The beginning of 2024 signals two things for Kep1er: their second anniversary and a reminder of the group’s impending disbandment later this year. Despite my fervent denial of this dreaded deadline, there is nothing better than appreciating what music has already been enjoyed and treasured. Among their discography lies their third EP TROUBLESHOOTER, one often overlooked. 

The Title Track: “We Fresh” 

Originally released on October 13, 2022, Kep1er released TROUBLESHOOTER with the title track “We Fresh.”  Through lyrics penned by KZ and B.O., Kep1er expresses their role as superheroes out to protect others. They tell people to keep pursuing their next goal with no hesitation, as they will always have their backs.  Whether it’s scaling buildings like Youngeun, showing skills with a katana like Huening Bahiyyih, or arriving in a tank like Chaehyun, Kep1er fills the “We Fresh” music video with action.  

KZ and B.O. also composed the track with Nthonius and Meisobo, creating a track with various alternating genres. “We Fresh” keeps the song fresh by keeping listeners constantly on their toes. The song doesn’t lean into full rock as the intro initially implies. It’s got a disorienting post-chorus that makes the song stand out.  

“Lion Tamer” 

Following “We Fresh” is “Lion Tamer,” a cool dance track. It was composed by Daniel Kim, Frankie Day, Charlotte Wilson, and THE HUB 88 (Brian U). “Lion Tamer” keeps its beat with snaps and whistles, which drive the song forwards. The chants of “wild one” accompanied by the beat never fail to get my head moving to the groove. 

“Downtown” 

“Downtown” feels like something accompanying a girls’ night in a city’s downtown district. Composers Mirror BOY, D.ham, HNMR (Moon Hanmiru),든든맨, and Boran exceeded at creating the environment described by the song’s title. The chorus confidently announces, “I’m on my way, / Downtown, downtown, downtown” as if it's telling the world to stop and stare. Combined with a funky instrumental like something out of a fashion catwalk, this is the song to play out with the squad.

“Dreams” 

Composed by Glory Face (영광의 얼굴들), HARRY, Jinli (진리) Moon Yeon (문연), and Codename, “Dreams” brings down the energy further with something calming and light. Its environment feels much more like it's questioning the times ahead, rather than seizing the opportunity. It lacks the confidence of “We Fresh,” “Lion Tamer,” and “Downtown,” but it’s exactly the kind of track to unwind to. 

“THE GIRLS (Can’t turn me down) (Remastered)” 

Originally released during the final round of Queendom 2, “THE GIRLS (Can’t turn me down)” received a remastered version in TROUBLESHOOTER. In my opinion, the change in tone following “Dreams” fails to cohesively tie the EP together. However, it gives Queendom 2 fans another song to embrace with open arms. 

As expressed previously with songs like “WADADA,” “We Fresh,” and even the Japanese title track “Wing Wing,” Kep1er creates a lot of tracks with unrelenting energy. Thanks to composers Alawn (Harold Philippon) and Andy Love, “THE GIRLS (Can’t turn me down)” and its remaster are unapologetically in-your-face. “It tells audiences that they won’t back down from even the harshest situations.