Barbie Almalbis recently celebrated her 25th year in the music scene with a concert chronicling her career as one of the most influential figures in Pinoy alternative rock. Her latest song “Desperate Hours” serves as the first official single off an upcoming fifth studio album, to be released at the end of the year. Coming across as an innovative tour de force, Almalbis’ avant-pop track refuses any easy categorization but unravels quite literally and figuratively as her most experimental work to date. It sounds like pop music in the strictest sense of the word, but not the type that is bound by rules and limitations. Apart from the sonic bombast and unthinkable surprises, Almalbis’ poetic songwriting shines even more on “Desperate Hours,” where she penned material in a time of deep pain and longing. You may listen to more of Barbie's music from albums by her bands, Barbie's Cradle and Hungry Young Poets.