LUMINOUS Questions Self and Ego — And Talks About Being Gganbus?
A day before the drop of their second mini-album, The Kraze had the chance to attend LUMINOUS’s first-ever media showcase to get to know more about Between Light and Darkness (Self n Ego). WIP Company’s four-member boy group debuted last September with YOUTH and is ready to bring even more light into their fan’s life with the second part of their Luminous Series.
Tracklist:
“MATRYOSHKA”
“Trouble”
“All eyes down (advance)”
“Scintillation”
“Want it more?”
LUMINOUS And Fans Are Gganbu — Media Showcase + Album Introduction
We joined LUMINOUS’s first media showcase online, but it was enough to feel the charisma that the members Youngbin, Suil, Steven, and Woobin radiate even through the screen. They stepped on stage in the edgy red and black outfits and flashy accessories you can all see now in the title track’s music video. Before getting into the Q&A section, we were lucky enough to be one of the first people to witness the memorable performance version and addictive choreography of their new title track, “All eyes down (advance).” Later, through answering the media’s questions, we got to know the deeper meaning behind their new mini-album.
The whole album builds around the question “Where am I?” and compares the real me (self) and our outer disguise, the manufactured being (ego). Between Light and Darkness (Self n Ego) tells the story of the struggling youth, stuck between the borders of light and darkness, and is filled with worries and questions about happiness. While LUMINOUS will only answer their own questions through the third part of Luminous Series, the group’s goal with the second mini-album is also to give comfort to those who are going through these internal concerns and being confused on this journey of growth.
According to them, this comfort comes from sympathy. Suil mentioned that sometimes it is enough if someone just listens and says, "me too, it was hard for me too,” and the new songs on Between Light and Darkness (Self n Ego) can play exactly that role. The vocalist and rapper ended his message by saying that since what we are going through isn’t the final state, we should have the courage to enjoy this path of learning.
Talking about how this album is different compared to LUMINOUS’s previous album, Woobin said that after introducing themselves to the world with their debut album, this time they are trying to show a wider spectrum of themselves with a more addictive sound and more profound message. The maknae expressed his hope that fans will listen to all songs thinking of LUMINOUS as friends who live together forever. Closing his answer by saying “we're gganbu” (Squid Game reference, meaning a trusted close friend).
After the charismatic opening, LUMINOUS completed their first media showcase by performing a slower, more emotional track from their new album, “Scintillation.”
The Tracks on Between Light and Darkness (Self n Ego) That Lead To The Next Comeback
The mini-album opens with a song co-written by member Steven and co-composed/co-arranged by K-Pop hit-maker Ryan S. Jhun. “MATRYOSHKA” is used as a metaphor for “ego,” comparing it to the layers of masks we wear while trying to find our true self, constantly fighting the hate in the world. Am I the one to break myself out of the ego that imprisons me? Conveying questions like this, “MATRYOSHKA” is an immersive hip-hop track with a deep base and confrontational rap, in which dynamic development is characterized by a melodic rap.
Between Light and Darkness (Self n Ego) continues with the inner conflict, singing about how we want to live our lives in our own way, but reality won’t allow it. “Trouble” is a song experimenting with a groovy and hip bass trap genre that captivates the listener through intense bass, pluck, and strings — giving a dreamy but deep and charismatic ambiance to the song.
The title track is right in the middle of the album. “All eyes down (advance)” is a hip-hop based song with bass trap elements and synths. This song defines LUMINOUS, talking about edging between falsified hopes and fears, questioning but acknowledging the tough yet beautiful youth, showing willingness to surpass the limits and go far beyond our fears and imagination. This message of “keep running” reminds me of their debut title “RUN.” The music video uses powerful colors to further emphasize the charisma of the members and the song that comes with catchy rap, cool performance, and memorable hand movements. TikTok challenge, I see you!
As we had the chance to hear during the media showcase, “Scintillation” is a softer pop ballad that is influenced by Asian roots and incorporates some trendy trap beats. “Scintillation” feels like a sparkle of glow, as it discusses our young desire to always find and run towards the light.
Between Light and Darkness (Self n Ego) closes with an Arabian-style hip-hop track with heavy beats and colorful instruments. The unique, energetic sound is further colored with the balance of confident rap and harmonious vocals that lead up to a catchy chorus. “Want it more?” completes the album with a bouquet of questions about life, ego, and happiness, these meanings, and existence.
Third Mini-Album?
The closing track also serves as a bridge between the second and third parts of the Luminous Series. Does that mean we can expect some answers to these conflicting questions in LUMINOUS’s third mini-album? We will have to wait to find out, but one thing is for sure: we’ll be able to see even more growth from the group, just as we witnessed this time between their debut and first-ever comeback.