TITLE: ZERO: FEVER, Pt.2
ARTIST: ATEEZ
LABEL: KQ Entertainment
RELEASED: March 1, 2021
Not gonna lie, I was shocked and excited when I saw they were coming out with something. I feel like it had been forever since Part 1 was released and feel like the hype from that had died down too much. So it was nice to see their monster rookies come back for some sophomore activities.
Fireworks (I’m The One) – Title Track
For me, this song starts at 30 seconds. The beginning feels like an over distorted mess which disappoints me because it’s Yeosang’s part but the moment San comes in with that smooth R&B verse, the song takes on a whole new flavor. I immediately started to love it more and my heart felt like it was on a ride with the ups and downs. It even made my heart soar when I heard Mingi on a track, especially when I wasn’t sure if he was going to be apart of it. The song feels very ATEEZ but with moments of maturity which is what I think the group really needs at this stage. And thank you Kim Jongin for making croptops a thing for boygroup members because San was slaying in it this time.
The Leaders
When you think ATEEZ, this is what I think of. A hard hitting pop-trap track with tribal influences. But what I think I liked the most about this song is that it feels very hip-hop and has an anti-drop that works well. But outside of that, it does feel all over the place.
Time Of Love
This might be the most bubbly I’ve heard ATEEZ be in a long time. It has a feeling of an early One Direction song. What I liked the most about this is the adlib vocals. They stand out the most.
Take Me Home
I love ATEEZ even if they have used the beginning of GOT7’s If You Do for the beginning of this. The song has a 80’s Miami Vice vibe and I don’t hate it. Especially the moment I heard the saxophone in the back. This again is something different for the group but it shows how they aren’t scared to expand.
Celebrate
I am always here for a gospel inspired moment and this really brings it. Give me a organ and a soul clap every time and I will love it. This is a sound that I didn’t really expect from the group but a nice change of genre for them.
Take Me Home – English Version
It’s still the same song… but only half of it in English? I feel like they didn’t even have to do this if they weren’t all going to do it in English. Don’t half ass something. Waste of album space actually. Still love the saxophone.
I’m The One – HEAT-TOPPING Version
Who would have guessed they’d put a remix of their title song on the actual mini? Not I! But I might actually prefer it to the original. I like the anti-drop choices and the more hip-hop sound this mix has. There are even moments of surprise with the string sections. Give me more of this please.
FINAL THOUGHTS
With the group about to appear on Kingdom, I think this mini was needed to cement what ATEEZ is to the public. The tracks have that ATEEZ stamp that all of their songs have but there are times when the songs are steps in a new direction for them. I will say the highlight of the mini is when they are doing something completely unexpected and new. I also really loved how as a group, they are still 8 regardless of what is happening behind the scenes with Mingi and his hiatus. I feel like they are one of the more consistent groups of their generation of K-Pop.
PRODUCTION: 4/ 5
VOCALS / RAPPING: 3.5/ 5
VISUALS / CONCEPT: 3/ 5
OVERALL: 3.5/ 5
Favorite Track(s): Celebrate
Least Favorite Track(s): The Leaders
Unbothered Unnies 