MCND, short for “Music Creates New Dream,” has returned with ODD-VENTURE after a 16-month wait. Castle J, Bic, Minjae, Huijin, and Win have taken their time to tour and to see the world, only to fittingly release an EP about travel. Their fifth EP, released on November 22, contains seven tracks: “Run,” “ODD-VENTURE,” “Pop Star,” “Treasure,” “Loosen Up,” “Cruise,” and an English version of “W.A.T.1,” originally released on their last EP THE EARTH: SECRET MISSION Chapter.2.   

The Title Track, “ODD-VENTURE” 

The title track lives up to its name. It’s an odd venture from previous MCND title tracks by switching to a calmer country sound. As the creation of many composers and lyricists, including all group members,“ODD-VENTURE” tells a tale of perseverance.* Like in the lives of explorers searching for treasure, unpredictable hardships often happen. However, MCND challenges, “Who dares block my way?” With the sound of horses running (“clip-clop”) leading the momentum, they keep moving forwards.    

The “ODD-VENTURE” music video focuses on MCND exploring various lands. Despite the song’s country influence and wild west inspiration, no direct cowboy imagery appears in the music video. Viewers are instead treated to scenes of MCND as hikers, sailors, divers, submariners, and astronauts. From the seas, to the desert, to the forest, and the galaxy, MCND experiences it all. At the very least, K-Pop fans likely won’t see another music video where someone tames a giant, mechanical shark like a mechanical bull. 

Previously Released Tracks 

MCND originally showcased “Pop Star,” ODD-VENTURE’s third track, as part of their YouTube channel’s “[PLAY MUSIC GROUND]” series. “PLAY MUSIC GROUND” contains original songs, song covers, and dance covers. In collaboration with Ninos Hanna and Andreas Öberg, all members wrote lyrics for “Pop Star.” Even though “Pop Star” was unveiled on June 2, 2023, it was officially released with ODD-VENTURE. 

Track seven, “W.A.T.1,” was a pre-release for MCND’s fourth EP, THE EARTH: SECRET MISSION Chapter.2. The “W.A.T.1” track video dropped on June 11, 2022, and its English version was first performed during MCND’s AMERICA TOUR 2022. Despite its feature on a past album, the “W.A.T.1” lyrics also match ODD-VENTURE’s theme. It talks about exploring the wilderness, and MCND even dubs themselves the “kings of the wild west.”

New B-Sides  

The rest of ODD-VENTURE is a trip. The first track, “Run,” is an exciting song written, composed, and arranged by Kass. “Run” is the only track without MCND’s input in the lyrics. In addition to all of the members’ songwriting participation in “ODD-VENTURE” and “Pop Star,” the two eldest members helped on the other tracks. 

Castle J and Kuzzi wrote the lyrics for “Treasure,” a calming ballad that MCND, a hip-focused group, also executes well. Bic and Ji Soo Park wrote lyrics for “Loosen Up,” a song that feels the most like classic MCND. The following track, “Cruise,” features Castle J as the sole lyricist. Like “Loosen Up,” Cruise is more rap-heavy and its chorus offers energy levels that rival those of a late-night party. 

*Note: lyrics taken from English captions in the official music video.

Edited by Lacey Diluvio