After their last full release, ATEEZ have returned with the mini-album GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4.
In preparation for the album, the members teased netizens with concept photos that were amazingly impactful. It raised anticipation as netizens saw a wide variety of concepts, ranging from traditional monochrome to more sophisticated vibes, and even those with pure cinematic aesthetics.
ATEEZ’s title track for this comeback is “Adrenaline,” and it definitely shows off the group’s powerful identity. The song itself starts with Hongjoong’s rap, but as it blends to his softer vocals, it cements how versatile all the members are. Throughout, there is a mix of vocal tones, tempos, and styles, adding layers and complexity to the song. In particular, it’s refreshing to see all the members have a similar amount of lines, especially for Wooyoung and Yeosang. Interestingly, the group changed things up with an “empty chorus” featuring few lyrics, but allowing intense choreography to take place.
The song’s music video shows that how well this works with the song, but it needs to be heard with the visuals to truly appreciate its entirety. Unsurprisingly, when it comes to music videos, ATEEZ never fails to deliver, and while the seemingly present AI, as credited in the outro, is disappointing, it is the perfect storytelling. Like the track itself, each member gets an equal amount of screen time, and the big point is the use of camera techniques and colours to push the narrative. It includes the use of light and darker scene palettes, but also emphasises certain colours, such as the red cube (“Sopro” in ATEEZ’s worldbuilding) and blinding spotlights.
ATEEZ have also performed the B-side “NASA,” which is the perfect accompaniment to the title song. The intro has R&B vibes and almost resembles the vibes of “Fireworks,” with a lot of rapping-singing from the members and the use of synth sounds that exude a galactic feel. Like the title track, it feels like this album is giving all the members more share of the lines, and it’s refreshing to hear Wooyoung show off his powerful vocals in the pre-chorus, which is followed by Jongho. While the “over-production” of some of the vocals with effects may be too much for some, the balance of the members throughout ensures it isn’t a difficult listen.
“Ghost” starts much softer than the previous tracks and feels like easier listening, with the members really getting to show off their vocal tones, from softer moments to increased power. One standout part comes from Jongho and San in the chorus, who use their falsetto voices to create a layer of lightness and air to the song. Hongjoong’s rapping voice breaks that calmer feel with a sharper tone, and then, by combining Mingi’s smooth, gritty tone, which has a soft aspect, helps blend all the song’s parts. Like “NASA,” it has an instrumental outro, which seems to be a trend in the songs on the album.
Amid the more “ATEEZ” style songs, there are some ballads on the album, including “On The Road.” From the opening bars, it feels very soft and calming, showcasing the more melodic and beautiful tones of the members’ voices. It perfectly contrasts with the powerful feel of the chorus, which feels like a celebration of youth with more passion and emotion to contrast the calmer verses. The low tones used by Yeosang and Yunho in the pre-chorus are so impactful and add something extra to the song: seen in the bridge as the vocals of Jongho and Wooyoung come together to build to a stronger final chorus.
The final track, “Choose,” was pre-released several months ago, but feels like the perfect ending to the album. Like “On The Road,” the song is a beautiful ballad which exudes a sense of closeness between not just the members but with the fans, ATINY. It starts softly with the voices of Yunho and San, before Seonghwa comes in with his power. Once again, it is the quality of each member’s voice that dictates the pace and feeling of each line. In particular, it is always refreshing to hear Mingi and Hongjoong adapt their raps to something softer, with the only major change in power coming towards the end, when Jongho and Yunho harmonise.
Pairing it with the video shows that sometimes simplicity can be the most impactful, as it features only the members standing and singing. The background is a simple set with swathes of material and a mound of sand, allowing fans to make their own interpretations.
GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4 is definitely a diverse compilation of songs and while the more up-tempo songs might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the ballads really show off ATEEZ’s vocals. In particular, the balanced line distribution is something fans have wanted for a long time, and proves that ATEEZ are a group of extremely talented and diverse idols.
ATEEZ are on Instagram. You can listen to GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4 here.