Pledis Entertainment has recently introduced a new boy band, TWS, marking its first such venture in nine years; the band is making steady progress. TWS, an acronym for ‘Twenty Four Seven with Us,’ aims to evoke the feeling of a friendly, approachable boy-next-door whom one would enjoy spending every day with. They have carved out their unique niche with a genre they call ‘boyhood pop,’ venturing into uncharted musical territories. Their debut mini album, [Sparkling Blue], has quickly garnered attention for its vivid portrayal of youthful exuberance, encapsulated by its refreshing blue hues and title. Featuring an upbeat sound, crisp melodies, dynamic dance routines, and a fresh vibe, the album stands out as a quintessential celebration of youth, a sight increasingly rare nowadays. It's as if TWS brings the invigorating essence of a cool summer day to the cold of winter. Let's take a moment to immerse ourselves in the soundscapes of TWS.
The ambiguity and excitement of a first meeting, ‘Plot Twist’
The encounter brings a mix of delightful anticipation and anxious trembling, causing one's heart rate to soar. The deep beats and synthesizer sounds pulsate strongly, mirroring the rapid heartbeats of excitement, akin to the lively steps taken when heading to meet someone you love. As you listen to the song, you can effortlessly envision a boy who, despite feeling shy and jittery, bravely steps forward to initiate a conversation and share his feelings.
The lyrics beautifully illustrate the journey of slowly bridging the gap after rehearsing lines, to speak up, mirroring TWS's extensive preparations to connect with their fans. The portrayal of six boys, awkward yet endearing in their infatuation, brings a refreshing and youthful vibe. This freshness is amplified by the use of light, airy vocals.
The crescendo in the chorus, with the sound deepening and the mood escalating, represents the most invigorating part, reminiscent of a crisp, refreshing soda. Notably, the song builds to a climax with the line ‘My name is,’ followed by a moment of pause, leading to a burst of catharsis that shines brilliantly as all members come together in chorus. From the heartfelt hellos to the hopeful goodbyes, this bashful first encounter leaves a delightfully positive impression on everyone.
Their engaging self-presentation in merely 7 seconds, ‘Oh Mymy: 7s’
Whereas 'Plot Twist' is akin to an intimate, bashful confession, 'Oh Mymy: 7s' stands out with the confidence of a self-introduction on the inaugural day of a new semester. This track unveils its refreshing allure through self-introductory lyrics that highlight the fresh-faced zeal and audacity typical of a group making its debut, all within an arrangement that's elegantly straightforward and free of any excess.
The opening echoes with the classic piece by Robert Schumann, ‘Kinderszenen Op.15 No.1 Von Fremden Landern Und Menschen,’ radiating an innocence akin to that of a bloom just opened. Following this, a compelling atmosphere is crafted with solid bass lines and softly spreading synthesizer tones. The delicate falsettos from YOUNGJAE and DOHOON lend a silky quality, while the robust vocal tones of rappers SHINYU and DOHOON leave a striking impact, presenting an impeccable balance.
This concise introduction, unfolding who they are, the essence of their music, and their message, is efficiently conveyed within a span of 3 minutes and 10 seconds. Echoing the sentiment that '7 seconds is sufficient', the song swiftly instills conviction in TWS's signature genre, ‘boyhood pop,’ within a brief timeframe. More than a mere introduction, it captures the essence of youthful freshness. As their manifesto unfurls amidst the chill of winter, it evokes sensations of warm sunlight and the refreshing breeze of the sea.
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