Filipino alternative rock trio Novacain return with their latest single “DROPDOWN,” an explosive collaboration with Niko Cezar of the Filipino metalcore band Fragments.
“DROPDOWN” is the band’s first studio release of 2026, which follows their live extended play (EP) Patago-tago, Dumudugo (Recall Sessions), released in February.
“[The track] is about how one’s inner thoughts and insecurities can eat away at you and reopen old wounds or scars,” shares bassist Kyle Enriquez on the song’s lyrical themes. According to Enriquez, the first half of the track flows like a form of confession, gradually growing into “pent-up anger and frustration finally being let out and put into words,” in its second half and outro.
Additionally, vocalist and guitarist Lawrence Del Rosario shares that the origin story of the song goes back to 2023, when he first met Cezar of Fragments. This friendship would go on to influence Del Rosario, driving him to dive deeper into heavier music forms.
“Originally, the outro of the song was only composed of an instrumental breakdown, but it wasn’t ending the way I wanted it to,” Del Rosario shares, revealing that this led him to consider collaborating with Cezar. “Touring with Fragments — both internationally and at local bar gigs — and the relationship we’ve built were also huge influences,” he adds.
The collaboration proved to be a creative, invigorating force for the trio, with Cezar ultimately bringing his own fresh perspective to their sound. Drummer Ariel Flores describes the single as blending “elements of post-rock with touches of nu metal.” “It reflects our willingness to evolve and experiment, opening the door to new creative possibilities,” he shares.
Cezar adds that teaming up with the band felt very organic and a “strong creative connection.” “What made this track different for me was being involved beyond just vocals,” he shares. “I also contributed to producing some of the guitar parts, which added another layer to the collaboration and made the experience even more fulfilling.”
Listen to “DROPDOWN” below:
Coinciding with the single’s release, the band is set to release new merchandise such as a poster and a CD mixtape, along with an accompanying music video and plans for a potential tour with Fragments.
