[Review] ‘ROMANCE: UNTOLD’ cements ENHYPEN as the perfect all-rounders
ENGENEs will be excited to sink their teeth into nine new tracks from their favourite boys.
ENHYPEN ‘ROMANCE: UNTOLD’ Concept Image. Image: BELIFT LAB.
The wait is finally over for patient ENGENEs as ENHYPEN have released their second full-length album, ROMANCE: UNTOLD.
The group have had a busy year so far with their Fate Plus World Tour taking them across the globe. But in between their chaotic schedule, ENHYPEN have been working hard to bring their fans incredible music.
The LP begins with the sultry track, “Moonstruck”. While the group are known for their creative intros, ENGENEs were hoping for “Moonstruck” to be a full-length song, after hearing its teaser, and ENHYPEN did not disappoint.
The light and slow-paced start to the song eases listeners into a false sense of security before they’re thrown off course by the powerful vocals in the chorus. Similar to the fan-favourite “Still Monster”, the members’ high notes in the chorus are executed effortlessly. “Moonstruck” shows off ENHYPEN’s maturity, reminding listeners that the boys have come a long way since I-Land.
The album’s title track, “XO (Only If You Say Yes)” is too addictive not to enjoy. The track takes on a more toned-down approach from ENHYPEN’s usual upbeat lead singles, but this is a welcomed change. The Daft Punk-esque instrumentals of the song work perfectly with the members’ vocal adaptability. The repetition throughout the chorus will have you singing “XO” constantly.
In typical ENHYPEN style, the track comes with sleek choreography. While all of the members show off their impressive synchronisation and chic moves, Ni-ki comes alive when given stylish choreography to perform. His boyish charms match the dance well.
The song’s English version comes with a special feature from American singer, JVKE. This collaboration should come as no surprise after Heeseung covered JVKE’s song “this is what falling in love feels like.” JVKE seamlessly fits in with ENHYPEN’s vocals so much so that he could be mistaken for a member of the group.
ENHYPEN albums are not complete without a sweet love song and “Your Eyes Only” exactly provides this. Heeseung is the standout on the track with his naturally R&B-inclined vocals. In line with the chorus’ lyrics, the members sound as sweet as sugar making “Your Eyes Only” an earworm: “Sugar talking, your eyes only, yeah / Sweet, sweet your eyes on me, yeah / Our special language read more / Let’s talk”.
Two of the standout tracks on the album are “Brought The Heat Back” and “Paranormal”. ENHYPEN oozes cool on “Brought The Heat Back” matching the synth-pop instrumentals that are sure to make the song a club classic.
The lyrics depict a relationship that is sending the boys mad with jealousy: “Yeah, I brought the heat back / It feels like burning, hotter, hotter / Rough madness / It’s getting stronger, stronger”. Pairing the lyrics with some funky synths, “Brought The Heat Back” is moreish.
‘ROMANCE: UNTOLD’ concept images. Images: BELIFT LAB.
Jay’s vocal control in the bridge highlights his improvement in singing and confirms his place as a top vocalist in the industry.
“Paranormal” is a drum and bass style track that talks about an unexplainably powerful love: “One day, you suddenly appeared / Turn my world all upside down with a bang / Infinite formula of the world is difficult for us to explain / I think of you and fly, my feet are levitating / It’s more than supernatural”. Owing to their extensive vampiric lore, it seems necessary that ENHYPEN have a wonderfully mystical track on their album.
The album ends with “Highway 1009”, ENGENEs first fan song. Being produced primarily by Heeseung with all of the members taking part in writing the lyrics, the track is incredibly special to ENGENE. The simple electric guitar riff mixed with the group’s honey-like vocals is sure to comfort fans.
The lyrics highlight the connection between ENHYPEN and ENGENE and how they bring each other strength: “Give me your hands just a little bit more / Hug me tighter / So that I can stand again even on difficult and tiring days.”
ROMANCE: UNTOLD only further cements ENHYPEN as a group of all-rounders. Every member excels in rap, dance, and vocals and they are clearly not afraid to prove it. The album fulfils expectations and would be the perfect introduction to the group for any new fans.
With the members getting involved in the production and lyrics for this album, new possibilities are opened up. We can only hope that ENHYPEN will have even more control over their music in the future after this impressive debut of their skills.
Edited by Chelsea Cheetham.