Author: Britt

  • ATEEZ Return with Fifth Installment of their Golden Hour Series

    ATEEZ Return with Fifth Installment of their Golden Hour Series

    ATEEZ have returned with GOLDEN HOUR: Pt 5. This five track record follows the theme of toxic and addicting love and utilizes various Latin and Brazilian beats and genres. Photo credits to ATEEZ, KQ Entertainment.

    Just four months after the release of their EP GOLDEN HOUR: Pt 4, ATEEZ is back with another another installment of the series, GOLDEN HOUR: Pt 5. The members – Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung & Jongho – have decided to take on a new approach and musical style with this new album that includes Latin beats, Brazilian funk, R&B and more.

    The album starts off strong with the title track, “BAD”. This song is built around Latin-inspired rhythms and paired with a captivating, addictive beat. The music video features vivid colors, lively choreography and even a wedding, which aid in conveying the theme of the song, which is dangerous love. The group mixes English, Spanish and Korean lyrics within the track to give it a more global appeal.

    The next track, “MAMACITA”, which has been labeled as a crowd favorite by ATINY (their fandom), continues with the Latin beats and Brazilian funk that the boys have experimented with over the years. Similar to “BAD”, this track also conveys a theme of love and finding someone.

    Following “MAMACITA” is the third song, “TOXIN.” “TOXIN” begins the switch up as it is mid-way through the album. The previous songs contained Latin beats, where as this track tones down to mid-tempo almost R&B vibes. This is also where the love story begins to change as this song focuses on someone being similar to a toxin and how they cannot get away.

    “Fallin’”, the next song on the album, is completely different than any other song that the group has done. This one features powerful percussions and synths. The most notable part of this song is member Yeosang’s part as his deep voice carries the entire chrous, creating a sort of eerie vibe. Similar to “TOXIN”, “Fallin’” follows the theme of falling in deep and being intoxicated by someone.

    The last track ,“BODY”, is the perfect ending to the album. With its mid-tempo beats and soft vocals, this song is perfect for listening to on a late night drive. Despite being slower and different than the previous songs on the record, this one encapsulates ATEEZ’s various sides, proving that they are capable of dipping into many different genres within one album.

    GOLDEN HOUR: Pt 5 showcases ATEEZ’s strengths within the finer details of the album as well as their growth as artists. This new Latin direction in which they are heading aids in making them even more unique without overshadowing their previous releases. As their lore grows, fans are excited to see what they have in store next.

  • K-Pop Soloist EVAN Debuts with Mini Album and Title Song, “Ride or Die”

    K-Pop Soloist EVAN Debuts with Mini Album and Title Song, “Ride or Die”

    Evan makes his debut with a two track EP that showcases his new direction. Photo credits to HYBE, EVAN.

    Three months after announcing his departure from Enhypen, Evan (formally known as Heeseung) has officially made his debut with a 2 track EP, featuring “Ride or Die” and “Overflow”.

    Evan was first introduced to the world as a trainee on the CJ ENM boy group survival show, “I LAND”, where he competed alongside other contestants. Evan was voted into the final group, ENHYPEN, where he has spent the last six years.

    “Ride or Die” marks Evan’s official new beginning as a soloist and he surely did not disappoint. Not only does this showcase a new authentic side of him, but it also serves as his “official reintroduction” to fans that have loved him since “I-LAND” and Enhypen.

    “Ride or Die”, the promoted title track, composed by Evan himself, starts off with a powerful synth-like guitar melody that immediately turns heads. The chorus contains lyrics such as, “You are my ride or die, drive ‘till the end of time”, it is definitely something that can resonate within everyone looking to find that someone to stay in their lives forever. As the lyrics carry on, it is clear to see that this song carries the weight of Evan’s journey and preparation for his debut. While watching the music video, viewers are able to feel the emotions and powerfulness of the meaning behind the song. 

    Toning the vibe down with “Overflow”, the promoted B-side on the EP, this track brings more of a ballad tone with comforting and emotional lyrics. Evan participated in the writing once more, and it is evident that this song was meant to be a reassurance to anyone and everyone struggling through a hard place and to never give up hope. With lyrics in the second verse “I write this letter to you, even though I can’t send it, we’ll definitely meet again”, it gives every individual listening a chance to realize that life may be hard right now, but there is always ways to find the light at the end of a dark tunnel. 

    With teasers already beginning of a full mini album coming out in September, Evan is back and better than ever, ready to show the world what he has in store. He will be making his first official solo debut in the US on August 16th at KCON LA, so please be sure to cheer loud and proud, showing that you will always be his “Ride or Die”.