JUST B’s Brilliant Energy Engulfs New York on Their SNOW ANGEL Tour
Photos: Jean Libert
Almost five years post debut, JUST B hasn’t been given anywhere near the attention they deserve. A group with insanely talented members who have proven their vocal, dance, and charisma not only through their performances, but with their presence on shows such as Road to Kingdom: Ace of Aces, Under Nineteen, I-LAND, Build Up, they returned last year with insane music which should be pumping in clubs, or at minimum on your workout playlists. The versatile sextet consisting of Geonu, Bain, Lim Jimin, Siwoo, DY, and Sangwoo was a quintet on April 3, as the leader Lim Jimin is taking a health hiatus. As the group had been running nonstop, they were in New York in November for The Snow Angel Listening Tour, the excitement from ONLY B (their fandom) was super high. This time around they’d be performing all their recent hits and more. Packed into Racket NYC, the night was nonstop high energy from soundcheck to closing, with crazy solos, moving ballads, and a pumping finish that had everyone on their feet. There are some groups that just thrive live that you should never miss, and JUST B is one of them.
The show opened with “TRUE HEART,” and as the lyrics “be my lover all night” seemed a given for the night. The connection between JUST B and ONLY B was already airtight. Smokey lights were the only props on the stage they dominated. Dressed in a range of puffer jackets, they alluded to a “street” vibe, but they honestly also looked like they could sweat to death in them. The guys filled the stage and were totally on point with their choreography, vocals, and energy. Though we knew that Lim Jimin wasn’t there, the energy and vibe more than filled the gap and with the skills of each member’s execution of the stages. The infectious energy carried into “DOOM x3,” where the hyperpop/EDM-influenced sound made it impossible to stop your body from moving. DY especially stood out as his flow as the power hit at the right spots of the dynamic song.
With the room sufficiently hyped, the guys took a moment to introduce themselves. Bain and Geonu each shouting out, “Are you ready for this?” had the floor screaming and the momentary reprieve was over before the guys jumped into the title track of the album and the tour title, “SNOW ANGEL.” With a softer tone the song’s echoed phrases sung after the dance break by Siwoo and DY became a highlight of the stage.
What followed is probably the most underrated song of 2025. The song should have been at the very top of every best of 2025 K-Pop song charts. The hyperpop electronic sound of “CHEST” was a much-needed change that made it stand out from many of the tracks released last year. From Geonu and Bain’s opening verse and the melodic vocals of Bain’s pre-chorus, the song never loses its musicality despite its electric sound. Clearly a favorite of all as it was performed at soundcheck, in the show, and the encore, each time the lyrics sung louder by the entire room.
After a short ment checking in with the crowd, the crew jumped into “GOING SOUTH,” another banger from the SNOW ANGEL album with a repetitive chorus that sticks to you. While most of the song had choreography, closer to the end of the song it was more fan engagement than choreo that was the focus. Sangwoo’s butt shimmy play with the crowd was especially irresistible. Jumping straight into “SWEATER,” what’s been clear throughout the show is that every member carries strong vocals in the group. Though some of the songs in the latest album have been more streamed and popular, the dance focused track, “BHYT (Baby Hold You Tight),” was one that this ONLY B was especially looking forward to. Starting with the tender lyrics that matched the title, “Baby, hold you tight,” to the arm pumping repetitive “Go” in the chorus, the song’s heart thumping sounds had everyone jumping and losing their voices. There was one more song before the solos and it was a great one: “MEDUSA” was released in 2023 and has remained a favorite since. With a strong melodic chorus that just makes you sing along combined with a rock touch with the steady drums in the background, the track kept everyone moving and singing along.
The solo stages that followed started with Siwoo’s keshi cover of “Soft Spot,” which not only displayed the beauty of his voice but gave the crowd a moment to catch their breath. DY sported a black leather style jacket that gave him the sexy, bad, rocker vibe as he sang an unreleased song. Geonu started his set and soon had Sangwoo joining him, as they jumped around the stage giving everyone everything they had. The star of the solo show in the end was Bain. With the longest set compiling a medley of Lady Gaga songs, he poured through “Abracadabra,” “Judas,” “ScheiBe,” Poker Face,” and “Telephone” like the queen he was meant to be, even bringing up a fan to dance along with him. Since coming out last year, Bain, whose vocals are one of the best in the business, has mentioned feeling freer and stronger. Seeing him now belt, strip, feather, and dance in his own true diva style seemed a continuation of that celebration of self-identity that everyone was thrilled to be included in.
Returning as a group, the next stage was the upbeat “Still I Luv You.” As now more seasoned performers, the members moved in and out of their choreography, giving the stage as much focus as the fans. The song refueled the pace of the show as it migrated into the hugely popular “Daddy’s Girl.” Here was a belt fest, as everyone sang along to all English lyrics of this irresistible song. Vocal cords didn’t get a rest as “Too Late” filled the air, another song with a chorus that you just have to sing aloud with.
Taking time to speak to the crowd, Geonu let everyone know that they were approaching the end of the show. Stating, “You have me, and I have you” as DY’s guitar strummed a soothing rhythm, the notes to “Hoodie” began. A pure vocal showcase, the lovely ballad especially showcased Bain, Geonu and Sangwoo’s vocals, the latter hitting an impressive high note to cheers. Continuing with the feels the music migrated into “Just One Step.” Opening with the moving hushed tones of DY’s singing rap, the song had everyone’s arms waving as the layered repetitive chorus fueled the beautiful notes of the song.
Geonu was the first to speak at the last ment of the main show: “We all together did a great job even though Jimin is not here. You guys know we basically have six members…” reminding everyone that though the show had successfully concluded that their team was still missing an important presence. Bain went next, thanking everyone for sharing their time today and telling everyone to stay safe, stating also, “I hope you all always be yourself.” DY, Siwoo, and Sangwoo also gave words of love and thanks. Taking a moment to do a group photo, it was soon time for the final closing stage of the night, “BULLET.”
As with all shows, the first end is really a pause and the guys returned for their encore set starting with “FREEDOM” and quickly moving into a repeat of “SNOW ANGEL” and “CHEST.” With the final “CHEST,” the members went into the crowd to give more love directly to the excited fans. With these final songs, the music was pumping so hard that it was impossible not to jump and sing along. Ending on a high note, the guys closed a fun and vibrant show. JUST B is that team that puts on an amazing show that you never want to miss and even as it ends, you want to experience it all again.
Thank you to ARAISE, Bluedot Entertainment, and of course to JUST B for having us.