Kep1er Shoots for the Stars in Final Nine-Member Release Kep1going On
Kep1er’s first full Korean album Kep1going On marks a bittersweet accomplishment for the group’s time as a nine-member group. Released on June 3, the album comes shortly after Kep1er made history as the first Mnet survival show group to renew their contract. While Kep1going On doesn’t serve as a goodbye for Kep1er as a group, it contains the last songs performed by their original nine-member lineup.
Kep1er’s management WAKEONE and Swing Entertainment confirmed last week that Yujin, Xiaoting, Chaehyun, Dayeon, Hikaru, Huening Bahiyyih, and Youngeun renewed their contracts as a seven-member group. Mashiro and Yeseo will finish their promotions following Kep1er’s concert in Japan on July 15. Kep1going On features the title track “Shooting Star,” seven original B-sides, and Korean versions of their most recent Japanese title tracks, “Grand Prix” and “Straight Line.”
Tracklist:
“Last Carnival”
“Shooting Star”
“Curious”
“Flowers, Flutter, Your heart”
“Double Up!”
“PUSH BUTTON”
“PROBLEM”
“Dear Diary”
“Grand Prix (KOR Ver.)”
“Straight Line (KOR Ver.)”
“Shooting Star”: Great Musically, but Falls Short Visually
“Shooting Star” features a galaxy theme fitting for the group formed from Girls Planet 999. Listeners can thank D_answer studio producers Kevin_D, Dank, zamun, and artist Livy (who also works as the soloist GYUNA) for its beautiful, glimmery composition. With sentimental lyrics contributed by Kevin_D, Im Suran (임수란), Lee Seuran (이스란), and Kep1er member Dayeon, the song evokes imagery of comets journeying towards their next planet. While it’s currently unknown whether or not the lyricists wrote with a group disbandment or contract renewal in mind, it’s clear that they intended “Shooting Star” to represent a sendoff in some capacity.
Unfortunately, the song’s grandness feels weakened upon viewing its music video.The video presents itself largely as a choreography video, with some space shots here and there, and a potential E.T. reference. It feels disjointed from the importance of the song, and the darker tones of the sets and outfits fail to match the atmosphere. For those reasons, the music video personally dampens the experience.
Kep1going On: a Mix of New and Familiar
Kep1going On gives an image of elegance, something new for Kep1er to explore musically, but the album also contains many familiar genres seen in the past. It starts with the intro “Last Carnival,” the first intro seen since Kep1er’s debut EP FIRST IMPACT. Much like FIRST IMPACT’s “See The Light,” “Last Carnival” left me wanting it expanded into a longer track. Following the intro and title track comes “Curious,” “Flowers, Flutter, Your heart,” and “Double Up!,” all with different vibes. “Curious” delivers something delightfully sweet, much like the Japanese B-side “Sugar” (perhaps it’s helped by Mashiro’s touch in the lyrics). “Flowers, Flutter, Your heart” stuns with a violin instrumental backing Kep1er’s delicate vocals, while “Double Up!” lives up to its name by channeling the summer energy of “Up!”
Kep1er shows their coolness factor when Kep1going On reaches the more serious “PUSH BUTTON” and the new jack swing track “PROBLEM.” The last original track, “Dear Diary,” puts the mind at ease with its calming instrumental. With Korean versions of “Grand Prix” and “Straight Line” closing the album, I can see their inclusion creating split opinions. I personally loved “Grand Prix” and “Straight Line” (nothing changes here) but I can understand that some fans also wanted 10 whole new songs.
Final Verdict: Kep1er Keeps Surprising
Kep1er’s career trajectory has experienced everything but the expected. This includes their delayed debut due to COVID-19 precautions, their popularity taking off in Japan, and, of course, their previously unheard-of contract renewal. Since such a precedent had never occurred before —I felt certain that all the contract discussions wouldn’t amount to anything—I lamented Kep1er’s initial activity period.
In fact, my review of Kep1er’s Kep1going Japanese album implied certainty about their discography’s near-completion. Rule #1 of journalism: don’t assume, because it will burn you. That said, I’m glad Kep1er will carry on in some capacity. Kep1going On delivers a great collection of songs in their already fantastic discography, which will continue to grow. The members’ futures, including those of Mashiro and Yeseo, venture into some unique territory that I and many other K-Pop fans will keep their eyes on.
“Shooting Star” TITLE TRACK SCORE: 7.5 / 10
“Shooting Star” MUSIC VIDEO SCORE: 6 / 10
Kep1going On ALBUM SCORE: 8.5 / 10
Overall Score: 7.3 / 10
Edited by Bryn Claybourne