustic-driven number is propelled by the band’s 2-vocal setup between Gab and Raphaell whose harmonies are particularly impressive. Also released the same year, “Nag-iisang Muli” shows off the band’s brand of mid tempo ballads with memorable choruses. Said track is a slow burn of a single that seems to grow on you at every listen. Speaking of, check out the retro pop vibe of their Yule-themed song “Alas Dose” released at the end of the aforementioned year.

2020 brought the songs “Sagada” and “Hayaan.” Both are mid-tempo numbers that sees the band doubling down on alt-pop hued ballads. “Sagada” in particular seems to hit a chord with listeners with its lilting quality and themes of catharsis. Hugot themes? Check!

2021 saw the band expanding its sonic palette with “Bukod Tangi.” The catchy, repeating choruses of “nag-iisa ka, wala nang iba / lunurin mo ako sa iyong piling, o pwede bang dinggin aking hiling?” plays counterpoint to the bouncy, lounge-y, new wave tinge of it. Neo-folk vibe “Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Pipiliin Ko” is different but is a good fit for COJ and apparently their listeners approve making it their biggest single to date.

2022 produced two releases with “Mananatili” and “Estranghero.” The former is a sonically mature song that reminds of late 80’s and early 90’s pop rock. Nevertheless COJ owns the sound. Both songs do not fall in the easy category of pop though  it starts out melodically for sure, but goes off into progressive flavored tangent. It's also one of the band’s biggest.

Despite 10 singles, Cup of Joe is far from being prolific in their output of two songs per year. But understandable as the whole band are also finishing school on top of their music pursuits. Hopefully, with their stints in university coming close to its conclusion, perhaps Cup of Joe can really put their music side into high gear.

Which brings us to their latest single titled “Tataya.”  This rousing new song, about holding on to love despite time and distance, surges forward with Cup of Joe’s earnest delivery. It’s anthemic in its buildup with its hook chorus ‘’wag ka nang magduda pa/ di magpapakaila magkaiba man ang ating mundo / tataya pa rin sa’yo,” as the sonics throughout sound like a good 80’ song.

Give them a listen and just maybe you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out that they’re a band you didn’t know you needed.