SB19 enter new chapter in sophomore album 'Wakas at Simula'

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MANILA, Philippines — It truly is an end and a beginning for local boy band and P-Pop Kings SB19 after releasing "Wakas at Simula," just the group's second full-length album.

The 24-track album released last March 27 features six new songs led by singles "Visa" and "Emoji" as well as reworked versions of songs from SB19's trilogy of extended plays, namely "Pagsibol," "Pagtatag!" and "Simula at Wakas."

SB19's very first album "Get in the Zone" came out nearly six years ago and now with "Wakas at Simula," the group closes its formative era and begins a new phase of their career — one towards self-discovery, identity building and the cultivation of public trust.

"This marks a new beginning," SB19 themselves said in a statement. "We hope to express ourselves more openly, explore deeper and more relatable themes, and move forward with clarity, care and creative freedom, ready to face new challenges together."

The complete tracklist produces a future-forward pop record embracing genre fluidity and maximalism, aspects SB19 has been known for as years go by alongside their energy and charisma.

The group's lead and chief producer Pablo explained that the new album's sonic direction was intended with consideration of the history behind each revamped song.

"We did not want to simply remake them; we aimed to reintroduce them with greater depth. We explored more mature arrangements, stronger dynamics, and a careful balance of raw emotion and refinement," Pablo said.

In terms of the sound, Pablo focused on warmth, atmosphere, and storytelling, which allowed the music to honor its origins yet become a reflection of the group's current growth.

RELATED: SB19 announces track list of upcoming album 'Wakas at Simula'

"Emoji," the album's second single, was co-produced by another member Ken with Luke April of the band Playertwo and features C-Pop artist Jolin.

Ken described the "Brazilian phonk-inspired" track — which he co-wrote with Pablo and Jolin — as a fresh and exciting sound for SB19.

"[It] explores social media and how people often mask their true emotions behind emojis," Ken expounded. "It reflects on the contrast between online personas and genuine feelings, highlighting the subtle ways technology shapes human expression."

SB19 also collaborated with Japanese pop group Be:First on "Toyfriend," while the other new songs are "Memories," "Everblack" and "Wakas."

The reworked songs feature new arrangements, allowing for a more refined direction with emotions running even deeper and lyrics having greater meaning.

Pablo put it simply that it was about respect and progression, "We wanted the songs people already love to retain their emotional core, while the newer tracks pushed the album forward. Nostalgia gave the project its roots, and the new songs gave it momentum. The goal was to make the album feel familiar while still showing growth and evolution."

Lying ahead for SB19 is their "Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Finale" concert next month, a historic performance at Lollapalooza in the summer, and an appearance at Japan's Summer Sonic on August 15.

RELATED: SB19 performing at Japan's silver Summer Sonic; Jennie, Le Sserafim also in line-up