Courtesy of Oneus Facebook
South Korean boy band Oneus is back with their ninth EP, "Pygmalion," marking their return after eight months, their longest break to date. The album comes after the departure of member Raven in October, which left the group with five members: Hwanwoong, Xion, Leedo, Keonhee, and Seoho.
At a press showcase in Seoul on Monday, the members expressed their excitement for their new album, which they call "Oneus' new takeoff." "We've worked really hard to show a different side of us," Hwanwoong said.
The new album is born from the bandmates' deep self-reflection and carries a message about persisting for growth and striving for one's dreams. Leedo said the album was named after the Pygmalion effect, a psychological phenomenon where high expectations lead to improved performance.
"Pygmalion" features the emo-pop track "Erase Me," which mixes orchestral sounds with EDM and expresses an emotional message through the change in dynamics. "It's our first shot at the genre," Keonhee said. "The song starts off quiet, resonating with emptiness in the beginning, then progresses to unfurl the emotions dramatically, hitting an explosive climax towards the end."
The album also includes an introductory song, "Intro: Lethe," and three B-sides, "Unforgettable," "Echo," and "Halley's Comet." Leedo is credited with songwriting and penning the lyrics on "Echo."
Hwangwoong recommended listening to the album in the track order, saying, "This album boasts a profoundly high quality both for music and performance. If you follow through the songs in step, you'll be able to get our message through the coherent flow of the songs."
Oneus debuted in January 2019 under RBW with their first EP, "Light Us." RBW also houses K-pop groups Mamamoo and Purple Kiss.
Returning after an extended period, the five members seemed resolutely ready to prove themselves. "We spent the past eight years busily, holding a world tour and working on this album," Keonhee said. "We hope to take our next big leap and open our second chapter with this album."
The group aspires for something more than high chart scores with this comeback. "Rather than aiming for a specific number, we want to put out a really good album and a proper performance for our fans. We'll work hard to show them that this is Oneus' new chapter," Keonhee said.
With their new album, Oneus is set to take on new challenges and showcase a different side of their artistry. The K-pop boy band is determined to make a mark and continue to captivate their fans worldwide.
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