Skip to content

The Line Divides Return With “Nobenta,” a Nostalgic Ode to 90s Cebu

  • by
Cebu indie icons The Line Divides return for a brand new track called “Nobenta”, an ode to the 90s the band grew up in. Photo by Maki Querubin – from left to right: Maki Querubin, Podz Mangubat, Edric Jimenez, and Louie Tabana. Not in photo: Nestor John Abellana.

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu indie icons The Line Divides have officially released their long-awaited new single, Nobenta, marking the band’s first new music since their 2021 release, “Destiny.” The track is a heartfelt ode to growing up in the 1990s in Cebu, drawing from shared memories, local culture, and the formative experiences of a decade that continues to shape the band’s identity.

Produced by Nestor John Abellana, “Nobenta” introduces a noticeably fresh direction for The Line Divides driven by warm synths and an intentionally nostalgic atmosphere. In penning the lyrics, vocalist Louie George Tabaña leaned into his own experiences, using a mix of English and Bisaya lyrics and alluding to relics of the era like Wham and the Weekly Top 40. Together, they crafted a sound that feels like revisiting familiar streets with a new perspective—deeply personal, yet widely relatable.

WATCH: The official music video to “Nobenta”, directed by Keith Human.

The release is accompanied by a music video directed by filmmaker Keith Human, featuring a compelling one-shot take filmed at one of Cebu’s iconic landmarks and accentuated with animations by Jan Pizon & Abby Pacanan. The uninterrupted and playful visual mirrors the song’s reflective narrative and draws from the aesthetic of beloved 90s Filipino television shows.

To celebrate the release, The Line Divides held a listening party at Filla Killa Shop in Cebu, where attendees were given an exclusive first look at the music video ahead of its worldwide online premiere. The official music video premiered globally on January 26 on the Melt Records YouTube channel.

With “Nobenta,” The Line Divides reconnect with their roots while stepping confidently into a new chapter—one shaped by nostalgia, growth, and a sound that honors the past without being confined by it.

Stream “Nobenta” on your favorite streaming platform or grab a copy through Bandcamp!