Feel WayV’s “FREQUENCY” in Their Sixth EP
After making their Japanese debut in August, WayV continues to make international waves with their FREQUENCY EP. Released on November 25, this six-track EP contains tracks in Korean, Mandarin, and English. WayV performs the title track “FREQUENCY” in Korean and Mandarin versions, sings “HIGH FIVE” and “TWIST” in Korean, and delivers “Filthy Rich” and “Call Me” in English.
TRACKLIST:
“FREQUENCY”
“HIGH FIVE”
“TWIST”
“Filthy Rich”
“Call Me”
“FREQUENCY (角频率)”
The Pre-Release: “HIGH FIVE”
Previewed on November 19, WayV went old-school hip-hop with “HIGH FIVE.” In the lyrics written by Taewon Park, WayV try to reach their goals by aiming the highest they can. Nothing will stand in their way in achieving this accomplishment.*
The group tries their hand at being archeologists in the “HIGH FIVE” music video. It’s a silly concept that feels very K-Pop: the absurdity of the concept paired with the song makes for a unique combination. The video represents the goals WayV sings about as hidden treasures waiting for excavation.
The Title Track: “FREQUENCY”
The old-school hip-hop sound from “HIGH FIVE” also transfers over to “FREQUENCY.” Composed by AFTRSHOK, DeadBear, Sam SZND, Jacob Aaron, and Ayushy, this sound combines hip-hop with some electronic elements that match with the song’s concept. Korean lyricists Kang Eunjeong and WUTAN filled “FREQUENCY” with messages about exploring a new way of life: WayV lives on a different wavelength, one destined for “greatness.”*
The brief tease of teleportation powers in the “HIGH FIVE” music video makes an even greater appearance in the one for “FREQUENCY.” WayV shows off superpowers in a display that may remind some people of EXO’s original concept. Skills like Ten’s teleportation, Xiaojun’s electrokinesis, and Yangyang’s super speed add cool visual effects to the video. One might think their supernatural entrance coupled with their black leather outfits could appear villain-like, but the message of “FREQUENCY” makes them heroes trying to save people.
The B-Sides: A Welcome Signal
WayV is a group known for their multilingual skills, and FREQUENCY’s B-sides also make this clear. “TWIST,” the second Korean song on the EP, will bring listeners to the dance floor with its catchy percussive beats and claps. The English songs come with R&B as WayV sings about love.
In “Filthy Rich,” WayV don’t flaunt wealth; rather, they call the affection of a lover all the money they need: “If I got you, I’m filthy rich, and money don’t mean nothing,” they say in the chorus. “Call Me” conveys the desperation of wanting to hear a special someone’s voice. They feel left hanging by the ambiguous nature of their lover not talking. FREQUENCY ends with the title track’s Mandarin version, “角频率” (meaning “angular frequency”). If you enjoyed the Korean version, you can jam to it in Mandarin as well. Though hearing WayV singing in multiple languages is a treat, the group going back to their Chinese roots is always a pleasure.
*Note: lyrics taken from the English captions in the official music videos.
Edited by Lacey Diluvio