SB19 Takes Over With New EP “Simula at Wakas”
The boys of SB19 are back and bolder than ever with their newest EP, Simula at Wakas. Formed in 2018, the quintet — Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin — made waves in March when their pre-released lead single “DAM” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart. Along with their many accolades, SB19 has also garnered over 627 million YouTube views and 3.87 million subscribers.
Now, they’re ushering in a new era with Simula at Wakas. This comeback is about their evolution and the story they’re continuing to paint. The seven tracks on this EP are electrifying, raw, and filled to the brim with adrenaline. Buckle up and fasten your seatbelts — SB19’s ride into their new era has only just begun.
Straight to the Heart
Kicking off Simula at Wakas with an explosive rallying cry, “DAM” instantly puts us into motion. The track starts with a thundering drumline like boots stomping in sync, making us feel as if we’re charging into battle alongside the boys. Josh takes charge of the opening, rapping in a playful tone, “Woo, this is ugly! / But you know that I kinda like it.” And boy, so do we! The title “DAM” is derived from the Tagalog word pakiramdam, or “feeling” in English, but these aren’t tender or sentimental emotions the boys feel. Instead, the track pulses with raw intensity and thrills. It’s about drawing power from pain and transforming suffering into strength. The fun with “DAM” doesn’t stop there; just when you thought “DAM” couldn’t get more intense, the extended version arrives with a dance break as a cheeky, surprising ending to the EP.
If “DAM” was a storm, “Time” is the sunrise after. In this sentimental ballad, the boys explore what it means to be alive in the now. Over gentle piano keys, the members explore the bittersweet truth that when our time runs out, the only thing that remains of us are memories. Swapping out hard punches for vulnerability, Pablo sings, “Many things we can’t control / I hope you know it’s better to try.” It’s a quiet reminder that we don’t have forever, and we need to give it our all before the clock runs out. Show up for your dreams because otherwise, what are you waiting for?
On the High
The third track, “8tonBall,” electrically switches up tempo. Like an eight-ton ball, the song’s heavy beat hits hard with a powerful impact on your ears. This hip-hop track is SB19 in full flex mode: fierce and fast. They’re absolutely unrelenting, rising to the height of the skies. Justin opens the song with a strong declaration: “Wait a second, ‘cause we going to the top.” The intertwining Tagalog and English lyrics bring up the heat, making each line punch hard. At the climax of the song, Stell comes in hard with a crushing high note on “need it now.”
But SB19 isn’t stopping their roll just yet. No, they’re going full throttle in this EP with their fourth track, “Quit.” In this one, the boys passionately sing how they’re going to do the opposite of quitting. This track plays with a different genre and tone, a pop-rock ballad at its core. It’s a cry of youth with each member showcasing their raw vocals. “Quit” sounds like what it feels like to grow up in a world that demands too much, but then still find yourself stepping up to the challenge. As Pablo sings, “They tryna kill the colours in my mind / When all my heart wanted was to be kind.” If you need a power anthem, this one is for you.
Charging Up
The limit is the sky for SB19, and, well, they’re “Shooting for the Stars” in their fifth track. Bursting with synth-laced euphoria and spirit, this song is a declaration of ambition and purpose. “Shooting for the Stars” radiates the type of energy that’s sure to infect you with a burst of happiness. With his low, husky voice, Ken raps in the second verse, “Looking up at the sun, and I am charging up for my journey.” SB19 crafts a sonic experience that feels like a liftoff with pounding beats mimicking the adrenaline of running towards your dreams. “Shooting for the Stars” is a feel-good yet hard-earned celebration of choosing your path and believing in your power.
Now that you’re all charged up, get ready to let loose with “DUNGKA!” The track carries on SB19’s explosive energy with a fusion of rave, EDM, and hip-hop. Bold and unapologetic, it’s a perfect hype song. The boys are claiming their musical territory, and they’re staying to reign. Like a war cry, the members’ voices blend in the chorus, where they all chant together, “Tumabi ka d’yan.” It’s a fierce command to make way. Loud and fearless, SB19 is ready to dominate with this sonic stampede of a track.
The music video for “DUNGKA!” is as wild and free as the track itself. Set against the bustling streets of the Philippines, SB19 quite literally takes over a city. The boys storm through alleyways, riding on cartops and leading an ever-growing crowd of people in an explosive dance. It’s a visual burst of color and energy, packed with cheeky moments.
From emotional ballads to explosive power anthems, Simula at Wakas is proof that SB19 continues to rewrite the playbook on what P-pop can be. With this new release, the group is launching their “Simula at Wakas World Tour,” kicking off May 31st at the Philippine Arena. After selling out the first show in seven hours, a second date was quickly added for June 1st. This makes them the first Filipino act to perform back-to-back nights at this iconic venue. The tour will also catapult SB19 onto the global stage, with stops confirmed across North America, Japan, Australia, and more. Don’t miss the chance to witness SB19’s latest era come to life live!
Keep up with SB19 on Instagram, X, and TikTok, and listen to their latest EP Simula at Wakas on Spotify and Apple Music.
Looking for more Filipino artists to add to your rotation? Check out our track-by-track breakdown of grentperez’s debut album here!
