JustB’s [Snow Angel] is Pop Excellence
JustB’s newest EP, [Snow Angel], is full of electro pop excellence. In an industry that's constantly changing, JustB thrives by taking trends to their extremes. With the recent popularity of Charli xcx’s experimental electro pop album, [brat], many acts have leapt at the opportunity to introduce more electronic or hyperpop elements in their music. However, JustB does this and more, committing to a second-generation style reminiscent of acts such as Teen Top and U-Kiss. The track “True Heart” especially parallels Teen Top’s “Supa Luv”, even down to the styling and choreography. With a modern cyber influence and clear generational callback, they masterfully blend the latest musical trends with timeless nostalgia, appealing to every generation.
The group is preparing to have a listening party tour in the US in the next week, so it was no surprise that the entire EP is almost entirely in English. The album is full of love songs, ranging from longing to heartbreak to authentic love. The heartfelt lyrics paired with intense bass and distorted synths create a powerful juxtaposition that truly sets them apart from other K-pop acts. Despite its influences, the EP is refreshingly unique to the members. The continuous hunger to improve from their debut to now is evident. Their artistry and passion show through their boundary-breaking vision. Personal lyricism and genre-bending composition create a genuine passion project that thoroughly impresses.
“Freedom” is about a breakup that left the speaker feeling bittersweet. The lyrics, “I know it hurts to leave it all behind / Guess it's all just a sacrifice / Because freedom has its price”, help tell the heartbreaking story. Although the split was full of pain and loss, now the speaker is truly free to do what they want and leave the toxicity behind. The speaker is starting anew and feels like they can now truly be themselves despite their ex turning their friends on them and making the speaker out to be the villain. The hyperpop and rap sections blend flawlessly as they create a gloomy atmosphere for the members to express their sorrow. Beautiful backing harmonies really push this track forward.
The final track, “Baby Hold You Tight (BHYT),” stood out as it addressed a type of love atypical to K-pop. With the lyrics, “I don't want no issues / Tryna get closer to you /And speak your body language, uh”, it seems as though they’re singing about a situationship. They don’t want to hurt the other person, but they keep coming back to them for physical affection. With a hypnotic and dreamy hyperpop instrumental and lyrics about the relatable complexities of their relationships, JustB masterfully keeps their audience engaged throughout their entire creative project.
Written by Taylor McKay