Filipino alt-rock visionary Rico Blanco releases stirring synth-pop track “Palibot libot”

Photo courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment

The subdued but sophisticated composition comes from a place of earnestnessrather than merely trend-hopping.

Rico Blanco reflects on the uncertainty that thrives between friendship and relationship in his new single “Palibot libot,” released last September 12 via Sony Music Entertainment.

According to the award-winning Filipino artist, the track was inspired by one of the characters in a series that he filmed in La Union recently. With its storytelling “anchored precariously on someone’s steadfast devotion,” albeit a one-sided one, the song minces no words about the reality of love: It’s not always synchronized. It comes with complications, but that’s the beauty of it.

Originally intended to be recorded with a simple acoustic guitar arrangement, Palibot libot explores a more synth-pop direction that unfolds with a soaring chorus and minimal ambient touches.

Palibot libot (cover art)

While the certified hitmaker has written and produced songs that have prominent synth elements to it, dating back from his work as a keyboardist of Rivermaya in the ‘90s to his experimental phase with electronic music on critically acclaimed solo album Galactik Fiestamatik, Blanco’s new track feels like a monumental execution that comes from a place of earnestness rather than merely trend-hopping. The result, as expected, is defiantly but distinctly Rico Blanco: a sophisticated pop composition that paints an impressionistic portrait of quietude and confidence.

The release of Palibot libot comes after the prolific musician staged a successful solo concert at the Araneta Coliseum last September 11, 2022. Met with glowing praises from the attendees, the Big Dome show finds the alt-rock visionary performing some of the most iconic songs from his decades-old discography. Blanco also debuted “Palibot libot” live during the concert, and announced its surprise drop at Monday midnight, September 12, 2022.

You can stream Palibot libot on digital music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more.