If you lurk around SB19 topics on social media, depending on your algorithm, you might come across some varying opinions. One side may sing praises of the seven-year-old group’s artistry and their versatility in their music. A smaller, more close-minded lot may say their music is too loud, too noisy, too angry.
But if you deep dive into their discography, you’ll realize they’re more than just the viral bop “Gento,” or the touching parental tribute “Mapa.” They’re not called the P-pop Kings for nothing; true to the moniker, like kings, they’ve proven they’re at the top because of their mastery of their craft and their clear artistic vision.
Their latest EP “Simula at Wakas” is proof. The third and final EP in their Ikalawang Yugto trilogy, “Simula at Wakas” is a culmination of a chapter in SB19’s journey. It showcases their evolution—as a group, as artists, and as individuals. The seven-track EP is, plainly and frankly speaking, a roller coaster of emotions, a multi-genre revelation of SB19’s stronger-than-ever identity.
Aside from “DAM,” the EP’s first single, which we’ve been geeking out over thanks to the MV’s amazing fantasy film-like details, rich lore, and of course the song’s anthemic sound, there are five other tracks in the EP that take us through not just a lot of emotions, but through the group’s own thoughts and feelings, too.
“Time”
Vulnerable, rousing, and sobering. This heart-wrenching ballad is for those of us grappling with wanting to do or achieve so much but also worried about the future. “Time” reminds us that we won’t be here forever; time is limited. But despite this, it’s also a gentle nudge to keep trying. Yes, we’ll run out of time. That’s precisely why you should try, and do what you can, now.
SB19 is known for their impeccable vocals, and “Time” delivers exactly that. If you want to hear how each member has improved vocally over the years, this is the track.
Our feels with “Time:
- *uncontrollable crying*
- My head hurts from crying so much!
- I knew this was going to be so emotional but I AM CRYING SO MUCH
“8TonBall”
Leaning into a more hip-hop sound, “8TonBall” carries that swagger you’d definitely expect from the top P-pop boy group. In “8TonBall,” (featuring lyrics by Josh!) we get the sense that Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin know exactly what they bring to the table, and they’re not going to be shy about it. They know they paved the way, they know how they broke through the challenges.
Our feels with “8TonBall”:
- I haven’t recovered from crying over “Time” yet but okay! Let’s go!
- Angaaaas.
- I wasn’t expecting to hear Tagalog on this track based on the teaser, but wow, this works so well
“Quit”
Fans of J-rock will instantly vibe with “Quit,” a collaboration between Felip and Pablo. The song navigates that precarious balance between being authentic and also feeling the pressure of being subjected to others’ expectations and judgment. It’s the cry of someone who is trying hard not to crumble, trying to stay true to themselves against a world bent on changing and challenging them.
Our feels with “Quit”:
- This is a rock song, but WHY AM I CRYING AGAIN?
- This feels so cathartic to sing out loud!
“Shooting for the Stars”
Relatively lighter and more “feel good” compared to the earlier tracks, “Shooting for the Stars” features an interesting sonic contrast. It starts off in a somewhat dark, mysterious verse, but breaks off into very bright, pop tones just as they sing, “I’ll be shooting for the stars, aiming high! The universe is ours, yours and mine.” An optimistic and dreamy song that’s got me imagining how magical this might be when they sing it at the Philippine Arena. (Think of the lighting they could play with, and all the twinkling Elesbis, too! SB19’s own shooting stars!)
Our feels with “Shooting for the Stars”:
- What a bop! Love the vibes!
“Dungka!”
The penultimate track in the EP is a cheeky, upbeat “diss” track that features SB19’s signature wordplay. “Dungka” plays on “do’n ka,” telling the haters, if this ain’t your jam, step aside. The playful music video is also packed with so many details that just scream “Pinoy!”—featuring prominent faces and trends in pop culture and Pinoy culture, all while also taking a jab at the hateful remarks the group’s received over the years.
Despite being somewhat a response to the hate, its funky beat doesn’t make it sound angry at all. If it does, Pablo only has this to say: “Maingay ba? Hahaha! Do’n ka na, uwi!”
Our feels with “Dungka!”:
- This is the perfect hype song?!
- Is this a response to the haters?! I love it, what a bop!
- It’s like the more fun, unbothered brother of “Bazinga”!
***
“Simula at Wakas” may be an emotional roller coaster, but don’t let that trick you into thinking that this amalgamation of genres means a lack of solid identity. On the contrary, it serves to highlight their vibrant musicality and artistry. It is precisely this genre-bending that makes it so SB19: They keep proving they’re never one-dimensional.
Multifaceted and complex—human: that’s what draws fans to them, and inspires such fierce loyalty and love. In a world that’s becoming increasingly manufactured and artificial, it’s this unapologetic honesty—real, heartfelt, but in no way messy or unrefined—that makes SB19 a top class act.
And we shouldn’t let the EP title fool us either. It may have “wakas” in it, but it definitely doesn’t look like SB19’s stopping any time soon. If anything, this may just be the beginning.
