ENHYPEN Returns with a Sensory Overload in New Album BORDER : CARNIVAL
ENHYPEN has made their long-awaited first comeback. One of the hottest rookie groups to debut last year, ENHYPEN quickly gained massive popularity for their eerie concept which hadn’t been seen in boy group music for a while. Each member also received critical acclaim for their unique individual talents. BORDER : CARNIVAL, supported by the intoxicating title track “Drunk-Dazed,” is the group’s second mini-album and follows the story set up by their debut album, BORDER : DAY ONE.
Let’s Talk Music!
Tracklist
Intro : The Invitation
Drunk-Dazed
FEVER
Not for Sale
별안간 (Mixed Up)
Outro : The Wormhole
“Drunk-Dazed”
A complete sensory overload, “Drunk-Dazed” is a bold choice for a title track by a rookie boy group. The song is a pop-rock anthem with Europop influences. The boys' voices are muffled to create the feeling of being intoxicated at a house party. While the song stands in contrast with their debut title track “Given-Taken” in terms of its sonic production, the new track is equally eerie. Lyrically, the track shares ENHYPEN’s story after their debut and all the unfamiliar experiences they have encountered, a theme heard throughout the rest of the album as well.
The music video has conjured up various theories and contains several easter eggs connecting ENHYPEN’s storyline with HYBE Label’s overarching storyline as former I-LAND contestants K and EJ make cameo appearances in the music video, with the two idols set to debut later this year as part of HYBE’s first Japanese boy group. The choreography for the song matches the energy of the track, and the set designs and imagery switch between a normal house party to an extravagant carnival, which is also seen in the album’s concept photos. As the video progresses, the imagery becomes darker, featuring blood in reference to ENHYPEN’s concept of being vampires.
Check out the music video for “Drunk-Dazed” below!
B-Sides
The album opens with “Intro : Invitation,” which was pre-released upon the announcement of the comeback. The track makes several references to Shakespearean sonnets, and acts as a bridge between the two albums. This finds ENHYPEN members feeling ecstatic about their debut and compares the feeling to that of “entering paradise.” With a choir chant opening the song, the track sets up the intoxicated atmosphere of the album.
“Drunk-Dazed” is followed by fiery R&B track “FEVER.” Another daring choice for a rookie group, the track puts the group’s vocal talents on full display. With sensual lyrics, ENHYPEN sings of how their infatuation with a crush is like a rising fever. The track also makes reference to the “cold bodies” of the boys, alluding to the vampire lore of ENHYPEN’s concept. The track was co-written by hitmaker Cazzi Opeia, who has also worked on tracks like “Psycho” by Red Velvet and ENHYPEN’s own “Given-Taken.”
Check out the psychedelic visualizer for “Intro : Invitation” below!
“Not For Sale” is a pop track with tropical beats and precursive snaps. The track makes a comment on the transaction-focused world we live in where everything has a price. However, the boys make it clear that their love for their loved ones is not for sale and cannot be bought. “별안간 (Mixed Up)” is a hip-hop track and the final piece of their unfamiliar story introduced in the album. While the song sounds bright, the lyrics deal with a darker theme of online fame. The track is a social commentary on the scrutiny idols face in the online community, where simple actions and words are taken out of context and put them in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
The album closes with “Outro : The Wormhole,” which once again makes reference to Shakespearean sonnets and is written in archaic English. The song marks the end of the tunnel of these unfamiliar experiences as ENHYPEN looks forward to what awaits them in the next chapter as they pass through the wormhole.
BORDER : CARNIVAL is a courageous album. The tracks are progressive and push ENHYPEN to stand out in the crowd and challenge them artistically. The sprinkle of rock influences gives the album a unique flavor not often seen in K-Pop songs. BORDER : CARNIVAL is a dazzling step forward in ENHYPEN’s career. Each track gives off the feeling of being at a lively carnival. It easily sets them apart from their seniors at HYBE and their counterparts in the fourth generation. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if this project lands on end of year lists in 2021.