Dilaw returns with 1st full-length album, road trip playlist

MANILA, Philippines — After a months-long hiatus, "Uhaw" hitmakers Dilaw are finally back with their first-ever full-length album.

The band performed all 10 tracks from their album "RARARA" during their launch concert at Soundcheck Studios on September 6.

Telling the story of the band's journey and adventures, the album plays like a road trip playlist with songs: "All In," "Seyp," "Lamyerda," "Black N' White," "Ikaw at Ako Ay," "Flying Kiss," "H.O.Y. (Hang Over You)," "Amistad," and the title track "RARARA." 

The Original Pilipino Music (OPM) band showcased not only their hometown of Baguio through their songs, but also through the album's visuals, including photos and music videos.

"Gusto namin i-showcase na Baguio is not just a tourist spot.... Kahit anumang parangal o sabihin nating magagandang sinasabi about sa Baguio, everyone knows that na pero ito kasi parang 'yung locals, 'yung kami, 'yung streets ng Baguio 'yun 'yung gusto namin ipakita," guitarist and songwriter Vie Dela Rosa shared during the media press conference.

Following the massive success of their song "Uhaw" released in 2022 and later included in their EP "Sansinukob" in 2023, the band also shared the pressure to match its impact with their new music.

"With any release, regardless of what happened before, regardless of what's coming next, there's always gonna be some pressure because this is art that we kept sacred, it's art that we work on [with] blood, sweat and tears," guitarist Leon Altomonte said.

Hometown gig

Formed in Baguio, Dilaw returned to their roots as they performed their full-length album live for the first time in front of a select fans in their hometown on August 9, ahead of its official release.

The band shared that the performance was especially meaningful for them and felt like a "homecoming gig."

"Personally, that was one of the favorite shows that I have ever played because everyone who was there with us from the start, we got to see them again, we got to perform in a space that's been special to us for years," guitarist Leon Altomonte said.

"It doesn't really get any better than that as a musician, honestly," he added.

Dilaw Obero, the band's vocalist and songwriter, also spoke about the joy of performing in front of their families and childhood friends.

"Masaya kasi 'yung mga nanood do'n hindi lang lahat 'yun mga fans, nandun 'yung pamilya namin, mga kaibigan talaga namin kung saan kami lumaki. Ibang klaseng kasiyahan 'yung nadulot samin nung nakapag-perform kami sa harap nila. Nakita nila kung ano 'yung progress namin," he shared.

The album launch concert last Saturday in Pasig featured opening acts by Novocrane, Kenaniah and Kamikazee.

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