An emerging indie-pop outfit from Brighton in the UK, Jumanji is ready to dominate your summer playlists with their new single, “X.”
“X” is a catchy tune about moving on. The title of the track references an anonymous ex, as the lyrics reflect on a failed past relationship. The lead singer analyzes all of the ways her ex gradually pushed her away, and she exudes confidence and independence as she lets go of all of this emotional baggage.
The verses work well from the singer’s perspective of the relationship. They provide a simple backstory that allows the listener to fill in the details, making the song more relatable to anyone with similar experiences. The chorus then ruminates on what could have been if things had worked out between them, but she decides that she ultimately doesn’t care anymore by the end the line. The lyrics are ultimately simple, but they work perfectly for this type of indie-pop.
In terms of the feeling of the song, the song has a natural pop momentum in its structure. The verses build into a perfect chorus built for audiences to sing along with. The melody is strong, and it sticks in your head like every memorable melody should. It rises up and down like an emotional rollercoaster, mimicking the singer’s emotions as she moves on from her ex. The chorus’s hook works perfectly in the context of the track, with a rising crescendo that culminates into a declaration of defiance by its end.
Jumanji usually has a bright and shimmery sound, and their instrumentation on this track is light and energetic. Treble-laden guitars bounce around the soundscape with a buoyant feeling, and the backbeat is strong and steady. The song has a great dance feel to it, with its fast tempo built around a simple four on the floor beat.
It feels like a great addition to any party playlist with its perfect dance vibes and memorable chorus.
I found that the vocals were the most impressive part of “X.” The vocal line takes center stage on the track, as the lead singer provides a great presence with her smooth, yet memorable delivery over the simple backing instrumentation. The production is also good on the track, with enough smooth reverb on the vocals and guitars to give you that warm feeling necessary for any good indie-pop song. The mix sounds good, and the band sounds confident with their sound.
While listening, I couldn’t help but think of a few comparisons and possible influences. “X” is reminiscent of the typical indie-rock sound. Think Walk the Moon, The Mowgli’s, and Hippo Campus, but with a mix of modern Britpop. The sound still works, even if it is a bit tired by this point. Jumanji does a good job taking the indie archetype and adding their own interpretation to the genre.
I feel that there could also be some more variation in the song’s structure to create more interest, as there is only a small instrumental break that acts as a bridge before the final chorus. Though the simple guitar parts work well to add melodic lines to the track, the sonic space can feel a bit empty at times, especially since the drum part also remains static for a majority of the track.
All of that being said, the song still works as a great example of a warm and energetic pop track. Though it may be a bit simple, it embraces the pop mold and aims to be a fun and relatable song for audiences to enjoy.
