It’s been an eventful year for AB6IX, with their last EP released in May and a year full of tour stops around the world, the quartet only continues their busy schedule with this new EP release. On October 4, the group released their sixth mini-album TAKE A CHANCE with title track “Sugarcoat.” AB6IX has dabbled in many different genres in their time, and in this release we see a more retro boyband feel take center stage. 

My first impression of “Sugarcoat” is that it initially reminded me of the classic ‘90s trendy boy bands like Backstreet Boys or N*SYNC, but that would also be an oversimplification of the melody. While the song does overall have that feeling, it blends more modern musical elements, so it’s not exactly a straight retro concept. It’s most definitely a pop track at its core, but there are elements of R&B interspersed throughout the song that help to keep it fresh. The lyrics are inspired by a classic love song feel and sweet to the core. In particular, Daehwi’s vocal tone really enhances the 90s-inspired vibes.

As expected, the video is bright to match the song, full of pops of neon and pastel colors. We often see the boys highlighted in pink and green lights to match the color pop sets behind them. The focus on sweets is expected given the song title, and it adds to the presentation of the boys in a very soft and warm light. The heavy jean ensembles for some reason elicit a feeling of nostalgia in me. I also wanted to note that this concept fits Woong particularly well, and he stands out quite a bit in the video, but that’s just my personal opinion.

Check out the video for “Sugarcoat” below, and be sure to take a listen to the sixth EP on streaming sites!

Edited by Rashelle B.