Crisanto Ramos Jr

The veteran Bicolano band channels ’80s nostalgia, Pinoy funk, and Manila Sound into a playful new single.

Article (news)

IDLEPITCH Lets the Groove Take Over with “Salamangkera” | One Music PH

<div style="text-align:justify"><strong>The veteran Bicolano band channels ’80s nostalgia, Pinoy funk, and Manila Sound into a playful new single.</strong></div><div style="text-align:justify"><br/></div><p style="text-align:justify">After two decades of making music in Naga City, <strong><u>IDLEPITCH</u><u></u></strong> is stepping into unfamiliar but exciting new territory, figuratively and literally.</p><div><br/></div><p style="text-align:justify"><strong></strong>The Bicolano rock band returns with <strong><u>“Salamangkera,”</u></strong> a Manila Sound-inspired funk rock single that trades some of the heavier edges of their early sound for groove, vibe, and playful Pinoy pop songwriting. The brand-new single pivots in a more adventurous direction, thanks to their newfound love for ‘70s funk, ‘80s MOR, Manila Sound, yacht rock, and their exposure to acts like <strong><u></u>Kala<u></u></strong> and <strong>P.O.T.</strong></p><div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/1w04zTOakPGHQMMkQBEUcd?utm_source=generator&amp;si=fe379189c2ea4ded" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div style="text-align:justify"><br/></div><p style="text-align:justify">Lyrically, <strong><u>“Salamangkera”</u></strong> tells the story of someone deeply infatuated, losing himself along the way and thinking he was under a spell. Guitarist and composer <strong><u>Herbert Belbes</u></strong> traces the song’s spark to <strong><u>America</u></strong>’s <strong><u>“You Can Do Magic,”</u></strong> which seemingly inspired its narrative.</p><div style="text-align:justify"><br/></div><p style="text-align:justify">“When <strong><u>Herbert </u></strong>introduced us to the song, everyone found it to be relatable, having experienced the same dilemma,” vocalist <strong><u>Jude Serrano </u></strong>shares. “Nangyari na sa &#x27;kin ‘to noon (It has happened to me before).”</p><div style="text-align:justify"><br/></div><p style="text-align:justify">The song underwent major transformation during the production at <strong><u>Wonder Collab Studios</u></strong>. Producer and co-writer <strong><u>Ahmad Tanji</u></strong> (of <strong><u>We Are Imaginary</u></strong> fame) pushed the band to rethink its arrangement and lyrics. At the same time, keyboardist <strong><u>Jeremy Pronto</u></strong> helped refine the song’s signature opening, replacing the guitar riff intro with a horn-like keyboard passage.</p><div style="text-align:justify"><br/></div><p style="text-align:justify">For <strong><u>Jeremy</u></strong>, the recording became a crash course in exploring beyond his musical limits. “It felt like a baptism of fire: it made me a better player and discover a part of me that is untapped, as far as music is concerned.”</p><div style="text-align:justify"><br/></div><p style="text-align:justify">The song also serves as a full-circle moment for the band, whose musical journey started as a high school garage band project in 2006, dabbling in ‘90s Pinoy rock and early 2000s nu metal. After dropping their debut album, <strong><u>One Way Trip</u></strong>, in 2019 and a string of independent singles, the band is now embracing funk-driven arrangements, Manila Sound sensibilities, and a modern alternative pop sound.</p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rkqzNu5XR6g?si=qi6qSJn-MQB_8p4W" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div style="text-align:justify"><br/></div><p style="text-align:justify">“This is one of the songs that brought us back to our roots,” <strong><u>Herbert</u></strong> shares.</p><div style="text-align:justify"><br/></div><p style="text-align:justify">With an EP in development and plans to play bigger stages, <strong><u>IDLEPITCH</u></strong> hopes <strong><u>“Salamangkera”</u></strong> becomes their ticket beyond Naga: a crossover that brings Bicolano identity to pop/rock music.</p><div style="text-align:justify"><br/></div><div style="text-align:justify"><strong>IDLEPITCH’s “Salamangkera” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.</strong></div>

<p><i>The veteran Bicolano band channels ’80s nostalgia, Pinoy funk, and Manila Sound into a playful new single. </i></p>

IDLEPITCH Lets the Groove Take Over with “Salamangkera” | One Music PH

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IDLEPITCH Lets the Groove Take Over with “Salamangkera” | One Music PH

Cris O. Ramos Jr.

Published August 21, 2026 01:20 PM PHT

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IDLEPITCH

Salamangkera

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