All Feelings Rise to the Surface in SOS' New Album 'It Was a Moment'

'I hope this album makes you remember who you are now years into the future. This may be one of the best memories you'll remember.'

- By Ephraim Dytianquin

A great man once said, "He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination." That's the Jose Rizal quote SOS lead singer Roberto Seña meant to say. Instead, Seña blurts out, "Ang hindi marunong tumingin sa past ay doomed in the future. Actually, sobrang binutcher ko 'yung quote na 'yun. Jose Rizal ba 'yun?"

"Hindi ba Ninoy Aquino?" chimes in guitarist Andrew Panopio.

Anjo Silvoza, the bassist, quickly corrects them. "Hindi. Si Jose Rizal 'yun."

Who can blame them for the hilarious misquote, though? At the time of this exclusive online interview with Young STAR, the alternative rock band was in the thick of touring their long-awaited sophomore album, "It Was a Moment" (IWAM), released last March 28. Drummer King Puentespina couldn't make the call, but the other four members were present to discuss their newest record. "We're all happy. Tired, I think, from all the shows. The volume hasn't been this high in a while," Seña shares.

"The last time we were this active was probably pre-pandemic pa," Andrew adds. They may be slightly fatigued, but the band is still in disbelief from the positive feedback, especially because the album was tucked away in their computers for years. "It's crazy to say na, 'Oh, we have a second album out.'"

Growing Up Since 'Whatever That Was'

SOS has come a long way in the eight years since their debut album "Whatever That Was" (WTW), but they haven't forgotten their roots. In fact, decade-old songs like Love Kept Us Warm have crossed over to IWAM. Ram Alonzo, the keyboardist and synth player, reminisces about working on the penultimate track in the studio after hearing it for the first time 11 years ago. "This is such a nice song. Astig na kasama na siya sa album."

On the other hand, the members refined and sat with the IWAM opener—and 12-year-long fan favorite—Amore to reach its full potential.