In an industry where bands are starting to see more success, the wait for ONEWE’s official debut has been anxiously awaited ever since their reformation under RBW Entertainment. Long-time fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the group’s debut EP titled 1/4 was released on May 13, led by title track “Reminisce about All.”

The band, having existed as a group since 2015, has seen numerous releases and functioned under various names. In addition to several rebrandings, the five members—Yonghoon, Harin, Kanghyun, Dongmyeong, and CyA—have also participated in idol survival shows such as Produce 101 and The Unit. After failing to find success, the five appeared on RBW Trainee Real Life - We Will Debut alongside now labelmate ONEUS where the two brother groups formed passionate fanbases.

Whereas ONEUS debuted in January with their EP Light Us and noteworthy single “Valkyrie,” the wait for ONEWE’s debut persisted despite fans’ excitement. The wait, however, is now over and with the release of 1/4, it seems like the delay has paid off.

The album starts off with “Ring on my Ears,” a track full of raging guitars that somehow still manages to have a laid back feel to it, sounding like something out of J-Rock. Next on the album is the title track, “Reminisce about All,” a much lighter song featuring softer vocals alongside a piano line that showcases ONEWE’s versatility spectacularly when set against “Ring on my Ears.” Considering that ONEWE is a band as opposed to an idol group, it’s interesting that the group chose to go with the ballad-esque “Reminisce about All” instead of a heavier track.

Following up “Reminisce about All” is the witty, self-aware “0&4” with its bluesy guitar lines and jazzy percussion. In the song, the band breaks the fourth wall, even telling listeners through their lyrics that there’s a mood change in the album. 1/4 is rounded out by a remixed version of “Ring on my Ears” that, depending on your taste considering that this album features such a wide variety in tone, may be the highlight of the album. The calmer instrumentation does wonders for the vocals and mood of the song, with the original’s angry guitars traded in for ambient synths. This remix adds yet another unexpected dimension to ONEWE’s music, making for an even more interesting debut release.

Check out the video for “Reminisce about All” below.