Cebu band Coloura releases single  ‘I’ll Be Yours (Forever)’

CEBU, Philippines — Coloura, the dynamic musical ensemble from Cebu, released on August 25 another single entitled “I'll Be Yours (Forever)” from their second EP, “Love and Influence” – a melodious journey back to the golden age of ‘80s pop love songs, reminiscent of heartwarming soundtracks that have stood the test of time.

At the core of this single lies a story of raw and unabashed love. According to the band, “I’ll Be Yours (Forever)” marks a departure from their previous breakup-focused themes, embracing the art of confession and vulnerability. “It’s about confessing your love to someone in the most straightforward way,” shares Coloura.

Their process of creating “I’ll Be Yours (Forever)” involves starting with an instrumental track, eventually weaving in the lyrics to create a harmonious blend. “The synth you hear when the song starts was something that popped into my head during a writer’s block moment,” reveals the band’s lead songwriter, Jake Relacion. This synth line became the foundational element around which the entire song was built, immersing it in the unmistakable charm of ‘80s nostalgia.

Coloura’s collaboration with Sansette’s Peter Cambonga added a touch of saxophone magic to the mix, enhancing the song’s sonic palette. Diane Tungol of Alice Who lent her ethereal vocal layers, while Christian Cabo and the rest of the band joined forces for the infectious gang vocal section.

Asked about the inspiration behind the song, Coloura shared, “We were inspired by the thought that even if it might seem hard to tell someone exactly how you feel, it still could be the easiest way.” This sentiment reflects the universal truth that true emotions are often best expressed in their unadorned, sincere form. As Coloura puts it, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

The album art speaks volumes in its minimalism. With bold, black lettering spelling out “I’LL BE YOURS” juxtaposed against the passionate red spraypaint letters of “FOREVER,” the design emulates the aesthetics of spray-painted graffiti. This raw and straightforward approach mirrors the song’s lyrical essence, capturing love in a single snapshot.  Behind the concept is Alden Panes, who also previously collaborated with Coloura on their “In Between” EP.

Coloura started out in 2016 as a “side project after college hours” by original members Jake Relacion and Robert Lim. They were a cover band performing an eclectic mix of music and under a revolving set of band names. They eventually began writing their own songs, releasing their debut single, the funky pop track “Shirley”, under the name Dox.

Eventually joining the lineup were long-time college friends Ziv Zoleta and Emil Baleva (Moongatta). Under their now permanent name Coloura, the quartet released their first song “Losing My Mind”, which echoed nuances from The 1975’s post-punk sound and sonically driven by New Wave and Post Grunge accents. It garnered attention in the local indie scene, leading to some highlights for the band playing live alongside some of the best bands in Cebu, such as Mandaue Nights, Thinking Chair, and more.

The band continued to experiment with their sound as the pandemic struck, popping influences from funk and house music to shoegaze but ultimately creating their unique, catchy pop rock sound.

Coloura released their debut EP “In Between” in 2022 to great reception from fans and new listeners alike. The band is set to follow up with a second EP called “Love and Influence” towards the end of 2023.  — (FREEMAN)