Listen: Gab Cabangon Revisits Band Roots in New Track “Ikot Ulit”

Filipino singer-songwriter Gab Cabangon turns frustration into fuel with “Ikot Ulit,” the third official single from his highly anticipated debut EP, set for release later this year.

Dubbed his “paasa” anthem and self-described “galitcore” track, “Ikot Ulit” captures the emotional weight of broken promises, repeated disappointments, and the exhausting cycle of hoping for things that never seem to materialize. Blending heartfelt songwriting with an energetic pop-rock sound, the single transforms personal setbacks into a powerful anthem of resilience and release.

Turning Personal Frustration into Music

For Gab, the song emerged during a particularly difficult chapter marked by uncertainty and professional challenges.

“I think the emotion that really drove the song was mainly frustration,” he shares. “I was getting sudden postponements for work-related projects and pitches, and it was a period when bar gigs were being cancelled at the last minute. I also felt like I couldn’t trust anybody outside of my family and close friends because I felt like people were going to throw me under the bus at any moment.”

Those experiences became the emotional foundation of “Ikot Ulit,” giving voice to the anger and disappointment that often accompany broken expectations.

A Song That Resonates Beyond Personal Experience

Although rooted in his own journey, Gab intentionally wrote the song in a way that invites listeners to connect it with their own stories.

The lyrics avoid overly specific details, allowing themes of frustration, betrayal, and emotional exhaustion to resonate across different experiences and walks of life.

“I kept the lyrics quite general so people can associate the song with their own experiences,” he explains. “Like most of my songwriting, I usually begin with my own story, then weave in other people’s experiences to make the song more relatable. By the time I finished ‘Ikot Ulit,’ I wanted listeners to really feel the frustration and anger from beginning to end.”

Unexpected Relevance in Today’s Climate

Gab originally planned to release “Ikot Ulit” shortly after his previous single, “Kama,” but says the timing has given the song a broader significance.

Without intentionally writing it as political commentary, he acknowledges that its themes of broken promises and disappointment have become especially relevant today.

“There are so many broken promises happening right now, and the consequences are very real and very frustrating,” he says. “While I didn’t initially write ‘Ikot Ulit’ to reflect the current political climate, I realized it’s important to express that frustration through this song.”

A Return to His Band-Driven Roots

Musically, “Ikot Ulit” marks a return to Gab’s early band influences while preserving the introspective storytelling that has become his signature as a solo artist.

Produced and arranged alongside David Lina, the track embraces a grittier indie pop-rock sound, driven by heavier guitar textures, a more straightforward arrangement, and an unmistakable sense of urgency that mirrors its emotional core.

One of the song’s defining moments is an instrumental bridge that was added after the original demo, intensifying the track’s emotional impact and giving listeners a moment to fully absorb its energy.

The recording was mixed and mastered by Shadiel Chan and Jan Fuertez, with vocal engineering by John Crupero, resulting in a polished production that preserves the song’s raw emotional edge.

The Third Chapter of a Healing Journey

Beyond its explosive energy, “Ikot Ulit” plays an important role in the narrative of Gab’s forthcoming debut EP.

Following “Pieces,” which explored vulnerability and acceptance, and “Kama,” which found peace amid the noise of everyday life, “Ikot Ulit” represents the next stage in an emotional journey toward healing, growth, and self-discovery.

For Gab, expressing anger is not the destination—it’s part of the process.

“I think it’s really about going through the process of healing and learning to love again. To become whole and stay passionate about the things we love, we have to allow ourselves to feel, to rest, and sometimes to express our frustrations and anger. I’d like to think of ‘Ikot Ulit’ as the third chapter that creates a space for everyone to simply let it all out.”

With its cathartic lyrics, gritty pop-rock sound, and universal message, “Ikot Ulit” stands as one of Gab Cabangon’s most emotionally charged releases to date—an anthem for anyone who has grown weary of false hope yet continues moving forward.

“Ikot Ulit” is now available on all major digital music streaming platforms worldwide.