After postponing their comeback due to the tragedy in Itaewon on Halloween, DRIPPIN are finally back with Villain: The End, the group’s first full-length album. Consisting of 10 tracks, Villain: The End is the culmination of a year’s worth of growth for the rookie boy group. But before we get into this latest release, let’s backtrack for a moment and revisit the first two releases of the Villain era. 

Villain is DRIPPIN’s third mini-album, which was released back in January of this year. Featuring the title track of the same name, this release set the stage. In terms of sound, “Villain” is a pop track with a strong emphasis on the funky bass line and the vocalists. The music video for “Villain” sees the boys as superpower-wielding villains battling masked men. In my article for this release, I compared the powers to the quirks seen in My Hero Academia (and, admittedly, spent a little too much time talking about the villain Dabi).

These powers carried over into the music video for “ZERO,” the title track for Villain: ZERO. Where “Villain” was pop-forward, “ZERO” leans more into the hip-hop sound with a gritty, in-your-face emphasis on the raps and guitars in the backing track. In the article for Villain: ZERO, I noted how the music video for “ZERO” plays out as a prequel to the “Villain” music video as the group escapes the masked men and begin their path of destruction, ending with Junho overlooking the city (which is where “Villain” begins, albeit more destroyed).

“The One”

“The One” opens with a fun guitar riff before a drum kicks in as well. However, if you’re expecting a pure pop-rock track, prepare to have your mind blown as electro elements are introduced right before the first verse. It’s a fun combination, blending the guitars and rock sound from “ZERO” with the poppier stylings of “Villain.” My favorite part is the chorus, where the pop rock comes back to the forefront of the sound. And, okay, I know I said I talked too much about My Hero Academia and Dabi in my article about “Villain,” but really, “The One” could be an anime opening; it has the perfect-sounding chorus that makes you think of chasing after something (dreams, enemies, whatever your heart desires).

After watching the music video for “The One” repeatedly (as well as revisiting “Villain” and “ZERO” a few times), the plot I grasp is that there are two Junhos: the good version, who uses blue fire, and the villain with red flames. Throughout the video, it also appears as if the evil version of Junho has somehow also claimed the powers of his fellow members, with flaming meteors (courtesy of Minseo’s power) streaking the skies and falling around the other members. We also see Alex surrounded by his paintings while fire rains down upon him. After being awoken by red flames entering his body, Junho stands to protect the other members of DRIPPIN, and the rest of the video plays out as a battle between the two Junhos while the other members use their powers to aid in the fight. Ultimately, good Junho overcomes the villain, and the music video wraps up with the members of DRIPPIN hugging and running around, embracing their newfound freedom.

The closing shot is a close-up of Junho’s eyes, showing one blue eye and one red eye. Was the villain version of Junho just his darker desires? Has he embraced both his dark and light sides? Does this mean that the Villain era truly has not ended? With so many questions, this music video will have you rethinking everything you thought about this era.

The B-Sides

“I.N.O” opens the album as the intro track. It starts out kind of peaceful before ending with a distorted guitar that then leads into the title track “The One.” Following the title track is “Silence,” which has a chill pop opening with a build-up into the chorus. The chorus is where some of the rock influence heard in the previous track can be heard again. “Silence” has a really great blending of pop, EDM, and rock instrumentation, and is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the stellar B-sides on Villain: The End.

“MONSTER” has a very similar vibe to previous title track “ZERO.” The track starts off with a guitar section that sets a slightly ominous tone (fitting, given the title). The chorus is super catchy, and you’ll find yourself singing along in no time. “UTOPIA” opens with what sounds like morse code, and definitely takes me back to some of the earlier DRIPPIN releases with its pure pop sound and synthesizers.

However, smack dab between “MONSTER” and “UTOPIA” is “HOME,” a soft ballad featuring a beautiful piano. I love the orchestra that comes in at the chorus, but it feels out of place on the album; “MONSTER” and “UTOPIA” are two songs that get you excited and dancing in your seat, so to have the vibe brought down by “HOME” so abruptly is slightly jarring. 

“DEJA VU” follows “UTOPIA,” setting a kind of slinky, mysterious vibe right from the get-go. Violins are brought back in for the bridge, adding some drama to the track. “ESCAPE” opens with whistling, and you think the song is going to pop off at any time, but never does. The track keeps you on your toes, and it’s another really great B-side track from DRIPPIN.

From a song titled “Champion,” you’d think there’d be more of a victorious feeling to it. While there is a feeling of empowerment you get from the chorus, the verses and bridges feel more like the trials and tribulations you have to overcome to be the “Champion.” That said, I like that this track isn’t what you’d expect by the name, and I think it shows a maturity in sound to go for “this is the hard work you need to put into becoming a champion” rather than “we’re the best, just listen to how hard we can go.”

DRIPPIN’s first full-length album closes with “When I’m With You,” another pure pop track that feels just as light and pure as the sentiments expressed in the chorus. Overall, I really enjoyed this album. Villain: The End is an absolutely beautiful blend of sounds and experimentations throughout every track, making each and every song stick out to listeners while keeping a cohesiveness by using similar instrumentation throughout. I love the guitars that you hear in most tracks as well as the violins that make an appearance in many tracks. It truly has been a year of growth for the rookie boy group.

It’s the end of the Villain era, and honestly, I’m a bit sad to say goodbye. I know realistically all good things must come to an end, and that this just means more incredible releases and comeback stories to come from DRIPPIN, but Villain was the release that got me to really listen to the group and anticipate their releases while Villain: ZERO was the release that kept me hooked. Now that Villain: The End is here, I can confidently say that I’m a DREAMIN through and through, and no matter how sad I am to see the end of the Villain era, I will be back for more.

“THE ONE” TITLE SCORE: 9/10

“THE ONE” MV SCORE: 8/10

VILLAIN: THE END ALBUM SCORE: 8/10

TOTAL SCORE: 8.3/10

Edited by Deshalia Murray