#CulturePH - ALYSON Paints Manila Blue with “Kung Sakaling Tanawin”
Watching a band grow and reinvent themselves is one of the joys of following music closely. ALYSON, the stylish city pop group from Quezon City, has long been celebrated for their breezy Japanese-inspired rhythms and the sparkle of their brass section.But with their latest single, Kung Sakaling Tanawin, they’ve taken a bold step into new territory—one that feels deeply rooted in Manila’s own soundscape of romance, nostalgia, and cinematic longing.
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Released on March 27, the track is a departure from their usual city pop motif. Vocalist Pio Ligot shared how the band leaned into Manila Sound influences this time, aiming to stir emotions in the same way Filipino films and Korean dramas tug at the heartstrings. And you can hear it—the lush orchestral arrangements, the vulnerable riffs inspired by Ryan Cayabyab, and the unmistakable warmth of real musicians breathing life into every note. Drummer and producer Marcus Mababangloob even brought in trumpet player David Jorvina and a team of session musicians to ensure the song carried that human touch. It’s their biggest recording project yet, and you can feel the scale in every sweeping moment.
The band’s transformation isn’t just sonic—it’s visual too. Gone are the fiery red suits of their debut era. This time, ALYSON steps out in suave blue, a color that perfectly mirrors the longing and timelessness of their new sound. Their music video, which premiered alongside the single, adds another layer of charm by featuring comedian and filmmaker Jun Sabayton. For the band, working with Sabayton was a dream realized, a nod to the entertainers they grew up admiring.
What makes Kung Sakaling Tanawin so special is its intentionality. Every lyric, every arrangement, every visual choice was crafted to remind us of the irreplaceable soul behind human-made music. Ligot himself put it best: “AI can only copy the form but never the expression of soul and emotion, of which humans do best.” In a world where technology often overshadows artistry, ALYSON’s latest release feels like a gentle but firm reminder of why we fall in love with music in the first place.
With their sophomore album After Ours on the horizon, ALYSON is clearly entering a new chapter—one that promises to be deeper, more emotional, and just as unforgettable as their debut. For now, Kung Sakaling Tanawin is the perfect soundtrack to late-night reflections, quiet walks, and the kind of longing that only music can capture.
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