Never been done BEE-PO [PSYCHIC FEVER]

PSYCHIC FEVER has been dominating the J-pop scene, especially since their hit "Just Like Dat." Their latest release, "BEE-PO," continues to uphold their reputation. Known for their love-themed tracks, "BEE-PO" adds a delightful new twist to their repertoire. After translating the lyrics, it's clear that the song revolves around the intense experience of love, as hinted by lines like "Not callin’ 119 on the Iphone, can you save me tonight" and “SOS, come here please.” which I think will resonate strongly with teenage audiences, capturing the fervor of first love.

Conceptually, "BEE-PO" shines bright. It’s essentially a story about loving someone so much it hurts yet you only want them to cure your pain which may seem familiar to some of you fellow K-Pop lovers because 5th Gen Boy Group RIIZE did a similar concept recently with their track “Love 119”. One similarity you might notice between the two is calling 119 because of your love which in case you didn’t know, is the Japanese and Korean hotline for medical emergencies. 

Moving on, let's dive into the instrumental elements! The song's use of keyboard, synth, piano, and upbeat yet light drum patterns sets a fitting tone for a fresh and vibrant concept. The gradual tempo changes effectively build momentum, culminating in a quite catchy chorus. Interestingly, "BEE-PO" serves as a post-chorus, while the actual chorus features the lines with "SOS." This structural choice initially felt unexpected but aligns well upon closer examination due to the simpler instrumental during pre-chorus as opposed to the chorus itself, with "BEE-PO" serving as the song's catchiest segment.

While "BEE-PO" maintains a chill, laid-back vibe, it still lacks the punchy energy characteristic of PSYCHIC FEVER's signature style. However, moments of vibrancy, particularly in the second pre-chorus rap, did inject excitement back into the track. Despite its overall chill demeanor, the chorus just felt somewhat underwhelming. It could have benefit from more robust instrumentation or additional lyrics to elevate its impact and really make it a key highlight from the song.

All in all, "BEE-PO" is an enjoyable listen, especially for those who can relate to young heartache or simply just want something fun and fresh to listen to. With slight adjustments to the instrumental arrangement, PSYCHIC FEVER has the potential to captivate both the J-pop scene and global audiences. If you like PSYCHIC FEVER as much as I do, try checking them out on 10 May when they come down to Singapore ;)