ONF is back with their latest EP, but are they really UNBROKEN ?
Photo: WM Entertainment.
ONF, the sextet of Hyojin, E-Tion, Seungjun, Wyatt, Minkyun, and U, is back with their latest EP titled UNBROKEN and title track, “Put it Back.” Unlike their previous comebacks, though, this return signaled what could be a new phase for the veteran artists, as this EP is not under the umbrella of their much acclaimed producer and supporter Hwang Hyun, better known as MonoTree (his production and publishing company) after changes in WM Entertainment management. The concept of having a dedicated producer for a group isn’t the most common, but the magical duo of ONF and MonoTree has produced ONF’s greatest hits, and their relationship is legendary. Many FUSEs worried how this change would affect ONF’s future discography, thus this November 10 release with five songs signaled not only a nine-month return, but a change in influence over their sound and identity. Themed around the idea of rediscovering ONF’s core, the question remains: are they really “unbroken? The EP demonstrates their solid vocal skills, but the tracks lack some of the subtle musicality, especially in the transitions in the songs, resulting in more mainstream vibes. The answer to “What is ONF’s sound now?” is a question that this EP doesn’t answer. What it does do is provide some solid pop songs with great vocals that are still worth a listen.
UNBROKEN TRACKLIST:
“Put It Back”
“… Broken Map”
“Moonlight Festa”
“New Dawn”
“I Found You In Heaven”
The title track, “Put It Back,” is a danceable funk and synth song that is fun with the solid vocals that ONF are known for. The video itself opens with an old-style radio, which reflects its retro funk vibes, with the guys seated around a bunch of Coke cans that seem like product placement, especially with the splash pop opening worthy of any soda commercial. Minkyu’s lemony, solid vocals open and draw you into a song that does well in showcasing each member’s skills. The lyrics, which are not very accessible due to a lack of subtitles, are strong affirmations of their return to self-reliance. Seungjun, and later E-Tion’s verse translates to “returned without regrets, without wavering, don’t need your concerns, all will pass.” Overall, the song is solid and fun, supported by ONF’s vocal and performance skills. Hyojin’s solid vocals lead into U’s deep repetitive, “Put it back” in the first chorus. The latter isn’t the most complex line, but it works in the song and makes for a nice dance break. Wyatt kills the rap segments as expected. Overall, not a song that will be a star track in their overall discography, but one that won’t be skipped either.
The rest of the EP, though less hard-hitting, is a bit similar in their lack of subtlety. “... Broken Map” flows at a smooth pace and then, at the two-minute mark, goes hard into a drum-backed rap segment that seems to be trying a bit too hard. “Moonlight Festa” and “New Dawn” are feel-good mainstream pop tracks. The strongest song in the EP might be the last, “I Found You In Heaven.” The softer sounds project the feeling of yearning clearly, and Hyojin’s voice cuts cleanly through the high notes. The layering of voices works the best in this track, which will likely sound amazing live. Though lacking a bit on the creative side, none of the songs are a miss, and each track is a reminder of how great their voices are.
To get a better sense of their discography, vocal skills, and spirit, check out their appearance on Killing Voice in conjunction with this release. It's only because they've already set the bar so high that FUSE expects more.
Edited by Joi Berry