Critic Rating: 8/10
“This is my answer… this cold winter too shall pass.”
On March 27th, the release of the indie-rock mixtape, “Panic,” marked TXT member Beomgyu’s solo debut. Participating in the production, composition, and lyric-writing process of the track, Beomgyu shares a moving story of resilience and finding the strength to move on.
The track opens with the strumming of a humble, lone ukulele. Subtle static can be heard in the background of this soft opening, reminiscent of playing back an old recording. This modest instrumental is sustained for the first 20 seconds and is then amplified with strong accompanying percussion and electric guitar. Though relatively simple in rhythm, the instrumentals evoke a nostalgic summer feel. Beomgyu’s melancholic yet steadfast vocals have a raw quality to it. He maintains a perfect balance between delicate, breathy vocals at moments, and strong, mournful belts at others. These emotionally charged outcries portray an authentic vulnerability that gets you in your feels. In his touching lyrics, Beomgyu reflects on the process of confronting one’s feelings, accepting the past, and healing. His growth is evident through the progression of the lyrics — they tell a story. The song opens up with Beomgyu’s confession that he wishes he could simply avoid his problems. “Close my eyes / I want to escape to somewhere far away,” he admits. However, he soon finds the strength to face his emotions, declaring that he no longer wants to “hold on to [his] crumbling heart” or “run away anymore.” Beomgyu finally comes to the resolution that “this cold winter too shall pass.” He resolves to no longer dwell on the pain. These moments are only temporary, like the changing seasons.
As an avid listener of TXT, I was incredibly excited for yet another solo release from the five-member band following Yeonjun’s solo debut in September of last year. “Panic” is a solid track from both a musicality and lyrical perspective. It effectively delves into delicate, relatable themes and communicates an emotional depth that resonates with listeners. Though a release I was thoroughly pleased with, “Panic” is only just a glimpse into Beomgyu’s artistic potential. I truly can’t wait to see how he continues to grow on his musical journey and I eagerly await new releases.
