UDD, the iconic alternative rock and electronic band, returns rejuvenated with a new single titled “Run Deep.” This is their first since 2021, and this signals a return to form and then some for the group. Now operating as a trio with singer-bassist Paul Yap, guitarist Carlos Tañada, and drummer Ean Mayor, UDD is all about atmospherics for “Run Deep.”

Ean Mayor shared that he, Paul, and Carlos have been delving deep into their electronic roots, listening to the likes of Moderat and 80s Berlin techno sounds. He said the new song was a direct result of this vibe. “It’s the type that should be listened to after going to the clubs," where you want to cool down, but the night isn’t yet. 

One of its big features is Paul Yap, who now takes over vocal duties for UDD. “All I wanted to was to give you love / all that I have / waiting for you to come back again / what a fool I am,” Paul sings almost in a feathery whisper, as it swims in a stream of sounds that Mayor, Carlos Tañada and Yap builds on via 3-way synth attack.

UDD is a natural part of this type of electronic music. Furthermore, the vibe inside the band is upbeat. Paul Yap shares, "It's been challenging to take on this (vocalist) role. Carlos and Ean have been supportive, and we've adjusted our songwriting to accommodate my vocal range." Equally, Carlos Tañada said that musically, UDD has been exploratory. "We didn't limit ourselves to our main instruments (bass, drums, guitar). We played around with synthesizers a lot." And what came out is this compelling, hypnotic sound as it is driving with a memorable chorus drop to boot.

The “challenge for us now is to recreate this sound in a live setting,” Ean Mayor said and added that just the prospect of how the band will figure that one out is already giving them the much-needed motivation to keep UDD going beyond.

The Juans are making a return to their old sonic haunts. A lot has been happening in The Juans camp: there’s the just concluded US Tour, and now there’s a new single. And not just any single, The Juans – Carl Guevarra, Japs Mendoza, Chael Adriano, RJ Cruz – are saying that it’s a return to their ‘hugot’ roots with “Napagod Na” where we find them singing about getting hurt one time too many and giving up (“wala nang maramdaman / napagod na ang damdamin ko”), only to be pulled back again for the emotional rollercoaster ride. “Kung kelan ako sumuko / saka ka naman nanuyo,” sings Japs Mendoza in one of his turns, then in unison with Guevarra, Cruz and Adriano, all four sing “pasensya na, napagod na ang damdamin ko” with their hands raised in seeming resignation.

The MNY, the band featuring Paul Maris on vocals-guitar, drummer Christian Vallejo, and bassist Dan Manangan, is now on the lookout for love with "Tingin." “This song is about experiencing genuine love and recognizing it in the eyes of your beloved,” Maris said in Tagalog, adding: “It’s about making sacrifices for love, no matter the obstacles.” A band that’s been building up as one of the most promising in the scene today, The MNY is delving deep into modern rock sounds for “Tingin,” wrapping it in driving beats punctuated by guitar taut lines, clean guitar rhythms, and retro wave-inspired keyboards for a convincing modern Pinoy pop statement.