The Line Divides: A Cebuano pop-rock comeback

The Line Divides, one of Cebu’s iconic pop-rock legends, continues to pack an epic punch with “Destiny,” their newest single.

Founded in 2004 by original band members Paul Aguilar and Louie George Tabaña, The Line Divides is a name cemented in Cebu’s pop-punk and alternative rock hall of fame.

“The plan was to play music in bars for all people of different ages and at the time, the sound of our music was something pop that was new-wave-ish— this was our first album’s sound,” vocalist Louie told Rappler in an exclusive interview.

According to him, the band’s sound was mostly influenced from groups like The Killers and U2.

The band first performed in 2006 at a Halloween-themed event at the beloved chill-spot Handuraw in Cebu City. They eventually started performing in musical events at places like the Outpost in Barangay Lahug and the Treehouse in Lapu-Lapu City.

It didn’t take long until their lineup was completed with Edric Jimenez (drummer), brothers Marcu (guitarist) and Dino Querubin (bassist), Podz Mangubat (guitarist), and Nestor John Abellana (keys).

“Paul Aguilar came up with the name. It was actually from a song by an international band,” said Louie.

In 2009, the band released the album Signals & Sounds, which captured the hearts of fans. Songs like “In Between,” “Motion for Daisy,” and local favorite “Day Dream Dance” along with other fan-favorites can be found in the album.

But the band entered hibernation for almost a decade as members decided to take different routes in life.

“Our old guitarists decided to leave the band to focus on their families. What was left was me, Edric and Reynar,” said Louie. “We had new songs but because we were so busy, we couldn’t record,” he added.

It was in 2019, when the band finally resurfaced with their comeback single “Hello Sunshine” after signing with Cebu-based independent record label Melt Records.

Now, the band wishes to continue their pop-rock legacy, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, by writing more music for fans.

“COVID-19 didn’t really hamper the production process. Maskin busy mi sa among mga bulhaton, nangita jud mi panahon. Para ra jud magkagood vibes (Even if we’re busy with our work, we find time. This is really for the good vibes),” they said.

Check out their songs below:

“Day Dream Dance”

First on the list is “Day Dream Dance” which, according to Louie, is always requested by fans in music festivals and local band events. The hyped-up love song first appeared in the 2009 album Signals & Sounds.

“People really like it and I think it was due to its catchy tune,” said Louie.

Listen to Day Dream Dance on Spotify here:

“Hello Sunshine”

Next on the list is the 2019 comeback single “Hello Sunshine.” In the same year of its release, the band signed with Melt Records and published the song on multiple streaming platforms.

“In the first line, it was a continuation of our before-hiatus project. ‘It’s been a long time’ was an intentional intro. It’s all about positivity and love that we’re trying to pursue,” said Louie.

The band’s vocalist said the song was written to make fan’s feel butterflies and think about meeting their true love.

Listen to Hello Sunshine on Spotify here:

“Destiny”

Released in August, “Destiny” is a sad love song that continues the story that was left hanging in “Hello Sunshine.”

“Destiny is straightforward, it tells the story of someone who has lost his most cherished person. That person makes him feel it won’t work anymore then this person calls out to ‘Destiny,’” said Louie.

Originally drafted by the vocalist, the songs lyrics was later completed by the drummer, Nestor who based his added lyrics on his experience with his TOTGA (The One That Got Away).

Listen to the song here: