TWS Kicks Feelings into “OVERDRIVE” with Fourth EP
Photo: TWS Official X
TWS is one of the biggest players promoting a concept of cheongnyang, “a sense of refreshing youthfulness,” and the group has been teasing a gradual evolution of their debut concept. Their fourth EP establishes growth while maintaining TWS’s endearing image. Released on October 13, play hard contains six new tracks that still feel true to TWS.
TRACKLIST:
“Head Shoulders Knees Toes”
“OVERDRIVE”
“HOT BLUE SHOES”
“Caffeine Rush”
“overthinking”
“Here For You”
The Pre-Release: “Head Shoulders Knees Toes”
TWS’s third EP, TRY WITH US, which reflects on entering one’s twenties, made it clear they would experiment more in the future. However, the release of “Head Shoulders Knees Toes” still caught many fans off guard—myself included—with its focus on a rap-heavy hip-hop concept. Though the past B-sides “Double Take” and “Freestyle” tried a similar style, neither can emulate how “Head Shoulders Knees Toes” switches up the TWS formula. TWS always impresses on performances but “Head Shoulders Knees Toes” goes further with plenty of backup dancers.
The Title Track: “OVERDRIVE”
While not under a schoolboy concept anymore, “OVERDRIVE” still centers around a relatable topic for young adults: struggling to confess to a crush. Its lively bass line and guitar riffs fill “OVERDRIVE” with adrenaline. With lyric and choreography contributions by member Jihoon, TWS adds a more personal touch to this title track. The “OVERDRIVE” music video is also full of life, showing the members experiencing hilarious simulations to prepare their confessions.
Check out the rest of the play hard EP to see what other sounds TWS delves into. With the intense jersey club rhythms of “HOT BLUE SHOES,” the soothing acoustic guitar strums of “Caffeine Rush,” the steady house beats of “overthinking,” and the light synth-pop notes of “Here For You,” TWS uses play hard to explore what works. It seems like the TWS members will also contribute more to their future music, inferred from Jihoon’s participation on “OVERDRIVE” and Dohoon’s participation on “Here for You,” a fan song with lyrics co-written by him.
Edited by Cara Musashi