Review Summary: The annual Kpop album worth checking out.
One of the most ambitious groups in Kpop is back with a brand new album,
ASSEMBLE25. Led by Jaden Jeong, the team worked hard over the past couple of years to create a fluid, permutable line-up for both live and promotional aspects. Since last year’s 24-member debut, units were created for a dancing-oriented project, Visionary Vision, whose record solidified their presence on the scene, as well as a Japanese one, Hatchi, solely for activities in the respective country. Reuniting all members, this latest full length takes further steps in their trademark sonic blend. Despite being less diverse than its predecessor,
ASSEMBLE25 gains points by becoming their most cohesive effort so far. Fan engagement was once more encouraged by voting for the main single from several tracks. “Are You Alive” won, becoming another strong entry in their catalogue. It is understandable why, as it aptly sums up the act’s sound and vibe, using a mix of mid-tempo dance and R’n’B sensibilities over a hip hop inspired beat. “Persona” follows a similar path with smooth grooves and varied vocal performances.
Jeong took cues from past fan favorites too, putting emphasis on engaging tunes this time around. “Too Hot” & “Diablo” flirt with the hyperpop realm shifting from DnB type beats to straightforward disco ones, maintaining all the while their bubbly melodies. Layers of synths and glitch soundscapes boil underneath the sing-alongs and occasional rap verses. Same goes for the bass driven “Detective Soseol” or the summery “Firework Diary”, each showcasing different sides of this glowing style fusing. In the end, it all falls under the sonic umbrella of Kpop, which continues to grow in diversity. During the album’s final stretch we are graced with the funky, laid back “Friend Zone” and its’ nu-jazz, Rhodes type chords alongside deep bass lines. It makes for a fine tempo break, before the breezy and bouncy closer “Love2Love” kicks in, channeling Charli XCX at her most sparkling, early ‘10s pop nostalgia moments. Jaden & Co. are definitely on a roll, focusing on records as a whole, rather than throwing random fillers around one or two worthy singles. Still a rare sight in the genre,
ASSEMBLE25 continues tripleS winning streak through accessible and fun songs even for those who are not necessarily into Kpop.
