On September 5, ONEUS returned with their eighth mini-album MALUS. The members revisit the Garden of Eden in this album and speak through the hardships they face while in love.

Tracklist:

1. “Intro: EDEN”

2. “Same Scent” (title)

3. “STUPID LOVE”

4. “천만분의 1의 확률의 너 (Gravitation)” 

5. “Mermaid”

6. “월광 (FULL MOON)”

7. “Same Scent (English Ver.)”

MALUS begins with “Intro: EDEN” and tells us that they’ve fallen for the sin of sweet temptation, that together with their love they’re going to reach for Eden. The wistful track touches upon how enchanted they become through this scent and how Eden is where they need to go despite the feeling of something holding them back.

"Eden, Eden, the more I crave you, the farther away I get

Like a withered flower that keeps withering

The scent gets deeper and thicker

Only your scent remains

We're gonna reach for Eden"

Following “Intro: EDEN,'' the title track “Same Scent” starts, which members Ravn and Leedo took part in writing the lyrics for. The track follows a tropical house beat but feels richer with their vocals and how the verses are stripped back from the instruments used in the chorus. The pre-chorus is addictive and sticks in your head as the track opens, its sensual lyrics following you throughout the whole song: "My body remembers you bare, eh eh eh / Remember your scent, eh eh eh."  

In the music video, this section of the song paired with the performance in the water is so eye-catching and is undeniably going to draw new fans in. The velvet suits worn by the members represent the deep desire they have for this person that they’ve committed the sin of temptation for. MALUS ends with the English version of “Same Scent,” which after hearing its melody, makes you realize how your mind was craving to hear it again.

“STUPID LOVE” is the first track to introduce a band feel to this album. The drumline goes along so well with the chord progression as the song elevates. Despite the instruments being rock-heavy, the synths and chords are what keeps “STUPID LOVE” sounding like a pop-rock song. The track talks about how they acknowledge that they’re acting foolish while in love and how they don’t care if they’re not the only one that's smitten for this person because they’ll still follow them and their scent hopelessly. I can definitely see this song being performed live as it's one that many can fall into.

As MALUS continues and the members are still fighting to reach Eden, “Gravitation” slows everything down as the reality of their situation settles in and all their memories start flashing back. By beginning, with just a voice and acoustic guitar, the sentiment can be felt as Seoho sings, “Every second, every minute, to meet you / I am putting all the time in the hourglass.” All of the members' vocals stand out in this song, and you can hear how each member’s voice complements the other. Even their falsettos don’t get overpowered by the instruments, which can happen when drums, piano, and guitar are all added to create momentum in the track. 

“Gravitation” is definitely the fan song that has everyone in their feelings as even the group’s rap verses mellow out for this track. Everything toward the end of the track, from the voice on the bridge with just the piano to the electric guitar solo, is simply breathtaking. “Gravitation” serves as my personal favorite track on this album.

“Mermaid” picks the album back up with its retro sounds. The slap bass and synths carry the track, which helps show a brighter light within the richness of MALUS. The beat takes part in portraying love in a sweet way, which one cannot simply get enough of. The members speak about not being able to take their eyes off this person, how they've just got this pull on them that's playing with their heartstrings. After a track like “Gravitational,” “Mermaid” brings back the lighthearted feelings on how fun love can be and that sometimes the chase is worth it.

“FULL MOON” summarizes MALUS up with a sound that is fun and oozing with prestige. As the final new track, ONEUS talk about how they want to fall deeper into the moonlight while the scent takes them whole and that, no matter the consequence, they'll follow through with eating the forbidden fruit. The rap part comes suddenly and automatically makes you bop your head along to it, as do the last phrases in the chorus. Each track in this album shows how the sins of lust and greed can appear when in love, and with “FULL MOON,” we find out that the members reach Eden in the end.

MALUS is out now on Spotify and various streaming platforms.

“Same Scent” Title Score: 8/10

“Same Scent” Music Video Score: 7.5/10

MALUS Album Score: 9/10

Total Score: 8.2/10

Edited by Cara Musashi