ENHYPEN Blesses Their Fans With New ‘DIMENSION: ANSWER’ Album

ENHYPEN returned on January 10 with their next title track, “Blessed-Cursed,” an addition to the Dimension series, DIMENSION: ANSWER. Although the group is well-known for experimenting with various genres in their music, this comeback sticks to the general rock-inspired theme as a continuation from “Tamed-Dashed.”  However, the rock-pop influence is much more pronounced here and catches listeners’ attention upon first listen. Once again, the group has released another signature track that will create an unprecedented imprint on their growing discography. 

After participating in BE: LIFT’s survival show, I-LAND, ENHYPEN quickly achieved stardom, something unprecedented by a rookie group who debuted in the late fall of 2020. They have had three comebacks thus far but have already shown 4th Generation K-pop that they are deserving of a top-tier spot.

The seven-member group consists of Yang Jungwon, Lee Heeseung, Park Jay, Jake Sim, Park Sunghoon, Kim Sunoo, and Nishimura Riki. Their youngest, born in December of 2005, holds immense dancing talent and is compared to some of the best in the industry. Despite their young ages, the group never fails to present an explosive power on the stage that is hard to replicate. Great things lay in ENHYPEN’s future, and “Blessed-Cursed” is another piece to the puzzle. 

After receiving great praise for their rock undertones that riddles the entirety of their last full album, “DIMENSION: DILEMA,” “Blessed-Cursed” draws these elements out even more with the iconic electric guitar riff that kicks the song off.

This section was previewed in all of their teaser videos which left a resonating effect on listeners. The riff is a combination of two beats overlapping each other, one with the rhythm and the other with the melody, establishing the mood for the whole track ahead. Instead of starting with a verse as their past title tracks have, “Blessed-Cursed” hooks fans in with the chorus. By beginning with such powerful energy, it becomes even more addicting to replay. 

Although ENHYPEN is a strong vocalist group, the track showcases many of the member’s lower registers. Each section of the song flows into one another, similar to a spoken-rap feel. The combination of many different elements created great experimental songs for the group.

“Blessed-Cursed” is the most beat-heavy and rock-influenced among their total title tracks. As ENHYPEN expands their realm of music capability, they have yet to hit a roadblock. Each song perfectly represents different sides to the group, and their full potential has not yet been revealed.

The group tackles each new concept with intensity and advanced performing abilities. The unique nature of the title track (at least among other K-pop comebacks) is not a surprise, as producer Gabriel Brandes also worked with Tomorrow X Together on “0X1=Lovesong,” a song of similar caliber. 

Producer FRANTS has also been a part of creating songs such as “Let Me In” and “Attention, please!” which are known for their R&B and rock elements. These music genres have ultimately shaped the sound of ENHYPEN’s music as a whole and will very likely propel them even higher to stardom since they appeal to the international ear. 

I AM SO FREAKING PROUD OF ENHYPEN

— Ava (@PDJONGSEONG) January 10, 2022

ENHYPEN, who are under BE:LIFT, are still a part of HYBE Corporations and look up to BTS, in terms of their success, and especially, their early sound. BTS albums, like Dark & Wild, Skool Luv Affair, and O!RUL8,2? took a lot of influence from rap elements, and ENHYPEN is attempting to emulate this style. 

In an interview with Consequence Sound, the leader, Jungwon, said, “We tried very hard to learn from their stage performances and hope to become a K-pop group recognized in that way.” Although BTS is accredited as one of the best performance groups, the industry has been bringing forth artists with immense talent, all of which can dethrone the 3rd Generation’s reputation. The group’s decision to turn back time was a powerful choice for the ever-changing group.  

as an engene, i can easily say that i’m amaze and proud of enhypen on how they really slay any genre and vibes. start from g-t, not for sale, hey tayo, forget me not, d-d, t-d, blockbuster, just a little bit and now blessed-cursed. they show us a lot of colour in just 1 year!

— sher🎪 (@hiitssher) January 11, 2022

Even though DIMENSION: ANSWER is a repackaged album, fans were very excited for their second new release, ”Polaroid Love.” This track was initially performed at ENHYPEN’s fan meeting last November to celebrate their first-year anniversary.

Since then ENGENEs, the group’s fanbase, have been anxious to hear it officially on streaming platforms. Contrary to the sound and feel of “Blessed-Cursed,” “Polaroid Love” is a light-hearted track with a catchy tune. It appeals to listeners who prefer more gentle and heart-warming songs, and the group proves that they could pull off both.

In every album that has been released so far, they have always had one track that stood out among the rest, like ”10 Months,” “Not For Sale,” and “Just A Little Bit.” ENHYPEN’s duality is another reason for its success, in the form of appearances on award shows both domestically and internationally.

At last, the music video reflects ENHYPEN’s attempt to credit boy bands of the 90s. From the scattered color schemes to the outfit choices, every component resembles videos from bands like NSYNC or the Backstreet Boys. The similarity is uncanny, and it is most likely why they took their music in a more traditional, rock route.

However, the group only returned three months after their first full studio album, DIMENSION: DILEMA, leaving the company a limited amount of time to perfect the stylistic aspect of this new era. Although an ode to 90s boy bands is not at all a mistake, its production was rushed.

ENGENEs have been commenting non-stop on the composition of the track itself and the fact that it does not contain a bridge or a good ending, making it seem rushed and incomplete. Still, ENHYPEN did not disappoint and made up for their shortcomings with their overwhelming stage presence. The group has so much unlocked potential to show the world, and we cannot wait for what they have in store. 

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