It has been so, so long since we’ve heard anything new from Omega X, that my heart felt like it was going to leep out of my chest with the announcement and eventual release of Uncapped.
Like most good things, this one was also worth the wait. I have to remind myself that most normal artists don’t release things every six months like most K-Pop groups that I follow. Two years in between works is normal. The only thing I fear for this talented group is losing momentum with an audience that seems to need to be constantly fed “content” to be bothered to be remembered. Now, I know that is not always the case, and many others, like myself, were eagarly awaiting their comeback as a group, and ended up being very rewarded.
Firstly, the process of the new album coming together was organized through a platform, Kooky, who brings fans and artists together in unique ways. For this process, the fans could contribute on a number of levels, including things like hair styling, the lead single, sub unit songs, and more! I did get involved with a tier that decided a lot of that stuff, but I will admit that I wasn’t on top of a lot of the votes that came out. At least this felt like more of a surprise to me. I was just happy to support the guys! Also different this time around was the absence of a few members. Hangyeom and Taedong are still in the midst of their military service, Hyuk is tied down with his acting schedule, and Junghoon officially announced his departure from the group due to health reasons. So sad! It does sound like we’ll get everyone back next year, though!
Anyway, with the album finally out, I can confirm that all five tracks are bangers! Seriously. This might be their best body of work from their entire career! The title track to me felt like the one that fit in most with some of their older songs, as the beat felt like it leaned a bit Latin. It’s high energy and the lryics are all about freedom, which even though the fans were deciding a lot for this album, I get the feeling it’s the most free they’ve felt in the creative process. Apparently Jaehan and Yechan were involved with all of the tracks off this album, while Xen was involved a lot, too! I know they did have a writing team and a dance team for this comeback, so that’s pretty fun to maybe see some different collaborations within the group.
My personal favorite song off the album is the opening track, “Day Zero.” It’s unlike anything I’ve heard from them before, but it immediately hooked me. Again, it’s another upbeat track with some stellar vocals talking all about getting to start fresh. Sadly these boys have probably felt that way a few times in their careers, but this track just makes it all feel so promising. The subunit songs were also so strong! I especially liked the Jaehan/Yechan/Xen collaboration in “Close to Me.” Both Jaehan and Xen really stood out to me – their voices sounded so beautiful and controlled. “Cork,” featuring Jehyun/Hwichan/Sebin/Kevin was also really strong in its delivery and metaphors. In a change of pace from the rest of the album, closing track “Life Detox” was still just upbeat enough for me to really enjoy. They are talking about letting go and moving on, which is advice plenty of people could be following.
And in exciting news, the tier that I contributed also came with a member fancall, which I completely forgot about until about two weeks ago when I got notified about it. I got to talk to Yechan again last night! I was able to show him my latest drawing of him (loved), and I asked how he has been enjoying the comeback so far. He said that it’s filled him with a lot of confidence and that it’s been a lot of fun. I also asked if a US tour was happening to which he emphatically said “yes!” And he followed up with a “we will meet each other.” So stay ready For X – Omega X is coming for us!