We’ve waited almost a full year for a new release from M.O.N.T and the time has finally come! The new single album AQUATAPE features the title track “BOOM BANG” and “Lethargy,” a single featuring rapper Roda. Since their debut in 2018, the trio has consistently shown different sides to themselves. But one thing is for sure, their twist on the cute concept is something to be remembered!

The Title: “Boom Bang”

In the dead of summer, “Boom Bang” will be a refreshing reminder of a summer vacation. The song is reminiscent of a cool island track, a mid-tempo and bright track that has an infectious groove, especially in the pre-chorus. It feels like a mix of their previous titles “Will you be my girlfriend” and “Rock Paper Scissors,” blending the two in a perfect way that is upbeat and chill at the same time. While the previous title “Rock Paper Scissors” had a more orchestral focus, especially given the prominent horn section, “Boom Bang” brings a much more relaxing atmosphere. It’s certainly a quintessential summer K-Pop track and a good reminder to take it easy while amidst the summer grind. Listeners should take comfort in Narachan’s reassuring words as the song fades out: “baby come and rest.”

Moving over in the video, the viewer will first notice Roda traded in his signature blonde look for a new twist while Bitsaeon went all natural dark hair and Narachan took on a little bit of both his members’ colors. One of our favorite aspects of the videography is the heavy use of neon colors, most prominently blues and purples. The bright color seems fitting for this uplifting track as well as a perfect representation of summer vacation. The cuteness of the members is featured heavily and it’s certainly hard not to fall for the trio’s charms while watching them enjoy themselves. If you weren’t endeared by them before, you certainly will be after watching this video!

The B-Side: “Lethargy”

Roda’s featured B-side brings an interesting contrast to the title track. Upon first listen, the melody seems to be rather lethargic, heavily featuring minor chords that are easily recognized as rather bleak in tone. Rather than instilling a fun and upbeat atmosphere, the track elicits a sluggish and downtrodden feeling. This is emphasized in the video where Roda is shown next to Bitsaeon and Narachan acting mostly disengaged with their fun. It is also particularly interesting that the video showcases the same bright neon color focus and summer feel, as if showing that these two sides of a coin emotionally can be shared within the same space. 

Getting a comeback from M.O.N.T is not as frequent as it is for other groups from huge agencies, but their returns are always a treat for the ears! Be sure to support these boys, and check out all of the music they’ve released so far.