Self-proclaiming their return at the start of the video for their comeback single, “PINATA,” the quintet that make up A.C.E states, “It’s the boys, we back baby.” After completing military service and their most recent tour, this single album release is their first in three years with all members and the boys are most definitely back. On November 20, A.C.E came back not only to re-stamp their mark on the K-Pop landscape, but to tear it down. Members Park Junhee, Lee Donghun, Wow, Kim Byeongkwan, and Kang Yuchan open the video sharply dressed in suits against 49 men in black S.W.A.T gear. Moving away from the more melodic pop tracks, and way past the hot pants from their debut, A.C.E’s return is dark, dynamic and definitely sexy. As the scenes migrate from crazy choreographed distance dance sequences to closeups, where skin is as much the focus as their visuals, A.C.E distances themselves from their younger rookie days by showing off their manly sensual aura. The song itself focuses on dynamic beats, alternating between strong rap sequences and a powerful dynamic chorus, balanced by a more melodic refrain that showcases both their rap skills and crazy vocal range. 

During the album’s release press, members noted that the video was designed to give the feels of a blockbuster movie with its large scale. They also explained that the song “PINATA” represents sealed negative feelings that need to be broken down, and that a lot of preparation, including the video, had been done before their recently concluded tour.

The album itself comes in five versions. Versions titled The Desire, The Daydream, The Hope, The Truth, and The Stimulus, give insight into the emotions and desires portrayed in the song. The four tracks in the album center around the single, starting with “Intro: Recuerda, recuerda,” that samples Mozart’s “Requiem Mass in D Minor - Lacrimosa,” “PINATA,” the English version of “PINATA,” and finally the title’s instrumental. With power and skill that define A.C.E, the single is a welcome return that hits hot in every good way.

Watch “PINATA” here: