MANILA, PHILIPPINES — After a year-long hiatus following their synth-rock track “Kidlat,” Angeles, Pampanga’s own smooth rock outfit, Mt. Lewis, returns with a vibrant blast from the past. Released on September 25 under Offshore Music, their latest single, “Kung Ayaw Mo,” marks a playful shift in the four-piece band’s sonic direction.
While keeping the electrifying energy of their previous work, “Kung Ayaw Mo” embraces a more charming, tongue-in-cheek persona. The track beautifully captures the delicate, uncertain early stages of romance, where mixed signals and hesitation are smoothed over with lighthearted teasing. It functions as a modern-day “suyuan” anthem, blending clever lyricism with bouncy, feel-good instrumentation.
The ’90s nostalgia baked into the track comes from a deeply personal space for the band. Lead guitarist and vocalist Lewis Tiongco reveals that the song was born from memories of hanging out with friends, packed into a living room with classic Filipino comedy movies playing in the background. The band aimed to translate that exact sense of warmth, comfort, and retro humor into the listening experience.
Tiongco also credits a legendary OPM icon for shaping the song’s musical identity. “For this particular track, we can also say that we were inspired by ‘Di Bale Na Lang’ by Gary V. It was one of those songs that helped us visualize the kind of fun and playful Filipino pop sound we wanted to explore,” he shares, paying homage to Mr. Pure Energy.
With its bright rhythms and relatable narrative, “Kung Ayaw Mo” successfully bottles up the spirit of 1990s Pinoy pop culture, cementing Mt. Lewis as a band to watch in the local indie rock scene.
Exploring the lighter, more buoyant side of their sonic palette, Tiongco highlights that the band chose to use an acoustic guitar as the track’s main body to push its weightless texture forward. This musical shift mirrors the band’s own evolving identity. “This release definitely reveals the band’s quirkier side, both musically and in terms of our personality,” says Tiongco.
Support Mt. Lewis everywhere and every time by streaming “Kung Ayaw Mo”, out now on all digital streaming platforms with a music video to premiere on October 9 via the Mt. Lewis YouTube channel.
