FTISLAND Returns with 7th Mini-Album, Zapping.
FTISLAND has returned to the Hallyu scene with their 7th mini-album titled Zapping. This is their first release since the departure of former member Choi Jonghoon, making the band now a four-member group with members Hongki, Jaejin, Seunghyun, and Minhwan completing the ensemble. Despite losing a member of the team, FTISLAND is still standing strong, offering fans a delightful mini-album perfect for greeting the fall season.
Tracklist:
Quit
Hope Again
Day By Day
No Regret
Don’t Lose Yourself
”Quit”
It comes as no surprise that FTISLAND’s latest release is a powerful, emotional rock-ballad. Upon first listen, “Quit” appears bright and uplifting, but the true meaning behind the song is about letting go of love and quitting a relationship that is no longer working out. Once the meaning of the song settles in, the overall feeling changes to something more solemn and distant. However, despite the dark theme of the track, Hongki wows with his vocal abilities, which is sure to send chills down anyone’s spine.
The music video for “Quit” does not feature any of the FTISLAND members, instead focusing on a couple and past memories of the relationship. In particular, the music video is shown through the perspective of the woman as she reminisces about the memories she made with her partner. It shows her on a journey to turn back time to certain events during the relationship, and while she does smile looking back on things, the reality sets in that they can no longer go back to what they used to be. The music video wonderfully depicts the shift from summer to fall, with colors switching from warm to cool. FTISLAND does not fail in offering fans both a meaningful and artistic music video that viewers can’t help but watch till the very end.
An Album to Remember
Shifting away from the title track, FTISLAND delivers a colorful album that is pleasant through and through. There are more opportunities within the album for other members to shine, with audiences getting more chances to hear their vocals throughout various tracks. Despite not having a long tracklist, the album highlights a variety of sounds ranging from happy to angsty to uplifting and encouraging. The gem off the album would have to be their last track, “Don’t Lose Yourself,” as it is a song communicating that one must take ownership of oneself while simultaneously seeing the positives in life. “Don’t Lose Yourself” is truly an uplifting song that will turn any bad day into a good one.
Goodbye for Now?
For those just getting to know FTISLAND, this band is a long-time veteran in the industry with twelve years under its belt. FTISLAND is one of the pioneering groups to debut as a band within the K-Pop industry, and we’ve seen these boys grown into fine men. This latest album potentially marks their last for quite a while, seeing as the members are soon approaching their mandatory military service. Though there might not be any new music any time soon, FTISLAND brings a solid and well-recommended mini-album that is worthy of praise.