IV of Spades Reunites: “Aura” Marks Surprise Comeback with All Four Original Members
The wait is over for fans of IV of Spades! The iconic Filipino band has officially ended its hiatus, releasing a brand-new single titled “Aura.” What makes this comeback even more significant is the return of all four original members: Unique Salonga, Zild Benitez, Blaster Silonga, and Badjao de Castro.
Released on Wednesday, July 16, under Sony Music Entertainment, “Aura” was collectively written by all four members, signaling a truly collaborative return. The single also premiered with a captivating music video, edited and directed by Raliug and presented by Lunchbox.
A Look Back at IV of Spades’ Journey
Known for their distinctive ’70s-inspired sound and style, IV of Spades quickly rose to prominence with hits like “Mundo,” “Hey Barbara,” and “Where Have You Been, My Disco?” Their breakout success began with “Ilaw Sa Daan” in 2016, captivating audiences with their unique musicality.
The band faced a significant shift in 2018 when lead vocalist Unique Salonga departed to pursue solo projects. The remaining trio continued, releasing their acclaimed album “CLAPCLAPCLAP!” in 2019, which featured the internationally successful track “Come Inside of My Heart.” They also released the single “Sariling Multo (Sa Panaginip)” in April 2020.
IV of Spades announced an indefinite hiatus in August 2020, with members citing a need for personal time and to pursue individual interests.
Solo Ventures During the Hiatus
Despite the band’s break, each member remained active, showcasing their diverse musical talents:
- Unique Salonga launched a successful solo career, releasing albums like Grandma (2018), PANGALAN: (2020), and Daisy (2023), featuring popular tracks such as “Sino” and “Midnight Sky.”
- Zild Benitez emerged as a prolific “pandemic artist,” releasing four full-length albums: Homework Machine (2020), Huminga (2021), Medisina (2022), and Superpower (2024).
- Blaster Silonga debuted with his single “DISKO FOREVER” in 2021, followed by his first solo album MY KOSMIK ISLAND DISK (2022) and his sophomore effort, Last Fool Show, in May 2025.
- Badjao de Castro joined the experimental rock supergroup Party Pace, contributing drums to their two full-length albums, Nauseous (2022) and MoreHawks (2025), alongside notable musicians like Raymund Marasigan.
The Full Lineup Returns
The return of Unique Salonga means the band is once again complete with its core members: vocalist, bassist, and keyboardist Zild Benitez; lead guitarist Blaster Silonga; and drummer Badjao de Castro. This highly anticipated reunion marks a new chapter for IV of Spades, promising more of the innovative sound and style that fans have cherished.
What are your thoughts on IV of Spades’ surprise comeback and their new single “Aura”?