When the world is still and your thoughts are loud…
Witching Hours is a four-track indie folk EP by Al Jang. The EP hopes to capture the pensive and emotional landscape of the hours before dawn, when the mind wander, and memories, regrets, and awakenings whisper from the quiet. The songs are stripped down, featuring classical guitar and vocals, with selective instrumentation from guest musicians.
The Witching Hours (2024) is Al Jang's sophomore EP. This indie folk project features four tracks: Oblivious with John Owen Castro, flutist and songwriter of the acclaimed Filipino band Munimuni; Dito Muna featuring rising Filipino singer-songwriter Lalab with JP Lanuza on keys; Swirls with Bahamas-based trumpeter Jeman Parungao; and Infinite Floors, Infinite Doors. The EP explores themes of love, loss, and hope. Initial drafts were recorded in 2021 at the studio of BJV, Al Jang's long-time friend and collaborator. However, Al Jang was initially hesitant to release the songs, only changing his mind after moving to Tokyo.
"My father was a folk singer. I would listen to his repertoire, which ranged from Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills & Nash, James Taylor—the list goes on—as well as Filipino folk music artists. He would sometimes bring me to his gigs. He passed away almost two decades ago. When I heard Passenger's Whispers album, I felt the drive to reconnect with my musical roots, which is folk. I am a fan of introspective lyric writing and intimate arrangements. Since then, I have been listening to many incredible indie folk artists of today."
"I came up with the concept for this EP during the pandemic, when we all felt isolated and had a frightening amount of time to reflect. This project is personal. I have a very small following, but I hope these songs will reach the people who need them."
Sometimes, we realize we're in love when we feel jealous, just like how the Earth fell in love with an evergreen in the song. This narrative mirrors the Earth's evolution: the planet existed during the early stages of the Sun, followed by the formation of the sea and mountains, and later, reptiles, mammals, and birds. It's also true that gravity varies in different parts of the Earth. In the end, the Earth shared the same fate as the man in the subway.
While writing the song, I thought about how we lose our chance at happiness because of the fears we make.
John Owen Castro is a classically trained flutist and 1/5 of the acclaimed makata-pop band Munimuni.
Follow Munimuni→Al Jang's "Witching Hours" dives into the shadows, and it's hauntingly beautiful. Whether you're grappling with heartache, seeking solace, or simply enjoying the quiet moments before dawn, Al Jang's newest EP Witching Hours, offers a soundtrack to the emotions you might not even realize you're holding onto.
This collection is akin to midnight worship songs; every note switch —from a 9th to a minor then a 7th —plays like quick prayers for self redemption. And sentimental us, we can't help but sway along.
"Although Witching Hours resonated with me on a personal level due to its theme, which parallels certain points in my life, creating art for this beautiful project has been both exciting and challenging. Capturing its intricacies, depth, and richness of this masterpiece has pushed my creative boundaries."
To buy the original artworks, contact Vergel Gregorio.
Vergel Gregorio is a Filipino illustrator based in Manila.
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