Now that they’ve been out in the field for a couple of years, RIIZE are finally back with their first full album, and we’re in for a treat. Sohee’s in a beanie as usual, so that’s a promising start.
Pre-comeback single “Bag Bad Back” was memorable for having perhaps the sweatiest music video in all K-Pop, and it’s a metaphor that doesn’t go amiss in its lyrics. In a verse that showcases what fans saw a spark of in his pre-RIIZE days, Sungchan condenses the meaning of the song: ‘Together, what can’t we do? / Get the bag because we keep on going till we make it’.
Together, they’re certainly making it. Something that makes RIIZE so distinctive is that their choruses are usually harmonised: voices interlocked in a literal chorus that gives a sense of pleasing consistency to their sound, while members get spotlighted in the verses. Listeners might find the high-pitched voice distortions of “Bag Bad Back” a bit grating, but don’t worry, because track four onwards is a run of chipper High School Musical 4 soundtrack contenders, and there couldn’t possibly be a better group to serve such vibes.
An alleged 27 versions of the ten-track ODYSSEY were needed: each offering a different concept of goodies inside. Want space RIIZE? You’ve got them. Suited up RIIZE? Check. Vaguely American frat party RIIZE? They’re in there too. Many of these concepts were included in film or track video form (if not already in the music videos) that were released alongside the album, translating sonic to cinema, and concluded with Anton’s words: ‘We carry a universe in our hearts. RIIZE will continue to rise.’
Boy groups have been suffering from a creative limbo for a while. While unoriginality isn’t a sin, RIIZE’s pureness is such a breath of fresh air against countless “dark” concept albums with a jarringly sedate ballad stickered on at the end. “Fly Up” is our nosedive into RIIZE’s feel-good groove, brightened with its titular choral hook. It’s followed by “Show Me Love”, which imbues uplifting soul in its lyrics, commanding love into the hearts of its listeners. With seamless harmonies, RIIZE solidifies their synergy.
“The End of the Day” is yet another romantic ballad that we can also totally see Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez singing to one another on a starlit balcony. It’d almost be surprising that they left the best song for last on the album if the rest weren’t all absolute ear-comforters, but when “Another Life”’s fabulous chorus arrives from those contemplative verses, it’s a gratifying end to the boys’ first album.
Enlightenment must be realising that that glorious electric ending solo must be the answer to why RIIZE were so adamant about getting a guitar back in 2023.
You can listen to ODYSSEY here. RIIZE can be found on Instagram here.
