Band of the Week: FTISLAND
We’re back with another band of the week! This week we feature one of the longest running bands in K-Rock history! FTISLAND is FNC Entertainment’s first ever band. Formed in 2007, the original group had a different bassist named Won Bin. He left the group in 2009 to pursue his solo career. Replacing him would be Seunghyun, who would then permanently be their bassist, creating the group FTISLAND is today.
Their newest Korean mini-album consists of six songs including the Korean version of “Paradise.” Their title song “Summer Night’s Dream” is climbing up the music charts all around the world. Being that it might be their last album before the members enter into the Korean military, Primadonnas are anxiously buying the album before the band heads off.
The maknae of the band, Choi Minhwan, will be getting married this October. Former LABOUM member Yulhee is the lucky girl and recent mom. Both Minhwan and Yulhee had a baby boy last May and the new family couldn’t be happier. With two new albums this year (the other being their Japanese album Planet Bonds) and military enlistment around the corner, it is no wonder they want to get married soon.
Naturally, the other members are happy for him and happy to do their own thing as well. Lee Hongki, the singer of the band, is currently a vocal trainer for the third season of Produce 101. This season is Produce 48 where Hongki helps train each member of AKB 48’s vocals. With their sixth mini-album out, the band is also performing on music shows as well as taking time for themselves as a band.
Unlike their recent previous harder rock albums, What If is a more casual lighter rock style much like their beginning sound back in 2009. Pop meets rock during this whole album, and yet there is a tinge of sadness only FTISLAND, the ballad kings, could pull off.Their track “Fade Out,” features AOA’s Yuna who brings a bit of an angelic tone to the dark power ballad. Ending the album is the optimistic “Paradise” that closes the album on a happier and inspirational note. In a sense it’s like the band is talking to their fans as a promise that they will return to music after their enlistment.
No doubt FTISLAND is one of the greatest bands to come out of Korea. If you haven’t heard their newest album What If make sure you do because it might be the last time you hear them for a while. But of course, be prepared for their comeback!