Two teams, united by a shared universe, have recently made their return. The 9-member boy band &TEAM, belonging to ‘HYBE LABELS JAPAN’ under HYBE Entertainment, has launched their debut full-length album [First Howling: NOW]. Meanwhile, the 7-member boy band ENHYPEN, part of the ‘BELIFT LAB label,’ has come back with their new mini-album [ORANGE BLOOD], following [DARK BLOOD] about six months ago. Both groups feature members from the 2020 survival show < I-LAND>, sparking considerable interest among K-pop enthusiasts. This time, let's explore the music of these two groups, who are portraying werewolves and vampires in a fantastical realm.
The Irresistible Charm of a Vampire, ENHYPEN's ‘Sweet Venom’
While their last title song ‘Bite Me’ captured the quintessential dark and enchanting vampire image with its clingy melody and intricate vocals, their latest title track ‘Sweet Venom’ ventures into a lighter mood, stepping away from the conventional vampire narrative. Listening to the 1980s-inspired rhythmic bass and rhythm guitar riffs, combined with the more exhilarating vocals of the members, evokes the sensation of being in the midst of a youth drama, rather than a night filled with danger.
In their title track, the extended falsetto notes in “Sweet-ee-eet” and the emphatically delivered “Venom” form a striking contrast in the chorus, encapsulating the essence of the song. Echoing the dual nature implied by its title, the track skillfully blends the allure of sweetness with a dangerously addictive undertone. Overall, the track carries an enchanting aura, creating a delightful atmosphere that entices repeated listening.
The song's lyrics continue from the poignant request in ‘Bite Me,’ where an invitation is extended with “Just come over and bite me,” to depict the moment when a sweet venom spreads through the body. It effectively modernizes the beloved romantic vampire narrative, illustrating the curiosity that arises amidst a scary yet exhilarating experience. The lyrics, like “running into a new world,” serve to pull the listener further into the captivating universe of ENHYPEN.
Direct and Unstoppable Werewolf, &TEAM's ‘War Cry’
The song evokes the image of a gallant werewolf character from fantasy tales, who swiftly comes to the rescue of the endangered heroine. In ‘War Cry’ by &TEAM, the classic werewolf imagery is seamlessly woven into the music. Right from the start, the song bursts into life with a lively pop-rock guitar riff, harking back to the 2000s, creating a dynamic momentum. Interspersed with this, the robust rapping of the members delivers the thrill of a wild beast on the run.
Particularly interesting is the Korean version of the song. While they operate primarily out of Japan, as with their previous mini-album [First Howling: WE], they have also released ‘War Cry (Korean Ver.),’ adapting the title track from Japanese into Korean. Although only one of the nine members is Korean, the clean and professional production ensures the song is engaging and well-received. Unlike the original Japanese version, which offers a vibe akin to Japanese anime themes, the Korean version brings out a distinct flavor that is characteristic of K-POP.
Despite its brief duration of just 2 minutes and 20 seconds, the song is packed with various elements that keep it compelling, including its tragic melodic development and the dynamic use of electric guitar sounds. It's a track that simulates the exhilarating feeling one might have when encountering a ferocious werewolf, making it only a matter of time before listeners are captivated by &TEAM's powerful music.
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