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Loop: “Flirting with the Universe” Again
Iligan's indie alt rockers move forward by looking back at the years they spent making music.
Karl R. De Mesa
2024-10-14T08:09:40.864Z
The kind of swooning, seductive, and dreamy alt rock by the Iligan City natives of the band Loop isn’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when the industrial hub of the south is brought up in conversation.
Back in 2013, solo singer-songwriter Kim Trinidad joined powers with talented drummer JC Ramonal, bassist JP Portado, and guitarist Mich Pacalioga to become, as they called it, “Your favorite probinsyano band!” and put the City of Majestic Waterfalls on the archipelago’s music map.
Taking inspiration from early emo acts then marrying those grand sensibilities to the guitar atmospherics of The Smashing Pumpkins and My Chemical Romance (and maybe some Sonic Youth,) made them the darlings of indie rock on the Northern Mindanao and the Visayas gig circuit as they played their hearts out. With songs sung in English, they also garnered a following from international fans.
With their potent mix of swirling guitars, breathy vocals, and quiet-loud song craft ranging from quirky but heavy rock to soaring wall of riffs, Loop eventually racked two full-length albums to their name: “Flirting with the Universe” (2014) and “Reality and Dreams” (2017).
The first run of their debut album became both precious keepsake and treasured find for those who were able to score its initial CD form. Though now based in different locations, the members got their heads together online and declared that, hey, a 10th year anniversary edition of that album was more than warranted.
Released under Melt Records “Flirting with the Universe: Decade Edition” isn’t just a garden variety cash grab for nostalgia. For one thing, it’s got 16 tracks. Six of those are “reimagined” newly mixed versions of big singles like “Lost” and “Adorable” (mixed with fresh ears by Cebuano producer Miguel Lim). Two of those are new tracks; 2020’s “Slow” and the newest “Heroine and Solitude” (2024).
The new edition—or even new music—almost didn’t happen. Loop went on hiatus with an eye on disbanding in 2020, deciding that they had to focus on their personal lives while under the shadow of a global pandemic. But as these things go, they were called back to the fold by fans clamoring for more music.
A good dose of the blues when you miss working with a band was the last straw. Despite Trinidad already relocating to Australia, at the tail end of 2022 Loop were back doing what they do best.
In early 2023, they officially got the band back together with a tour around the archipelago to boot. This included gigs in their home town.
Latest single “Heroine and Solitude” was released in February 2024, and the Decade Edition saw the light of day in July of the same year.
And now, Trinidad, Ramonal, Portado, and Pacalioga are living up to their band’s name by looking back at a decade of making music to take stock of where they are and where they want to be.
KARL R. DE MESA: A 10th anniv reissue. What a high that must be. Looking back to when you guys first recorded this, what are the takeaways you now have as hopefully wiser musicians?
PACALIOGA: We know how to use compressors now. Kidding aside, we kind of know how to listen properly now.
TRINIDAD: Oh jeez, I can’t believe this album is 10 years old! I was trying to make a list of things I would have done differently during the making of it, but nah. Wouldn’t change a thing. The memories are just too good to replace, even if it meant a chance at slightly better-sounding music. Best time with Loop, in my opinion. We were recording tracks in our rooms and lounges, trying to make do with mattresses as sound absorbers.
KDM: This isn’t just a reissue for the heck of it and there are new arrangements and versions. What was the process like in choosing what to do to which song and, maybe more importantly, when to stop in the curation and leave something, as Bowie said, well enough alone?
PACALIOGA: What happened was, we had an unreleased recording from 2016 or 2017 of the full “Flirting with the Universe” album (except “Julia”) that had just been sitting on the drive. Initially, I tried to do everything, including mixing it, but eventually gave up because I was too busy with work and dad life. So, I decided to assign the mixing to some engineer friends, including Kim. In the end, we were only able to finish two reworked songs.
KDM: The “new” version of “Lost” does seem to have a bit sharper, more miserable bastard atmosphere to it. What was the thought process like in the new arrangement?
TRINIDAD: “Lost, the Decade Edition” was the result of several iterations of the song from Loop's tours, which explains why it’s grittier. I did however play with the arrangement because I wanted to explore the ethereal atmosphere as much as I could. After all, this was a song from “Flirting with The Universe.”
KDM: “Heroine and Solitude,” the new single, is a great book end to the Decade Edition, sounds like vintage Loop with that Pumpkins style dynamic.
PACALIOGA: For “Heroine” and “Solitude,” we stuck with our usual workflow: Kim hands me a demo, and I produce the whole thing. I went back and forth with the rest of the band, making sure everything aligned with everyone’s taste and vibe. We’re really into that soft-loud-soft sound from the ’90s, which includes the guitar work of bands like Smashing Pumpkins and HUM, as well as early 2000s post-hardcore bands. Everyone recorded their parts from their own locations since we’re all in different parts of the world now.
KDM: Now as a veteran indie band from Mindanao, one from Iligan who sings in English, the challenges and agonies must have been pretty unique coming up in the scene. What might you tell your younger self, now that this is a decade in the rearview mirror?
PACALIOGA: Personally, I’m jealous of the passion that we had when we were younger. Despite not having the gear and just recording with whatever silly alternative that we had during that time, we were dead focus in putting that music out. So I guess, the only thing I would tell my younger self is to be a little bit outgoing and don’t eat too much.
TRINIDAD: I totally agree with Mic about the passion thing. It’s innate. You can’t force it out of someone who doesn’t have it. So for the four of us to simultaneously have it during the making of FTWU was magical. We were all dialed in on that project. Advice to my younger self? I wouldn’t change the English part, haha! But I guess it would be to represent your songs loyally. Don’t be afraid to take up space. Your songs are yours, and if you’re afraid to show you’re proud of them, it only means one thing.
KDM: Let’s talk about gear and any new tricks or tools of the trade that you’ve added to craft your sound.
PACALIOGA: Kim and JP would send me DI tracks along with a rendered version, and I would re-amp them. For bass, I mostly used the stock Logic Pro bass amp plugins. For Kim’s guitar, I used the TH-U guitar amp plugin from Slate, mainly using the Blackface for the amp and a TS9-type overdrive. For my guitar, I used the Ampero II Stomp, but I can’t remember which amp I used—probably either a Matchless sim or a Marshall.
KDM: For new fans (or even old ones who are returning to your music) who might not be familiar with your work, how would you describe your sound and the place this decade edition has in your body of work?
PACALIOGA: What you hear is an honest sonic translation of who we are. Our sound is a blend of pop, alternative, shoegaze, dream pop, and even punk at times. But if you get the chance, we highly recommend watching us live—it’s a completely different experience. I’m not saying we’re super exciting or great live, but the interpretation of the songs is just a little different.
“Flirting with The Universe (Decade Edition)” is now available on all major digital music platforms.
Buy the album on Melt Records’ Bandcamp
Back in 2013, solo singer-songwriter Kim Trinidad joined powers with talented drummer JC Ramonal, bassist JP Portado, and guitarist Mich Pacalioga to become, as they called it, “Your favorite probinsyano band!” and put the City of Majestic Waterfalls on the archipelago’s music map.
Taking inspiration from early emo acts then marrying those grand sensibilities to the guitar atmospherics of The Smashing Pumpkins and My Chemical Romance (and maybe some Sonic Youth,) made them the darlings of indie rock on the Northern Mindanao and the Visayas gig circuit as they played their hearts out. With songs sung in English, they also garnered a following from international fans.
With their potent mix of swirling guitars, breathy vocals, and quiet-loud song craft ranging from quirky but heavy rock to soaring wall of riffs, Loop eventually racked two full-length albums to their name: “Flirting with the Universe” (2014) and “Reality and Dreams” (2017).
The first run of their debut album became both precious keepsake and treasured find for those who were able to score its initial CD form. Though now based in different locations, the members got their heads together online and declared that, hey, a 10th year anniversary edition of that album was more than warranted.
Released under Melt Records “Flirting with the Universe: Decade Edition” isn’t just a garden variety cash grab for nostalgia. For one thing, it’s got 16 tracks. Six of those are “reimagined” newly mixed versions of big singles like “Lost” and “Adorable” (mixed with fresh ears by Cebuano producer Miguel Lim). Two of those are new tracks; 2020’s “Slow” and the newest “Heroine and Solitude” (2024).
The new edition—or even new music—almost didn’t happen. Loop went on hiatus with an eye on disbanding in 2020, deciding that they had to focus on their personal lives while under the shadow of a global pandemic. But as these things go, they were called back to the fold by fans clamoring for more music.
A good dose of the blues when you miss working with a band was the last straw. Despite Trinidad already relocating to Australia, at the tail end of 2022 Loop were back doing what they do best.
In early 2023, they officially got the band back together with a tour around the archipelago to boot. This included gigs in their home town.
Latest single “Heroine and Solitude” was released in February 2024, and the Decade Edition saw the light of day in July of the same year.
And now, Trinidad, Ramonal, Portado, and Pacalioga are living up to their band’s name by looking back at a decade of making music to take stock of where they are and where they want to be.
KARL R. DE MESA: A 10th anniv reissue. What a high that must be. Looking back to when you guys first recorded this, what are the takeaways you now have as hopefully wiser musicians?
PACALIOGA: We know how to use compressors now. Kidding aside, we kind of know how to listen properly now.
TRINIDAD: Oh jeez, I can’t believe this album is 10 years old! I was trying to make a list of things I would have done differently during the making of it, but nah. Wouldn’t change a thing. The memories are just too good to replace, even if it meant a chance at slightly better-sounding music. Best time with Loop, in my opinion. We were recording tracks in our rooms and lounges, trying to make do with mattresses as sound absorbers.
KDM: This isn’t just a reissue for the heck of it and there are new arrangements and versions. What was the process like in choosing what to do to which song and, maybe more importantly, when to stop in the curation and leave something, as Bowie said, well enough alone?
PACALIOGA: What happened was, we had an unreleased recording from 2016 or 2017 of the full “Flirting with the Universe” album (except “Julia”) that had just been sitting on the drive. Initially, I tried to do everything, including mixing it, but eventually gave up because I was too busy with work and dad life. So, I decided to assign the mixing to some engineer friends, including Kim. In the end, we were only able to finish two reworked songs.
KDM: The “new” version of “Lost” does seem to have a bit sharper, more miserable bastard atmosphere to it. What was the thought process like in the new arrangement?
TRINIDAD: “Lost, the Decade Edition” was the result of several iterations of the song from Loop's tours, which explains why it’s grittier. I did however play with the arrangement because I wanted to explore the ethereal atmosphere as much as I could. After all, this was a song from “Flirting with The Universe.”
KDM: “Heroine and Solitude,” the new single, is a great book end to the Decade Edition, sounds like vintage Loop with that Pumpkins style dynamic.
PACALIOGA: For “Heroine” and “Solitude,” we stuck with our usual workflow: Kim hands me a demo, and I produce the whole thing. I went back and forth with the rest of the band, making sure everything aligned with everyone’s taste and vibe. We’re really into that soft-loud-soft sound from the ’90s, which includes the guitar work of bands like Smashing Pumpkins and HUM, as well as early 2000s post-hardcore bands. Everyone recorded their parts from their own locations since we’re all in different parts of the world now.
KDM: Now as a veteran indie band from Mindanao, one from Iligan who sings in English, the challenges and agonies must have been pretty unique coming up in the scene. What might you tell your younger self, now that this is a decade in the rearview mirror?
PACALIOGA: Personally, I’m jealous of the passion that we had when we were younger. Despite not having the gear and just recording with whatever silly alternative that we had during that time, we were dead focus in putting that music out. So I guess, the only thing I would tell my younger self is to be a little bit outgoing and don’t eat too much.
TRINIDAD: I totally agree with Mic about the passion thing. It’s innate. You can’t force it out of someone who doesn’t have it. So for the four of us to simultaneously have it during the making of FTWU was magical. We were all dialed in on that project. Advice to my younger self? I wouldn’t change the English part, haha! But I guess it would be to represent your songs loyally. Don’t be afraid to take up space. Your songs are yours, and if you’re afraid to show you’re proud of them, it only means one thing.
KDM: Let’s talk about gear and any new tricks or tools of the trade that you’ve added to craft your sound.
PACALIOGA: Kim and JP would send me DI tracks along with a rendered version, and I would re-amp them. For bass, I mostly used the stock Logic Pro bass amp plugins. For Kim’s guitar, I used the TH-U guitar amp plugin from Slate, mainly using the Blackface for the amp and a TS9-type overdrive. For my guitar, I used the Ampero II Stomp, but I can’t remember which amp I used—probably either a Matchless sim or a Marshall.
KDM: For new fans (or even old ones who are returning to your music) who might not be familiar with your work, how would you describe your sound and the place this decade edition has in your body of work?
PACALIOGA: What you hear is an honest sonic translation of who we are. Our sound is a blend of pop, alternative, shoegaze, dream pop, and even punk at times. But if you get the chance, we highly recommend watching us live—it’s a completely different experience. I’m not saying we’re super exciting or great live, but the interpretation of the songs is just a little different.
“Flirting with The Universe (Decade Edition)” is now available on all major digital music platforms.
Buy the album on Melt Records’ Bandcamp
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