Juno Roome is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer who moved to the US when he was 10—so his Korean got a bit fuzzy over the years. "just like before" was written as a way of reconnecting with his history and culture, and explores the emotional space of missing a relationship that ended badly. There is always a temptation to revisit those memories of intimacy; here, Juno mixes that sense of fondness with hints of bittersweet sadness.
Drawing from elements of bedroom pop, Juno assembles a sweeping soundscape with equal parts easy groove and husky whisper. "just like before" delivers a fitting homage to the long trajectory of love with a slick production veneer, layers of ethereal vocal, washed-out jazz guitar, and a gorgeous arrangement for horns.
Keep an eye out for a music video to accompany this song by filmmaker Chiara Kung which will be released soon.
