Just in time for this month’s romantic holiday, Manila-based singer-songwriter Niki Colet releases the first single “I Wish” off her upcoming six-track EP, entitled Endless Summer, slated for release this March 23.

At first glance, these titles seem like simple phrases capturing cinematic waves of narrative and emotion; listeners would be pleased to know this promise holds through in sound. It’s no surprise, really, as Colet claims to be consistently inspired by different stories, ones not necessarily her own.

Being a huge film and literature buff—not to mention a writer of various forms—the musician takes scenes from places both real and imaginary, taking fans on grand journeys filled with intensity and truth. The new single is no exception—it tells of a relationship from beginning to end, in all its existential beauty. Although the lyrics in part look to the future, a sense of nostalgia fills the entire piece, a characteristic often found in the 23-year-old’s work.

Upfront, we hear influences of classic and modern easy listening and folk—Joni Mitchell, A Fine Frenzy, James Taylor, and Carole King, to name a few. Listen deep, and you’ll discover layers of subtle electric guitars, akin to dream pop acts such as Gingerlys and Wild Nothing. All this makes for an interesting experience, accessible to everyone, but rewarding for repeat listens.

For those unfamiliar with Colet’s music, you’ve probably seen her performing for various productions, such as Docdef, Common Ground, and Red Ninja. She’s also been featured in various media, from Rappler to national radio. One of her songs, “High School Crush,” was also featured in an episode of the TV5 romantic comedy, Forever Sucks.

Listen to the new single below:

Words by Kurvine Chua.