Philippine rock legend Ely Buendia has just dropped his long-awaited sophomore album, Method Adaptor.

The newly released record embraces the full spectrum of Buendia’s musical range, combining moments of introspective minimalism with full-throttle rock anthems. Produced by Jerome Velasco and Audry Dionisio, with contributions from Erwin Romulo, Method Adaptor is a sonically adventurous record that represents an artist at his creative prime. From its themes of rebellion, personal conflict, and societal pressures, its lyrical substance perfectly pairs with the impressive melodies that make this album a must-listen.

As Buendia mentions in an official press statement, “I think all the songs have something to do with rebelling — be it from the disappointments and hardships of life or from the control that people want to have on your mind. I would say these are the most defiant songs I’ve written so far.”

“Fame didn’t mix well with me,” continues Buendia. “It got in the way of my trying to evolve as an artist and made me more guarded as a whole. Coming out for me means owning everything, both my failures and successes,” he reflects.

Method Adaptor includes the previously released singles, “Bulaklak Sa Buwan” and “Tagpi-Tagping Piraso,” alongside the lead single “Kandarapa,” which stands out as the focal point of the album, capturing the emotional struggle of facing overwhelming pressure and fighting through doubt. Buendia describes the track as a reflection on the feeling of pushing forward even when you’re unsure if you can make it to the end. “Sometimes you feel like you’re going to have to battle your way through the rest of your life,” he admits.

In an interview with Billboard Philippines a few months back, Ely Buendia described the album as something entirely different from anything he’s worked on. “The first [solo] album I did, [Wanted Bedspacer], was super lo-fi, super cobbled together, and just generally out there in terms of its genre and sonic identity. So this time [with Method Adaptor], I wanted to be really focused and thoughtful with how it would convey the intended themes that I thought over and even the way that it sounded.”

Talking about the catharsis he felt with the record’s release, the rock icon further adds: “I was always wary of doing something for my solo career. So to do this independently, cushioned of other people sharing the responsibilities, it’s kind of a good feeling. Because finally, after thirty years of being in the business, I’m finally coming out of my shell.”

Listen to Ely Buendia’s Method Adaptor below: