TITLE: ZERO: FEVER, Pt.1
ARTIST: ATEEZ
LABEL: KQ Entertainment
RELEASED: JuLY 29, 2020
I am SO ready for this release. This is the first group I started stanning prior to debut and have been a faithful ATINY since. I’ve loved ATEEZ’s approach to music and their dynamic as a group is enjoyable to watch. I already spent my morning yesterday watching their online concert, so here I am about to gobble up part one of their new Era. Bye bye Treasure, hello Fever!
INCEPTION – Title Track
Just like last summer, ATEEZ asked ATINY to vote for their title track. It was between this and THANXX. Lucky for us, INCEPTION was the winner and we got this lovely haunting EDM track. The vocals are melody is haunting and matches well with the vibe of the MV. The hook is catchy and I legit can see myself singing it at random moments. One thing I loved about this was the transition between chorus and verse. It had a house element I didn’t expect but liked a lot. The MV was delicious. I loved how dark it was. And I swear, if Wooyoung keeps coming for me, we’re gonna fight. Seonghwa and San tho… my loves.
Dear Diary: 2016.07.29
It’s legit what the title says, a diary entry. It’s dated four years ago and it is narrated in a young girl’s voice. She talks about having no dream. Until finding a friend and within that friendship, they found a passion and a connection. Sounds pretty symbolic to the journey of the ATEEZ members.
FEVER
I can really see this being a title track contender as well. It feels very in the ATEEZ sound but what makes me like it the most is the chorus. It’s catchy and gives you feels. It’s not a fast paced or aggressive sound but it is powerful. Absolutely a favorite so far.
THANXX
Their obvious second track of the EP, this is a EDM trap infused hip-hop song which kind of gives me the feel if Wonderland and Wave had a baby this would be it. I’m not entirely crazy about this one because it feels
TO THE BEAT
For some reason I’m in love with this. Straight hip-hop track with minimal vocal inclusion. Hongjoong killed the first verse and had me hype the whole track going forward. With the beat as is, I would have sworn it was an NCT noise track.
Good Lil Boy
A reggae infused track. That’s what this is and there isn’t much more I can say about it. It isn’t terrible but it isn’t one that I will be bumping on repeat. The chorus isn’t really my cup of tea. Mingi’s verse is the highlight clearly.
One Day at a Time
The amount of times I’ve actually listened to this just shows how much I love it. It’s been on constant repeat all morning. This is ATEEZ first full English track and it feels significant. It’s a song for ATINY, telling us that even though things are hard right now, they’re here for us. For it to be in English shows they are really out here trying to reach their global fans. Now that’s just the lyrics. The music is BOMB. It’s a tender pop track that makes me feel so warm inside. I would love for ATEEZ to play with this sound more often in the future.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is absolutely a new era for ATEEZ. Even though they gave us things that we equate with the group; strong vocals, catchy hooks and raps with an impact, it felt like the group has matured and branched out with more experimentation of sounds.
PRODUCTION: 3/ 5
VOCALS / RAPPING: 3.5/ 5
VISUALS / CONCEPT: 4/ 5
OVERALL: 3.5/ 5
Least Favorite Track(s): Good Lil Boy
Favorite Track(s): One Day at a Time, INCEPTION, FEVER
