NEW LORE is back, and they’re not holding back with their second single of the year. This all-girl band from the Philippines’ latest release, WHO HURT U, is a bass-heavy deep dive into the raw, unfiltered cycle of pain. With the haunting refrain, “Always, every anger was once love,” the track unpacks how unhealed wounds morph into rage, leaving a trail of destruction. But here’s the kicker: it refuses to justify the damage.
Born in a late-night songwriting session in a Baguio City Airbnb, WHO HURT U weaves pulsing rhythms with poetic introspection, solidifying NEW LORE’s reputation as a band rewriting the electropop playbook. The song follows their January debut, AMBITIOUS, which introduced their bold, art-meets-club aesthetic—trippy, cerebral, and impossible to ignore.
This year, the trio is setting their sights even higher. They have hinted at a mid-year album release and an album tour across the Philippines, signaling a major step forward in their sonic evolution. Fans of Sylvan Esso, Oh Wonder, Chappell Roan, and Charli XCX will find a kindred sound in NEW LORE.
Fronted by rising visual artist Tita Halaman, alongside bassist Kim Escalona and drummer-producer Carole Lantican, the band fuses music, poetry, and visual art. Tita Halaman, known for her thought-provoking exhibits in the Philippines and abroad, transforms her paintings and poetry into haunting, evocative songs. Carole, an accomplished music producer, brings these sonic visions to life, while Kim, the creative force behind their visual direction, oversees everything from music videos to album aesthetics.
Under their previous moniker, No Lore, they pioneered the concept of merging poetry, paintings, and music. Their debut single’s key visual was a handcrafted sculpture by Tita Halaman, proving that for them, music isn’t just heard—it’s seen and felt.
No longer just No Lore, NEW LORE is here with a story to tell. And trust us, you’ll want to listen.
Follow NEW LORE on Instagram @newloreworld, or visit www.newloremusic.com.
