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| ▲ K-pop boy group BOYNEXTDOOR poses at the media showcase for its second mini album "How?" in Seoul on April 15, 2024, in this photo provided by Koz Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, April 15 (Yonhap) -- "This album contains various emotions between love and parting. It's something anyone who's experienced first love can relate to." (Leehan)
BoyNextDoor introduced their new album 'HOW?' at a showcase held on the afternoon of the 15th in Seoul's Gwangjin-gu. They expressed, "This album was created with a lot of musical deliberation by all the members. We hope our efforts and considerations bloom beautifully in this activity."
'HOW?' is an album that expresses the sweet and sour feelings of first love that everyone has experienced at least once. It delves into the stories between their debut single 'WHO!' that sings of the excitement of first love and their first mini-album 'WHY...' that portrays the pain of parting.
Listening to this album in order unveils the fresh stories of six boys' first loves:
'OUR' (hip-hop) depicts the nervous and excited first date. 'Amnesia' metaphorically describes lovers who repeatedly quarrel and reconcile as suffering from memory loss.
'So let's go see the stars' (rock-based synth-pop) romantically portrays a night date with a lover.
The title track 'Earth, Wind & Fire' encapsulates anxious emotions in a love that doesn't go as planned. In the sixth track 'Dear. My Darling', BoyNextDoor expresses their wishes for the happiness of their parted significant other in the format of a letter.
Taesan explained, "This is the last album of a trilogy that deals with stories of first love."
The title track 'Earth, Wind & Fire' is a song that encapsulates frustrating emotions due to a relationship that's as unyielding as earth, wind, and fire. The vocal section that rapidly delivers lyrics with a 'Sped Up' effect serves as a highlight.
Sungho remarked, "At first, while practicing this section with the members, I wondered if we could perform it live," and added, "I practiced extensively to perfectly digest it. I realized that there's nothing that can't be achieved through practice."
Jaehyun shared an anecdote, saying, "I practiced meticulously, matching each pitch on the piano, as this section requires rapid singing while maintaining accurate pitch."
In this album, BoyNextDoor embraces a 'KitschCore' style, which represents a blend of kitsch and natural coolness unique to BoyNextDoor.
Woonhak mentioned, "Kitsch can be hip but difficult to approach, and we made efforts to infuse this with BoyNextDoor's friendly and witty color," adding, "Such efforts were well integrated into the concept photos and music videos."
BoyNextDoor debuted last May as a high-profile rookie boy group produced by Zico. Next month marks their one-year anniversary of activity.
Leader Jaehyun reflected, "The most memorable day for me is our debut day," and looked back, saying, "Meeting members whom I love and meeting our beloved 'One Door' (fandom name) to be able to share precious love. It was perhaps the most meaningful turning point in my life."
"I've set a small goal while active. I watch 'M Countdown' as the MC, and I want to personally present the first-place trophy to our members." (Jaehyun)
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| ▲ K-pop boy group BOYNEXTDOOR poses at the media showcase for its second mini album "How?" in Seoul on April 15, 2024, in this photo provided by Koz Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
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