Filipino singer-songwriter Gab Cabangon channels accumulated frustration and emotional fatigue in “Ikot Ulit,” the third single from his upcoming debut EP, transforming personal setbacks into a raw pop-rock release that leans into anger, honesty, and release.
Described by Cabangon as both a “galitcore” track and a “paasa” anthem, the song was born out of repeated disruptions in his work—postponed projects, cancelled gigs, and broken professional commitments that left him questioning trust beyond his closest circle.
“I think the emotion that really drove the song was mainly frustration,” Cabangon said. “I was getting sudden postponements for work-related projects and pitches, and bar gigs were cancelling at the last minute. I also felt like I couldn’t trust anybody outside of my family and circle of close friends.”
While rooted in personal experience, Cabangon said “Ikot Ulit” also reflects a wider sense of disillusionment, noting that persistent broken promises in everyday life made the song feel timely even beyond its original intent.
“There are so many broken promises happening right now, and the consequences are very real and very frustrating,” he said. “While I did not write ‘Ikot Ulit’ with the initial intention of relating it to the political climate, I do realize it’s important to express that frustration.”
The track deliberately avoids overly specific storytelling, allowing listeners to project their own experiences of disappointment, repetition, and emotional burnout onto its lyrics.
“I kept the lyrics quite general so people can associate the song with their own experiences,” he added. “By the time I finished ‘Ikot Ulit,’ I wanted the feeling of frustration and anger to run through the entire track.”
Sonically, the single revisits Cabangon’s earlier band-driven roots while sharpening his solo identity. Produced and arranged with David Lina, the track features grittier guitar textures, a tighter arrangement, and a more urgent tone that mirrors its emotional core.
A newly added instrumental bridge—absent from the original demo—serves as a climactic release point, intensifying the song’s emotional weight. The track was mixed and mastered by Shadiel Chan and Jan Fuertez, with vocal engineering by John Crupero, resulting in a raw but controlled production that sustains replay value.
Positioned as the third chapter in his debut EP’s unfolding narrative, “Ikot Ulit” follows “Pieces,” which explored vulnerability, and “Kama,” which reflected quiet introspection amid urban noise. Together, the tracks map a progression toward emotional clarity.
Cabangon frames the new single as a necessary release point in that journey.
“In order to be whole and be passionate about the things we love, we have to allow ourselves to feel, to rest, and, in some cases, to express our frustrations and our anger,” he said. “Ikot Ulit is a space for everyone to let it all out.”
“Ikot Ulit” is now available on all major digital streaming platforms.