Drawing from Pinoy funk, Manila Sound, and yacht rock, the Filipino band pushes its sound in a fresh new direction
IDLEPITCH, one of Naga City’s prominent bands, is setting its sights on a crossover breakthrough with the release of its latest single, “Salamangkera,” a funky, city pop-infused rock track that showcases an exciting new musical direction for the group.
Drawing inspiration from MOR and ‘80s grooves, “Salamangkera” transforms the familiar experience of falling head over heels into a playful, metaphor-driven song about attraction, enchantment, and losing oneself in the process.
“This is actually inspired by the ’80s band America,” guitarist and composer Herbert Belbes shares. “They have this song called ‘You Can Do Magic’ that sparked the idea. There’s a saying, ‘good artists copy, great artists steal,’ and that applies to this song. Well, not directly, since it only has the same theme: a love interest, or a salamangkera, suddenly vanishing after she charmed you out of your mind.”
What began as a simple demo recorded on a phone eventually developed into a more refined arrangement. The band collaborated with producer and co-writer Ahmad Tanji, whose creative input encouraged the group to rethink both the song’s arrangement and lyrics.
The arrival of Jeremy Pronto as the band’s keyboardist also played a key role in shaping the track’s evolving sound. Originally built around a guitar riff, the song’s distinctive horn-like intro was reworked for keyboards, adding an unmistakable ‘80s pop character to the arrangement.
According to IDLEPITCH, “Salamangkera” brings together a diverse mix of influences, including Pinoy funk, Manila Sound, yacht rock, and the band’s early exposure to groups such as Kala and P.O.T. The resulting track blends funk-driven grooves, melodic sophistication, Filipino lyricism, and a nostalgic touch into a sound that feels both familiar and fresh.
IDLEPITCH’s “Salamangkera” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.
About IDLEPITCH
Formed in 2005 as a high school garage project, IDLEPITCH initially developed its musical identity around ‘90s Pinoy rock and early 2000s nu metal. Over the years, the band continued to evolve through independent releases and live performances, eventually releasing its self-produced debut album, One Way Trip*,* in 2019.
The Naga-based group has also released singles including “Cutout,” “Iisang Dugo,” “Febbie,” “Parusa,” and “Hari,” further establishing its presence in the local independent music scene.
Through its collaboration with Wonder Collab Studios and distributor Underdog Music, IDLEPITCH is now embracing a funk-driven sound infused with classic Manila Sound sensibilities and modern alternapop flair.
With “Salamangkera,” the band continues to expand its musical palette while staying rooted in its Filipino influences, marking another step in IDLEPITCH’s ongoing evolution and its pursuit of a wider audience.
