Dilaw Welcomes Listeners to Their Enigmatic Universe with “Sansinukob” EP

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Indie-alternative troupe Dilaw is rapidly making a name for themselves in the OPM scene with their new EP, “Sansinukob.”

Bakit uhaw sa ‘yong sayaw? Bakit ikaw?

This infectious line from the song “Uhaw” has been making the rounds on the interwebs since late last year. Just recently, Dilaw — the Baguio-based act behind this melodic single — released their debut EP titled “Sansinukob,” a compilation of six “songs that speak about the universal experience[s] and struggles people face.”

Days after the EP release, their live Wish Bus performance of “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat),” the full-band version of the track, premiered on the Wish 107.5 YouTube channel and has swiftly become one of the top trending videos in the Philippines, alongside the track’s official music and lyric video.

The romantic ditty has brought several milestones for the then-indie duo. Shortly after its Spotify release, the song skyrocketed to the second spot of Spotify PH’s Viral 50 chart and even took the fourth spot of the Viral Global 50 chart. As of writing, its Wishclusive version has garnered over 1,000,000 views on YouTube.

The “Sansinukob” EP, in which their viral tracks belong, was officially launched at the Balcony Music House in Makati City on March 23, with indie singer-songwriter Noah Alejandre, Filipina musician YUN, and folk outfit Munimuni. During the “Dilaw Session” show, the band treated their fans to a complete set of their new offerings.

The nuanced narratives in ‘Sansinukob’

The six-track effort, which tackles different forms of human struggles, offers a stirring sonic experience.

Starting off with its titular piece, the band slowly takes its listeners to a world of what could have been. Rich in wordplay and dark, groove-laden instrumentation, “Sansinukob” is a fitting salutation to the band’s own enigmatic universe.

Dilaw then gets raw and honest with the well-received “Uhaw,” a song that talks about the insatiable thirst for love. Its poignant lyricism is courtesy of the band’s chief songwriter and vocalist Dilaw Obrero, while its LSS-inducing melodies were created by band guitarist Vie Dela Rosa.

The EP takes us further into the band’s cosmos with “3019,” “Kaloy,” and “Maskara.” In the thought-provoking, socio-political track “3019,” the band showcases Obrero’s hip-hop roots and ace storytelling. Our favorite lines: Dederetso ka pa ba sa ating liku-likong sistema / O sasama ka sa akin puksain ang epidemya?

“Kaloy,” is a song that serves as a message to the masses, specifically to those who belong to the grassroots, and has a haunting, blues-rock sound partnered with fierce and poetic lines.

Meanwhile, “Maskara,” which combines elements of rock, hip-hop, and rap, is a bold declaration of dismay in the form of a song.

Ending the EP strong is “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat).” This is a grander, full-band version of the second song on the tracklist, which was made possible by the recent additions to the indie-alternative outfit: drummer Tobi Samson, bassist Wayne Dela Rosa, guitarist Leon Altomonte, and keyboardist En Altomonte.

Evident in the songs that make up “Sansinukob,” Dilaw’s brand of music is one that reaches out to old souls yearning for a better world. Anchored in telling compelling stories, introducing unconventional ideas, and influencing change, guitarist Vie Dela Rosa said in an interview that the tie that binds the tracks together is the “desire and encouragement for us to connect with something larger than ourselves — and for us to take an active role in creating a more just and compassionate society.”

OPM Rising

For artists like Dilaw Obrero who hail from provincial towns, “pursuing the music that [an artist] wants” can be challenging.

“I kicked off as a rapper and started writing songs and poems in 2016. I really wanted to be in a band, but unfortunately, most musicians that I’ve met in our town wanted to do covers. In 2020, I met my guitarist, Vie Dela Rosa, and started writing songs with him. Together, we’ve been stirring up demos whilst battling [the] pandemic,” Obrero said in a press release.

Three years later, he and Dela Rosa started reaping the fruits of their labor, with the help of their bandmates and crew.

While carving out one’s name in the underground music scene is already difficult, breaking into the mainstream can be even more challenging. Despite the difficulties, it seems like Dilaw will keep the fire burning by playing good music and pursuing their dreams.

“Uhaw po [ang Dilaw] sa pangarap. Maraming salamat po sa mga nakikinig, unti-unti niyo pong tinutupad ‘yung pangarap namin,” vocalist Obrero shared during the band’s Roadshow guesting at Mehan Garden in Manila on February 15.

On the same day, their fans flocked to where the Wish Bus was parked to witness the six-piece act perform two songs, “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat)” and “Sansinukob,” the latter of which was still unreleased during that time. Days after the Wish Bus stint, Dilaw revealed on their Facebook page that they consider the Roadshow gig  a “wish come true.”

“As musicians, all we want is for people to hear our music and relate to our journey, so this is definitely overwhelming news for us. All we can be now is excited and we’re filled with nothing but gratitude to those who gave “Uhaw” a listen,” Obrero said in a 2022 press release.

Stream the “Sansinukob” EP here:

Watch the “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat)” Official Music and Lyric Video:

Follow Dilaw on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify.

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Written by Kristine Claire Paler

Editing by Pauline Bolaños

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