SB19 has released Wakas at Simula, the long-awaited follow-up to their 2025 release Simula at Wakas. The group’s ongoing lore, from the giving tree to gothic castle imagery to themes of rebirth and resurrection, continues to play into their long-form worldbuilding. At a time when the group is reaching Lollapalooza status, the latest release celebrates the idea of an ending that acts as a transition into something new.
The album’s launch at the SMDC Festival Grounds on April 18 points to how far the group has pushed its lore, both in scale and in ambition. It also reflects their eight-year run as a group, as the band is still finding ways to rework their identity without losing what makes them recognizable. Not including the remade songs and tracks from the last album, here are the ranked songs of Wakas at Simula, from its more collaborative moments to its strongest, most fully realized tracks.
6. ‘Wakas’
The album’s outro caps off the “end” before leading back into the idea of a beginning. As a continuation of their previous release, the track leans into SB19’s strength in vocal harmonies, building toward a sense of belonging, where Pablo, Justin, and Felip all reach the highest of falsettos. While the vocal harmonies hit their mark, the track feels slightly off-kilter, with the buildup not fully paying off its scale.
5. ‘Memories’
The second track explores the group’s ability to frame times of crisis through optimism. “Memories” centers on the bond that holds the group together, especially during uncertain times. The trap-pop fusion production leverages the group’s vocal prowess through its rising hi-hats and riser sound effects, though the maximalist buildup never fully peaks, settling into a more lukewarm payoff than expected. Whether it be the flashy EDM-influenced synths or Pablo and Stell’s harmonies, the track is a solid, if reserved, effort.
4. ‘Toyfriend’ ft. BE:FIRST
SB19 shifts gears into a more playful, sexy tone on “Toyfriend.” The bassline groove comes in early, and the track doubles down on R&B textures, letting both groups trade lines with ease. Japan’s BE:FIRST adds another layer to the track’s dynamic, pushing it toward a more polished pop sound. It is a clear switch in tone, but one that the group handles comfortably.
3. ‘Everblack’
Surprisingly enough, this is where the project expands its sound. “Everblack” moves through sci-fi textures, heavier Playboi Carti-like rap sections, and autotuned elements a la Travis Scott that echo more aggressive trap influences. References to high fashion and stylized vocal effects add to its edge. The track takes risks that stand out within the album, even if some of its influences are on the nose.
2. ‘Emoji’ ft. JOLIN
Composed around a fast-paced rhythm and a club-ready beat, “Emoji” thrives on its thematically grandiose and verse-chorus-heavy, chaotic pop structure that is equipped for repeat listens. The track brings in Jolin as a strong counterpoint. As the “Queen of C-Pop” enters the fray, SB19 makes sure they remain on equal footing. The exchange between SB19 and Jolin keeps the energy consistent, with both sides matching each other’s delivery. The result is direct and effective, ready to hit quickly without losing momentum.
1. ‘VISA’
Opening the album with “VISA” sets the tone clearly. For a group stepping further into the global stage, the track’s focus on the realities of mobility and access lands with a sense of irony. It pairs a strong melodic hook with a pointed theme, grounding the song in the realities of applying for a travel visa. As straightforward as it sounds, the group’s knack for chaotic pop songwriting by lumping together all kinds of electronic music, such as Brazilian baile or traditional Filipino folk music, combined with the lived experiences of Filipinos, gives the lead single a strong start, making it one of the group’s most effective releases to date.
