Filipino premier dream pop act Sugar Hiccup all set to release new album ‘Metamorphia’ at Tokyo show

Formed in 1994, Sugar Hiccup emerged at the height of the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) band explosion of that decade, standing out from its contemporaries by embracing dream pop rather than heavy alternative rock or grunge, which dominated that era. Tha band drew heavily from renowned Scottish dream pop band Cockteau Twins, whose song “Sugar Hiccup” inspired its name.

Shimmering guitars, lush textures, and vocalist Melody del Mundo’s ethereal, sometimes delicate, sometimes soaring vocals — complemented by Czandeo Pollack’s equally enchanting, distinct soothing baritone — became part of the band’s signature sound. Sugar Hiccup stood its ground as the Philippines’ defining dream pop act. It is perhaps best known for “Five Years,” the award-winning lead single from the band’s debut album Oracle, released in 1995. 

Melody and Czandro will be playing an intimate unplugged set for one night only at the Gamuso Bar in Asagaya, Tokyo, on July 5. 

On the same night, Sugar Hiccup will officially launch “Metamorphia,” a new album for exclusive release in Japan. The said album includes re-recorded versions of  “Someday,” a song that was originally part of the Alpha Numeric Sampler 502 compilation album and of “Siesyatnebonsotneicostolim” and “Awa,’ both from the album 1896; three songs from Czandro and Melody’s EP, A Photo of Us Two;  a cover version of Cocteau Twins’ song, “Sugar Hiccup;” and a new song, “Aimless.”

Fans who will attend the Tokyo gig can expect Melody and Czandro to play songs from Sugar Hiccup’s rich discography, and more. 

“We will play bits from all the albums, including ‘Metamorphia.; A few cover songs as well,” Czandro tells adobo Magazine in an exclusive interview. “It’ll be an intimate session of sorts, considering we’re doing a pseudo-acoustic set. It’s the first time it will happen after decades of playing with a full band. 

Album art for Sugar Hiccup’s latest album, Metamorphia

Tickets to the show are available here. 

Czandro and Melody’s other projects

Sugar Hiccup went through several lineup changes after Melody migrated to the United States in 2001. However, he and Czandro have remained active as songwriters and musicians, pursuing other creative endeavors and releasing albums — both as Sugar Hiccup and separately.

Melody del Mundo and Czandro Pollack, founding members of Filipino dream pop pioneer Sugar Hiccup (PHOTOS: Jill Tan Radovan)

Melody continues to play the Filipino-American gig circuit in the US, most recently with The Mellow Dees, a band she formed with Wolfgang’s Wolf Gemora and guitarist Nievera, otherwise known as the son of Filipino premier balladeer and concert king Martin Nievera.

Based out of Los Angeles, California, the alternative-rock lounge-punk trio is a complete departure from Sugar Hiccup’s dream-pop sensibilities. The Mellow Dees released Walls Might Melt, its full-length debut under Lilystars Records, in 2023.

Czandro, meanwhile, has been lending his multiple musical talents to different groups, such as indie alt-rock collective Prank Sinatra, ska/lounge act Crimson and Claire, alternative rock/blues band  Spank Me Regor, and obscure experimental indie-pop ensemble Science + Romance. 

Czandro is also currently co-producing tracks for the forthcoming album of Science + Romance and for lo-fi bedroom-born recording project Telescope of Hope with former Erratics member, songwriter, and sound engineer Ron Francisco of Monopond Recording Studio.

Czandro also started a recording project as Eulavye years ago, which has since evolved into two vinyl album releases under his name: Ponder, released in June 2025; and the recently launched Fabulous Freaks. Tracks for both albums were recorded at Monopond and made available on vinyl via Mix Machine Analog‘s direct-to-disc cutting process.

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