“FallIn” in Love with ONE PACT

ONE PACT is back with their latest mini-album fallIn’ and it’s the perfect step in the right direction for a sophomore release.

The EP starts off with the low-key “At the last moment,” a rap-focused track with an understated instrumental that drifts off into the fast-paced title track, “DESERVED.” The song, written and co-produced by member TAG, relies on its atmospheric electric beats, a sound that’s quite popular for anyone familiar with K-Pop’s current landscape, and it’s a sound that fits ONE PACT incredibly well. Admittedly, I think this sound tends to be more successful for girl groups over boy groups, but ONE PACT might just be the artist to tip the scale.

The music video for “DESERVED” is predominantly performance-based. The choreography is entracing, perfectly matching the groovy beat of the song: the moves are quick and nuanced, and will have you impressed by the talents of ONE PACT upon first watch. While the video is rather subtle, shifting between performance shots and scenes of the members searching for something, the camera work is impressive and does the group and song justice.The moment in the last chorus where the camera focuses on Seongmin right before they burst into their final dance moves actually made me gasp.

“I still do” leans toward a more traditional K-Hip-Hop sound, and the bits of piano and funky beat are just the icing on the top. “Reach you” relaxes its beat a bit compared to the previous tracks, bringing in synths and a slinky guitar to match the more vocally-driven song. The funky beats return in “Next life,” a song with an almost tropical feel. Finally, “My dear” brings the album to its slowest point, and also its close. For a release that’s heavily carried by electronic beats, quick raps, and snappy percussion, the vocals in “My dear” almost sound otherworldly in comparison. My only complaint is it ends too quickly—I wish there was more. Guess you’ll have to count me amongst those awaiting ONE PACT’s next move.

Edited by Bryn Claybourne