ENHYPEN announced the release of their second repackaged album, “ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream-,” on Nov. 11. As promotions for the album come to an end, it’s about time we discuss the septet’s performances throughout November and weeks of December.
The release of “ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream-” was initially met with backlash, especially from international fans. Announcement of a repackaged album was reported shortly after the announcement of their new world tour WALK THE LINE, and many fans expressed concern for the members’ health in consideration with the group’s previous tour stops and concert dates. With another album set to be squeezed into ENHYPEN’s busy schedule, fans were understandably worried for their wellbeing.
Despite starting on a sour note, the repackaged album is now highly celebrated and praised, and rightfully so. The album’s concept is a complete 180o from their previous album, “ROMANCE: UNTOLD,” showcasing one of their many sides of artistry. With “ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream-,” they express maturity through profound sound and alluringly, sultry looks, while still promoting their cemented brand and motifs of vampirism.
In title track “No Doubt,” ENHYPEN illustrates the heartache of longing for a lover while simultaneously delivering reassurance to said lover: there’s no doubt that only they are the answer of their love. The song’s combination of rhythmic synths and hard-hitting beats blends well with all the members’ voices of honey. Member Jungwon’s second verse is especially admirable—his stern-turned-mellow tone perfectly expresses the adoration and longing one feels for their lover.
The second track, “Daydream,” is, from my viewpoint, ENHYPEN’s most mature track in terms of sound and concept to date. The repeating low whispers throughout the whole track further expresses maturity, and it’s also embodied through lyrics—the yearning in “No Doubt” is multiplied tenfold, manifesting as an outright craving and desire for lips, kisses, and a night of fun akin to a daydream! However, the constant recurrence of whispers ultimately weakens the effect of seduction they’re supposed to emanate: too much of husky whispers leads to less time for listeners to savor all seven members’ sweet and seductive voices.
This becomes a bigger problem when you consider the duration of the songs. Both songs are less than three minutes long, with “No Doubt” being merely two minutes long. This issue extends outside the repackaged songs as well: out of a total 11 songs, only three are over three minutes, with “Hundred Broken Hearts” crowned as the longest at three minutes and 21 seconds. Honestly, you won’t get the full experience of listening to ENHYPEN’s (or anyone’s, really) vocal abilities when songs have such short durations.
I will admit, the choreographies for “No Doubt” and “Daydream” make up for the songs’ unfortunately short listening lifespan. Precision is injected into ENHYPEN’s dancing, and member Ni-ki especially embodies moves of both groovy hip-hop and precise pop. Taking part in some of the choreography development, his dance style truly shines bright among the members.
“Brought The Heat Back” is another song that showcases the different dance styles of ENHYPEN, which is highlighted further through the song’s performance video laced with vampire drama and homages to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video.
Overall, “ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream-” cements itself as yet another short and sweet no-skip album, palatable to both fans and non-fans alike.
