Orange and Lemons: Bringing A Taste of Britpop Into OPM

If OPM had a flavor, Orange and Lemons would be that perfect mix of sweet and tangy—familiar yet refreshing. With their nostalgic melodies, poetic lyrics, and signature indie-pop sound, this band has carved out a special place in Filipino music history.

From their British-inspired sound to their poetic lyrics, Orange and Lemons carved their own path in the music industry. If you're looking for everything you need to know about the band, you've come to the right place. Let's take a deep dive into their history, music, and lasting legacy.

Who Is Orange and Lemons?

Orange and Lemons is a Filipino band formed in 1999 in Bulacan, Philippines. Inspired by the sounds of The Beatles, The Smiths, and Britpop bands like Oasis, they introduced a fresh take on OPM that fused indie, alternative rock, and new wave influences.

The Origin of the Band Name

Orange and Lemons—a name as intriguing as their music—was initially suggested by a former member of the group. Little did they know, the name actually comes from a British nursery rhyme and was also the title of an album by the British band XTC. Though unintended, the reference perfectly aligned with their Britpop-influenced sound, making it a fitting choice for their musical identity.

The Beginnings in Bulacan

The story of Orange and Lemons starts in the mid-1990s when high school friends Clem Castro and Mcoy Fundales bonded over their love for music. The duo formed a band with their friends in Bulacan, going through several name changes before finally settling on Orange and Lemons in 1999.

That same year, fate brought them together with brothers Ace and JM del Mundo, who were then part of another band called Colossal Youth. Their paths crossed at a local bar in Bulacan, where their shared passion for music led to a strong camaraderie. Soon enough, the four musicians decided to join forces, officially forming the lineup that would define Orange and Lemons' sound.

Early Days and First Breakthrough

Managed by Roldan "Bong" Baluyot of No Seat Affair (a local booking and production outfit), Castro and Fundales, along with two other early members, recorded a two-track demo in 1999. The demo featured the songs "She's Leaving Home" and "Isang Gabi", which gave a glimpse of their signature style—poignant storytelling wrapped in bright, melodic instrumentation.

Soon after, "She's Leaving Home" found its way onto the playlist of the legendary rock radio station NU107.5 FM. This early exposure marked the beginning of their journey, setting them up for the major success that would follow.

Meet The Band:

The band’s original lineup consisted of:

• Clem Castro – Vocals, Guitars 
  

• Mcoy Fundales – Vocals, Guitars 
  

• Ace del Mundo – Bass 
  

• JM del Mundo – Drums

From playing in underground gigs to dominating mainstream radio, Orange and Lemons steadily rose to fame with their unique sound and memorable songwriting.

The Breakthrough: "Hanggang Kailan" and "Pinoy Ako"

Orange and Lemons made their breakthrough in 2004 with the release of their album Strike Whilst the Iron is Hot. The song "Hanggang Kailan (Umuwi Ka Na Baby)" became a massive hit, capturing the hearts of many with its melancholic yet beautifully arranged melody.

But the song that truly catapulted them to national fame was "Pinoy Ako". Used as the theme song for Pinoy Big Brother in 2005, it became an anthem of national pride and resilience, and to this day, remains one of the most recognizable OPM songs.

The Band's Hiatus and Reunion

At the height of their popularity, internal conflicts led to the band's disbandment in 2007. Clem Castro moved on to form The Camerawalls, while Mcoy Fundales pursued a solo career and later became a songwriter for other artists.

Fast forward to 2017, Orange and Lemons made a long-awaited comeback, but this time, without Mcoy Fundales. The band’s reunion sparked excitement among fans who had been longing for their return.

The Signature Sound of Orange and Lemons

Orange and Lemons' music is often described as:

• Britpop-inspired – Heavily influenced by The Beatles, The Smiths, and Oasis. 
  

• Poetic and nostalgic – Their lyrics often carry deep, sentimental meanings. 
  

• Unique vocal harmonies – A signature feature that sets them apart from other OPM bands. 
  

• A fusion of alternative, folk, and new wave – Creating a timeless and easily recognizable sound.

Their music feels like a warm hug on a rainy day or a stroll down memory lane, which is why so many people continue to connect with their songs.

Discography

Orange and Lemons has built an impressive catalog of albums, each showcasing their growth as musicians and songwriters. Their discography reflects their ability to blend Filipino sentimentality with international indie-pop influences, making their sound timeless.

• Love in the Land of Rubber Shoes and Dirty Ice Cream (2003) – Their debut album, which introduced their signature sound of melodic pop-rock infused with folk and alternative influences. This album laid the foundation for their success in the OPM scene.
  

• Strike Whilst the Iron Is Hot (2005) – The album that propelled them into mainstream recognition. Featuring hits like Hanggang Kailan and Heaven Knows, this release cemented their status as one of the top OPM bands of the 2000s.
  

• Moonlane Gardens (2007) – A more experimental and mature album that showcased their evolution as musicians. It remains a fan favorite for its intricate compositions and introspective lyrics.
  

• Love in the Land of Rubber Shoes and Dirty Ice Cream - 15th Anniversary Edition (2018) – A special re-release of their debut album, celebrating 15 years of their music with remastered tracks and bonus content.
  

• Strike Whilst the Iron Is Hot: Demo Sessions (2004) – A collection of raw, unpolished demo recordings from their breakthrough album, offering fans a glimpse into the band’s creative process.
  

• La Bulaqueña (2022) – A long-awaited comeback album that highlights their return to the music scene with fresh material while staying true to their signature sound.

 

Orange and Lemons during their 25th anniversary concert

 

Notable Singles

• Hanggang Kailan (Umuwi Ka Na Baby) – One of their most iconic hits, this melancholic ballad tells the story of longing and heartbreak, resonating deeply with listeners across generations.
  

• Pinoy Ako – A patriotic anthem that gained massive popularity as the theme song for Pinoy Big Brother. The song became a symbol of national pride and self-identity.
  

• Just Like A Splendid Love Song – A dreamy, romantic tune that showcases the band's knack for crafting poetic and deeply emotional lyrics, wrapped in a bright, melodic sound.
  

• Abot Kamay – A song about hope and perseverance, this uplifting track became a fan favorite for its inspiring message and heartfelt delivery.
  

• Blue Moon – A beautifully nostalgic rendition of the classic hit, adding the band's signature touch of folk and alternative influences.

Awards and Recognition

Orange and Lemons has received multiple awards throughout their career, including:

• 2005 Awit Awards – Best Performance by a Group (Hanggang Kailan) 
  

• 2006 MYX Music Awards – Favorite Song (Pinoy Ako) 
  

• 2007 NU Rock Awards – Artist of the Year

Why Orange and Lemons Still Matters

At the end of the day, Orange and Lemons is more than just a band—they’re a musical experience that defines moments in our lives. Whether you first heard them in your teenage years or just recently discovered them, their music has the power to transport you back to simpler, more sentimental times.

So if you’re ever in need of a soundtrack to your emotions, just press play on Orange and Lemons. Chances are, they already have a song that perfectly captures what you’re feeling.

What’s your favorite orange and lemons song? Let’s talk! What’s the song that made you fall in love with Orange and Lemons? Drop it in the comments, and let’s celebrate this iconic OPM band together!