GOT7 Captivates Fans with the Stunning “Not By The Moon”
Six months after the release of mini-album Call My Name, GOT7 is back with new music and an even more captivating concept! Now six years on the K-Pop scene and veterans of the genre, the boys of GOT7 have traded their upbeat, youthful image for a more mature and sophisticated concept. With this latest return, the septet is continuing to show just how much talent and poise they possess.
The Title: “Not By The Moon”
While the previous title “You Calling My Name” explored the retro-funk genre, “Not By The Moon” makes a return to a more modern hip-hop sound. The catchy rhythm radiates a sensual, mature energy that the boys conquer effortlessly these days. The track hits all the right spots for a captivating listen: an intro that crescendos into the main melody via a drop, an off-beat rhythm that keeps the listener engaged through the verses, and a traditional build-up to the chorus drop. As a bonus, rappers BamBam, Mark, and Jackson all contribute vocals along with their raps, showcasing the group’s many talents. This is the type of song that will get you hooked on the first listen, and it’ll stay in your head for weeks. If this more hip-hop focused melody is your cup of tea, then this is going to be a new favorite.
With the passage of time, GOT7’s music videos have become much more intricate, and it’s taken to an even higher level with this return. The opening shot of Jinyoung shows the member dressed in all white and sporting dark hair, though this immediately shifts to the opposite as a white-haired BamBam opens up with his verse in a black room, bringing out a stunning contrast in the composition. Something about it hits differently, especially given that BamBam’s opening verse does not showcase his rap, but rather his vocals, which is in itself a contrast to his normal presentation. Jackson is then shown on a throne, aptly suited given his name, with extremely intricate and artistic elements of modern dance used in the background. “Gotbang” fans may liken the similarities to BTS’s “Black Swan” art film, at least when it comes to the use of dancers in this scene. The intense, intricate background settings are not something that the group has done before, but it is definitely welcomed and a lovely new element to their form of art. And of course, it wouldn’t be a signature GOT7 comeback without shots of incredibly intricate and creative choreography performed by the members. If only one word could be used to describe this comeback, it would be “gorgeous.”
The Album
There is one complaint that’s come along with the new DYE album: half of it is CD only. However, it’s important to note that these additional tracks are not new, but rather exclusive songs from the groups’ last Spinning Top Tour, so for fans who were worried they were missing out: fear not!
DYE kicks off with “AURA,” penned by our lovely Youngjae, or Ars—his producer moniker. The track has quintessential Youngjae written all over it, and longtime fans of the group will know exactly what we mean. It’s a solid start, presenting a less intense and more groovy sound to the album. Next comes “CRAZY,” JB’s contribution to the album which is also riddled with his signature style. While the base rhythm takes inspiration from R&B, this track gets particularly experimental in the chorus, with EDM elements thrown into the mix that make it feel a bit confusing, though the verses are particularly beautiful.
The second half of the album kicks off with Jinyoung’s “LOVE YOU BETTER,” a soothing track that matches the tone well from the previous tracks. It melds some of the eclectic instrumentals seen in “CRAZY,” but overall maintains a stable groovy rhythm that is infectious. “TRUST MY LOVE” has a bit of a caribbean flavor in the beat, bringing a new element into the musical composition of the album. It’s a welcome change of pace, and it’s especially interesting to hear GOT7 work this angle, since it’s not something they have often, if ever, tackled in their music.
Rounding out the album is “POISON,” a track with an eerie twist in the melody that leaves a sense of unease in its wake, at the same time contrasting the upbeat tempo of the song. You’ll still find yourself jamming, but something about this melody is both otherworldly and groovy, painting an interesting atmosphere within the album.
All in all, DYE is a great listen from top to bottom, and another reliable release from the veteran boy group. In GOT7’s early days, there was a lot of debate concerning the caliber of the group’s talent, but as time has passed the boys have continued to prove their staying power in the K-Pop industry.