As the world keeps rapidly changing around everyone, electro-pop duo Just A Leo figured it was also time they change the way they approach music making. The need to pivot eventually led to the creation of their latest single, “22. This Might Only Be A Phase.”
Typically, Just A Leo, composed of couple Andy and Kalliope, delve into the darker recesses of their conscience since their first EP in 2021. It’s why they describe their genre as “darkroom,” in reference to what they believe to be the best setting for listening to their music.
In contrast, the single’s unapologetic happiness brings sunshine into Just A Leo’s discography and offers a brief breath of fresh air from the hectic world.
According to the band, “22” is “A rare happy song for us,” evidenced by the keyboard and EDM-esc buildup that gives the track a pop feel. Kalliope’s vocals float over the smooth, velveteen guitar and bass, a testament to how locked in she and Andy are with every release. Appropriately so, the lyrics look on the bright side of present times, where the news and social media are almost always oversaturated by negativity.
While Andy and Kalliope hail from Australia, they recently took a trip through Europe and captured their journey in the music video for “22. This Might Only Be A Phase.” Recorded on their phones, there’s no shortage of photos and videos where they explore caves, enjoy the beach, and take in the moment. Everything about the video encapsulates the happy-go-lucky energy of the song, which serves as a personal time capsule to September 2022, a carefree time for the two.
ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
BEST NEW MUSIC
The sunny outlook of “22” may appear as the duo’s strategic move to counteract all the noise heard on TV, but the song’s meaning was not always apparent to them. “When we wrote ‘22. This Might Only Be A Phase,’ it was just because it sounded cool,” said Andy in a YouTube video on their channel.
Eventually, they realized the message was about overcoming a period of burnout, and was perhaps their most personal song to date despite not starting off as so. And whether or not their creative burnout remains, “22” will surely bring the sunlight back in, which effortlessly seeps through the instrumental every time.
Words: David Sosa
“22. This Might Only Be A Phase” by Just A Leo is out on all streaming services. For more on new music and potential live shows, follow them on Instagram.
This post may contain affiliate links. Ads and affiliate links are how independent blogs like Grimy Goods can operate. Thank you for supporting our work and being a part of our music community.
