ZEROBASEONE are ‘in bloom’ after debut
ZB1 are already proving themselves with their debut album, so we’ve explored each song on the tracklist!
ZEROBASEONE were officially introduced to the world at their debut showcase. Image: WAKEONE Entertainment via Helix Publicity.
The nine-member boy group — formed through MNET’s survival show BOYS PLANET — debuted on 10th July with their first mini album Youth In The Shade. Fanbase ZEROSE have been anticipating their debut after voting furiously for their favourite boy to join the group. Whilst the group are definitely still on their training wheels, this EP highlights each members’ individual talents and offers an insight into the undoubtedly prosperous future career of ZEROBASEONE.
Dreaming and blooming
The EP begins with the track “Back to ZEROBASE”, an upbeat drum and bass song that introduces the group perfectly. The pattering instrumental, when paired with the high pitched and powerful vocals of the members, creates an ethereal sounding track. The repetition of the lyrics “tell me is it real” almost feels like the group’s ‘pinch me’ moment. “Back to ZEROBASE” encompasses the feelings that the members must be going through by finally being given the chance to fulfil their dream.
The mini album’s title track “In Bloom” takes on a retro feel with its sampling of A-Ha’s iconic ‘80s song “Take On Me”. Whilst the interpolation may be subtle, it works perfectly with the youthful energy of the members. The synths used to manipulate the sample provide ZEROBASEONE with an exciting instrumental to back their unique vocal colour. The pre-chorus definitely stands out in this full on track with its focus solely on the borrowed melody. “In Bloom” has a fresh and bright music video to go with the vivacious personalities of the boys.
“New Kidz on the Block” will be any ZEROSE’s top song of the summer. The track’s refreshing piano introduction that flows into the bouncy, deep synth bassline creates the perfect soundtrack for a summer pool party. The repetitive chorus is able to generate a lot of energy that the boys carry throughout the track with their bright vocals.
ZEROBASEONE takes an almost NCT-esque turn with “And I”. Its RnB instrumental is reminiscent of tracks like “Focus” and “Dreamer” by NCT 127, especially when mixed with the rap verses. Whilst the group seem to be heavily concentrated on their impressive vocal performance, in the future it would be interesting to see the boys lean more towards these lighter hip-hop sounds and rap verses.
“Our Season” and “Always” close out the mini album with a calmer energy. “Our Season” is a stirring, PENTAGON-evoking track that seems to detail the dreams that ZEROBASEONE have for the future: “I’ll record today, smile, now 3 2 1 / Let’s go to the place you always hoped for / Time to write our story / Run to your heart’s content higher”.
Images: WAKEONE Entertainment.
In spite of fulfilling their dreams of debuting together, the group still is unsure of where the future will take them. However, the boys take this in their stride by seeing it as an opportunity to write their own story. The shorter outro “Always” helps to tie the EP together. The track seems to be dedicated to ZEROSE with the members expressing their hope for their fans to always support them: “Will you always walk with me? / Always come true like a wish”.
While the question radiates a sense of uncertainty, ZEROBASEONE can be sure that their fans will stay loyal to the group after listening to this EP.
A bright future?
Youth In The Shade highlights the promise that ZB1 has for their hopefully lengthy and exciting career. The tracks on the album showcase a variety of skills whilst always coming back to this idea of youth and growth.
ZEROBASEONE knows that they have a long way to go in terms of developing their skills and finding their niche but with the talent that we have seen and heard through this EP, the boys will undeniably please fans no matter what direction they go in.
Edited by Gabii Rayner.
