THE BOYZ have, no doubt, been one of the vital constant boybands within the Ok-pop sphere since their debut in 2017. With every launch, the group proceed to outdo themselves in manufacturing, execution and experimentation. However regardless of the group’s unwavering pursuit of pop perfection for the reason that very starting, it was their participation within the Mnet actuality TV programme Kingdom: Legendary Struggle earlier this yr that lastly helped them to show the tides of their oft-overlooked profession.

“Beforehand, we targeted lots on attempting to decipher a sure message on stage,” rapper Sunwoo advised Teen Vogue of their more moderen endeavours, which largely featured edgier sounds and darker materials. “This time round we’re extra into, ‘let’s be chill, let’s calm down on stage, let’s actually benefit from the vibe of the music’.” This sentiment towards their newest launch is indisputably the core driving power for their sixth mini-album ‘Thrill-ing’, a six-song ode to the youthful effervescence of summer time.

Title observe ‘Thrill Experience’ unites hip-hop influences and laid-back pop merrymaking to create a vibrant piece that encapsulates the essence of summer time. It’s harking back to the infectiously playful sound that the 11-piece act additionally employed for his or her older lead singles like 2018’s ‘Giddy Up’ and 2019’s ‘Bloom Bloom’. Whereas the tune does preserve a degree of catchiness that’s to be anticipated of Ok-pop summer time anthems, its repetitive refrain melody tiptoes on the sting of being overbearing at instances.

However when you delve deeper into the opposite choices that ‘Thrill-ing’ boasts, ‘Thrill Experience’ virtually utterly blends into the background. One such stand-out observe, which might have been a way more apparent alternative for the title observe, is ‘Merry Unhealthy Ending’. A confessional pop tune stuffed with craving, it feels wealthy and easy, its soulful lyrics (“That blinding moonlight / That solely shines upon us / A kiss that’s bestowed softly / Dimly when the morning comes”) paired with a dreamy gradual tempo instrumentation.

THE BOYZ are nothing if not experimental, injecting horror vibes on the creepy ‘Nightmares’, one thing that others may shrink back from on related summer time releases. The distinction the tune presents can also be a first-rate instance of the turbulent, rollercoaster-like journey this mini-album takes listeners on. . A callback to their extra intense work like ‘The Stealer’ and ‘Reveal’, it’s essentially the most novel providing on the mini-album, courtesy of spine-chilling, ethereal falsettos and harmonisation that make for a hauntingly elegant piece.

The remainder of ‘Thrill-ing’ is equally as, effectively, thrilling. Most songs are distinctive, however string them collectively and the report teeters on the sting of disjointed recklessness. The siren-like instrumentals, hints of EDM and booming vocals that come collectively on ‘Out Of Management’ makes it a dynamic present of sheer energy, although it falls brief on account of its customary boy group pop melodies. In the meantime, the buoyant ‘Dancing Until We Drop’ is an on the spot mood-maker due to its theatrical tune, recreating the acquainted boyish vitality the group are greatest recognized for, alongside gleeful lyricism: “Similar to this, music on / When the darkness deepens / Kiss below the fireworks / My coronary heart is dancing”.

‘Thrill-ing’ involves an in depth in the identical manner most memorable summers do – in bittersweet sunsets. ‘B.O.Y (Wager On You)’ looks like an aural illustration of this nostalgic feeling, making full use of evocative lyrics penned by members Sunwoo and Eric (“Beneath the shimmering moonlight / The shadow that greeted us brightly / The deepening season of you”) and regular electro-pop beats that drive the mini-album to a glistening conclusion. Though, this observe can also really feel nostalgic for a special motive – it bears a slight resemblance to the 2018 Ellie Goulding hit single ‘Shut To Me’.

‘Thrill-ing’ is a homecoming for THE BOYZ in multiple manner; it being each their first Korean launch in almost a yr in addition to their first since being topped the runners-up on Kingdom. Above all, and despite the few missteps alongside the best way, it’s a rollercoaster trip of epic proportions that not solely pays tribute to their earlier sounds of fresh-faced surprise, but additionally takes sudden twists in an bold showcase of versatility and experimentation.