Boy Sim finds the strange freedom of fake happiness on “Cloud Nine”

Boy Sim’s “Cloud Nine” turns the complex fallout of a breakup into a hyperpop-punk anthem for putting on a brave face. It's about that weird phase where you pretend you're over someone so well you almost convince yourself, but you still find ways to bring up an ex in conversation. “Cloud Nine” is a moving study of the struggle to find real progress within emotional pretense, turning the chaos of a breakup into a relatable meditation on healing.