Pop rock outfit Cup of Joe marked their seventh anniversary with the surprise release of a new single, “Sandali,” their first single after releasing their debut album Silakbo in January. Written collectively by all five members — vocalists Gian Bernardino and Raphaell Ridao, guitarists CJ and Gabriel Fernandez, and keyboardist Xen Gareza — the track was dedicated, as the band shared on Instagram, “to everyone who’s been with us all these years.”
The Baguio-based band built its following on tracks like “Multo,” “Tingin” with singer-songwriter Janine Tenoso, “Mananatili,” “Misteryoso,” and “Estranghero.” But “Sandali” signals a different kind of milestone. By the second half of the single, every member contributes vocals in the song’s bridge, a choice for a group often defined by the dual frontmen Bernardino and Ridao. The layering of voices gives the single a communal charge, adding another dimension to their bright, emotional brand of pop rock.
Musically, “Sandali” trades some of the yearning feel of “Multo” for a more direct edge. Its driving guitar riffs, steady chord progressions, and textured synths ground the track, while Bernardino and Ridao’s vocals remain the center. The group’s decision to push all members forward highlights their growth after seven years of touring, writing, and navigating the Filipino music scene together.
Cup of Joe will celebrate the anniversary with their sold-out three-night concert series Stardust on October 10, 11, and 12. Directed by Paolo Valenciano, the production marks another step for a band intent on turning small victories into lasting milestones.
