CEBU, Philippines — Returning to form after a long unofficial hiatus, indie rock band Honeydrop has just dropped a surprise new single called “Pavements”. Their first new music release in six years, the latest track features Honeydrop’s signature start-stop dynamics in full force while reflecting a long period of growth and rediscovery for the band.
“Pavements” has long been a staple of the band’s live set from as early as 2018, but this marks its first official release. Rather than capturing its original form, the recording presents a version that has subtly evolved alongside the band’s members over half a decade, mirroring gradual shifts in personal circumstances and musical sensibilities.
“The idea was to create a song that gives a nod to the ‘midwest emo’ influence we had at that time,” describes vocalist Debb Acebu. “I think that still lives up to now, but with a much more renewed approach to its arrangement now compared to how it was as a demo a couple of years ago.”
The song was written by Acebu and guitarist Karl Lucente, with much of the arrangement also coming from original members Jud Sala, Tram Florido, and Jeriel Laraño. The current lineup – now featuring Miguel Lim and Jesiree Rosales in place of Florido and Sala, respectively – brought fresh elements to the final arrangement.
“It’s long overdue,” reflected Acebu, on the timing of the release. “The goal is to just release the track without any expectations whatsoever,” she adds. “Although in hindsight, I would like to think and hope that this track will continue going places, wherever that may be.”
In an official statement, the band describes “Pavements” as “rooted in grief and pain, written as a form of acceptance and ultimately, a way to move forward.” The title itself alludes to the “feeling of walking alone with your thoughts, uncertain of where the road will lead yet still choosing to move forward”.
Beloved and influential in the local scene, Honeydrop first made their mark during the Cebuano indie rock boom of the 2010s, recognized for their unique repertoire of both melancholy love songs and dynamic, complex rock pieces. Their debut album Prelude and subsequent EP Signs have since become defining releases of the movement for many music fans and musicians alike.
“Pavements” marks the band’s first release since their single “Luna” in 2018. While no new music emerged in the years that followed, a well-attended homecoming show in 2023 and recent appearances on big stages like September Fever Festival have kept them firmly in the local music consciousness.
While Honeydrop has yet to reveal what comes next, the new release undoubtedly signals the beginning of something new – not just for Honeydrop but for the Cebu indie music scene as a whole.
“Pavements” is now available to stream on all major streaming platforms.