In an image made from NASA TV, space station commander Sunita Williams, center, works on a leaky radiator system outside the International Space Station on Thursday, November 1, 2012, just hours after barely dodging a menacing piece of orbiting junk. Williams and Japanese astronaut Akihiko Hoshide wasted no time installing jumper cables outside their home for the past four months. Their objective was to isolate a suspect radiator to help determine whether that is the source of the ammonia coolant leak, and deploy a spare radiator to bypass the troublesome section. (AP Photo/NASA)

How have your monthly memory dumps been going? After an eternity-like January, a blink-of-an-eye February, and a March that’s feeling like a separate year so far, most of us are just craving some downtime. Of course, reviewing 2023’s quarter one should come with a soundtrack.

In this edition of Scout Weekend OST, we give a bigger focus on our homegrown acts’ latest releases as we reflect on growth and emotional truths, with a dash of romantic feelings—some themes that have probably defined our past months.

“Rhythm” by Yes My Love

In this six-member rising P-pop group’s debut single, the concept of rhythm is an offspring of chemistry and mystery. The lyrics are subtly seductive, the bridge makes you imagine a live dance-off, and the smooth vocals serve as a peek into their current label, “The Vocal Heartstoppers of P-pop.” Like what we said after catching them IRL, you should definitely keep your eyes out for what this group has to offer this year.

“Say I Love (Acoustic)” by Kindred

If you think Kindred’s R&B gem “Say I Love” already emancipated you from your emotionally constipated self, its acoustic version will double the effect. The seven-piece boy band project’s latest drop serenades you hook, line, and sinker with its soulful vocals, intimate lyricism, and overall Cloud Nine-like soundscape—it’s difficult not to keyboard smash with heart eyes upon sharing it on your Instagram Stories. If you need a new boy band to fixate on, you know where to look (I mean, their head-turning multicolored ‘fits are easy to spot).

“Sansinukob” by Dilaw

Here’s a confession: Dilaw is starting to become one of my emotional support bands. The Baguio-based outfit’s current no-holds-barred discography validates my feelings of rage and fearlessness, but I must say “Sansinukob” brings me to a different dimension. The track strikes a balance between being a lair of personifications (“Nagtatagong mga bituin” / “Nakasimangot ang buwan”) and a space for late-night musings. Add this to your road trip playlist, stat.

“Alam Ko Na” by DENȲ feat. Just Hush and Third Flo’

After being our spokesperson in sweet and catchy “Mahiyain,” rising R&B act DENȲ lets her instincts do the work in “Alam Ko Na”. The song is a snapshot of one’s headspace when figuring out if The Person is on the same page—there are questions, wishes, and hypotheses drawn from glances and just… energy. With Just Hush and Third Flo’ on board, the track is one dreamy package.

“Anarah” by The Cohens

In “Anarah,” we get the impression that first impressions last for The Cohens, so they seem to cleverly “plan” a magical encounter. The pop rock band’s comeback track captures the thrill, tension, and tongue-tied possibilities that come with getting to know someone. I mean, it even starts with a phone call—one of the most nerve-racking activities in existence. As an enjoyer of the band’s early SoundCloud era way back in college, I’m seated for what’s next.

“gabay” by Syd Hartha

Watching Syd Hartha live will have you blurt out “same,” especially with her candid spiels in between songs. Well, this layer of authenticity seeps into her music, too—and “gabay” is one of the proofs. In this track off her freshly dropped EP of the same name, the singer-songwriter expresses her desire to continue towards a peaceful path despite emotional baggage. In a confessional atmosphere, she also brings up her imperfections, and inspires listeners to make these an avenue for growth. If sunrise were a song, it would be this.

“Natural” by Owfuck feat. Nicole Anjela

Murky but enlightening—this is what the journey is like while listening to “Natural”. Hip-hop collective Owfuck spit bars upon bars in this somewhat musical meditation about sacrifices, wrestling with life’s curveballs together, and gaining wisdom through it all, also thanks to Nicole Anjela’s angelic voice offering reassurance.

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Photos from (1) Yes My Love (single cover), courtesy of Universal Music Group Philippines; (2) Syd Hartha/Sony Music Entertainment; (3) “Alam Ko Na” lyric visualizer from DENY’s YouTube channel, designed by Justin Naguit