There are two groups with fresh and vibrant images that evoke the beauty of youth. TWS and NCT WISH, who have both established a clear presence in the competitive boy group lineup within just six months of their debut, have released new songs around the same time. While TWS continued to build on their existing strengths, NCT WISH showcased a surprising charm, but both groups highlighted freshness and vitality.
Playful Metaphors of Young Love: TWS's 'If I'm S, Can You Be My N'
Along with the rock guitar and fast drumming expressing the rush of youth in 'hey! hey!', the title track 'If I'm S, Can You Be My N' from their 2nd EP [SUMMER BEAT!] adds a more mischievous and cheerful atmosphere to the refreshing tone to 'Plot Twist'. The song, which implies the attraction between a man and a woman to the as the magnet’s North and South Pole; makes the message clear by placing the chorus at the very beginning. Continuing the unique sound of 'Plot Twist' with its striking percussion and emphasizes the bass for a rhythmic feel.
It maximizes the youthful identity of TWS with backgrounds of the track field and school rooftop, and stimulating all the senses by splashing water visuals. The relatively easy-to-follow point choreography expressing magnetic attraction by adding hands is a friendly touch. With the cleverness of 'N and S, We are Castanets' and the purity of 'Because We Are One in Any Moment,' 'If I'm S, Can You Be My N' depicts the summer vibe in a different way compared to the electronic-rock fusion 'hey! hey!'.
Coexistence of Charisma and Loveliness: NCT WISH's ‘Songbird’
NCT WISH, a multinational group of Korean and Japanese members, expresses their unique characteristics through their music. From their pre-debut single 'Hands Up' to their first single 'WISH,' they have consistently released Japanese versions alongside the originals. By avoiding simple translation work, the different rhythms and emotions of each language makes each version interesting and feels new like they are different songs. Similarly, 'Songbird,' released both the Japanese version and the original, brought out a contrasting charisma compared to 'WISH'.
The addictive acoustic guitar strumming, reminiscent of Justin Timberlake’s 'Like I Love You' or Raul Midon’s 'State Of Mind,' expresses intensity beneath the freshness, and the high-energy chorus part highlights the members’ harmonies. With legendary K-pop star BoA as the producer, the meticulously and seamlessly crafted arrangement fills the three-minute runtime.
The music video, featuring members as fairy-tale-like 'wish deliverers' and performing solid choreography in a garage, showcases NCT WISH’s unique progressive storytelling. The choreography, depicting the freedom of a bird with wing movements, hints at the group’s diverse future charms.
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