I feel like the standard time frame for K-pop group “comebacks” is usually six months. Imagine my surprise when Ampers&One announce a new mini album only four months off the back of Wild & Free! Loud & Proud seems to be the next entry in a possibly related grouping of albums. I’ve not heard any details to confirm that, but it sure does seem to be connected. And I like that these album titles are incorperating the ampersand sign.
In my personal opinion, this mini album is a lot stronger than Wild & Free. For me, only “Kick Start” was really good. The rest were in tempos that aren’t quite my style with no others songs that really stood out all that much. To be fair, when I heard “That’s That,” the new single off of this album, I had a fear that this was also going to be the only good song. I was happy to be proved wrong! And I will also admit that “That’s That” didn’t really stick in my brain at first. But after a few listens I found myself singing subconciously all the time. I don’t know that it’s easy to tell just listening to the song, but combined with the darker style of the music video I’m a really big fan of this concept. It also features one of the coolest dance moves I’ve come across in my time with K-pop! In this song Siyun obviously sounds angelic, Seungmo absolutely slays, and I really like Kyrell’s part later in the song. Overall, a really solid comeback song!
Like I said, I’m happy to report that this whole mini album is awesome, so what I say next will just be a slew of compliments. “Seesaw” has a really great pre-chorus, and I like how a lot of the vocals match the beats in the song. “Get Famous” caught my attention immediately when it started with Kamden’s delivery accompanied by a marching band stlye cacaphony. Then somehow it works when it morphs into a cyberpunk/industrial pop sound for the rest of it. Makiah’s rap style for this album really works here, but it’s also just cool sounding in general – I dig it!
“Move Out” would really appeal to Stray Kids fans who are kind of stuck on them. Branch out! Give some other groups some well-deserved love! “Did It” is probably me least favorite track off of this mini album, but that’s really not saying much. I still love the fast-paced beat and delivery. Siyun and Brian are standouts here, though not Brian’s talking parts…I can never take those seriously. “I’m Down” is a fine ending to this mini album – it sounds like they are in the jungle! I really like the chorus in this track, along with Seungmo’s talk-back part. However, the line “I don’t give a care” made me cringe so hard. Just let these guys swear. Please.
All in all, I was really pleased with this new record and I’m even more thrilled to have recently learned that I get to see them perform again this year! P1harmony announced that they are bringing them along to “open” for them on their tour in the US. Yay for me!