ZEROBASEONE have returned with a new seven track EP full of Dance Pop, House and R&B sounds. Photo credits to ZEROBASEONE and Wake One Entertainment.
ZEROBASEONE have returned with their latest mini album, Ascend, which feature seven brand new tracks to match their rebrand. This album precedes their special limited album, RE-FLOW that was released in time for the Here and Now tour Encore. Previously, the group operated as nine members as they were hand picked from fans around the world during the MNET survival show, ‘Boys Planet.’ But as most survival shows go, the group was given a temporary contract, and shortly after the Encore concerts concluded, members Zhang Hao, Ricky, Gyuvin and Yujin left the group in order to pursue their careers within a new one. Now as five, ZEROBASEONE have rebranded and are ready to show the world their new musical direction.
The group recently put out a one hour documentary on their Youtube channel–a “ZBLog”–highlighting the process of hand selecting the songs as well as recording them. Each member was able to voice their opinions regarding song choices and youngest member Park Gunwook even contributed to composing, arranging, and lyricizing one of them.
Leader Sung Hanbin stated that the album is a new chapter for them, and that with the songs chosen and this new direction, it allows for each member’s skills to shine.
Paired with the theme of rebranding and new paths comes the first track, “Intro”, which is exactly what it sounds like–an introduction to the album. This two minute track is created purely with instrumentals that pull from specific portions of the other tracks, creating a perfect collaborative beginning to the album. As the track dissipates, it jumps into the group’s highly anticipated title track, “TOP 5”.
“TOP 5” features a Contemporary R&B beat, reminiscent of the early 2000s. The theme of the song highlights the top five things that the members love about someone. Lyrics such as “your lips, your style, your kiss,” showcase a more mature vibe and the transition of the groups’ sound. Continuing with the R&B vibes comes the third song and promoting B-side, “V for Vision.” Although it has R&B roots, the song could not be more different than “TOP 5.” The beginning instrumentals feature slowed down beats, similar to those of early 2000s artists like Destiny’s Child. The twinged vocals chanting “V for what,” during the chorus help to bring the entire song together.
Another highly anticipated song, “Customize’, is the next track on the album. Fans actually had the chance to hear this song live as the members’ performed it at KCON Japan before the album was officially released. Despite it being performed, ZEROSE–their fandom–were excited to finally hear the studio version. “Customize” continues with the early 2000s vibe and was even written, produced and arranged by Gunwook. The theme of love and relationships is strong within this song as it is filled with lyrics like, “You can Customize my heart,” symbolizing a relationship in which the members would do anything to keep the love.
Halfway through the album, the vibes begin to change. Following “Customize”, comes a club oriented Dance Pop song titled, “Exotic.” This track is upbeat and combines both House and Dance Pop to create a dance-worthy song. With lyrics like, “I want to follow this feeling freely with your body left to the flow, without even realizing it “ to match the beat, this song instantly becomes a club staple.
During track number six, “Changes”, the tone of the album changes as a slow tempo beat comes in paired with raw vocals to create the perfect ballad. This song features the concept of changing love along with the highs and lows. Concluding the album is a modern tempo and typical KPOP sounding song, “Zero to Hundred,” which follows the story of someone hitting the gas on their relationship going from zero to one hundred within a moment. The faster beats and synth sounds help to curate another Dance Pop track, which make the perfect ending to the album.
Despite what the members of ZEROBASEONE have been through this year, the new direction in which they are heading is promising and is sure to have fans on the edge of their seat as they await the next chapter.