It’s Kep1er AGAINST THE WORLD in Their First Japanese EP
Photo: Kep1er Japan Official X
Japan loves Kep1er. From the Japanese version of “WA DA DA” getting certified platinum in the region, their multiple shows in Japanese arenas, and their first Japanese full album Kep1going topping the Billboard JAPAN sales chart, Kep1er sees a lot of popularity in Japan. Luckily, they saved their streak of hits with the renewal of Kep1er’s contracts last year. Kep1er’s main vocalist, Chaehyun, revealed in October that the support they received from Japanese fans influenced her drive to see the group continue past 2.5 years. Kep1er remains managed in Japan by Ariola Japan, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Japan.
After making their first Korean comeback with seven members in November, Kep1er has now made their first Japanese comeback with that arrangement. Released on April 30, Kep1er Japan 1st EP<AGAINST THE WORLD> contains five tracks. Yujin, Xiaoting, Chaehyun, Dayeon, Hikaru, Huening Bahiyyih, and Youngeun bring some new sounds and re-recordings of recent tracks.
TRACKLIST:
“Yum”
“Hell or Heaven”
“TIPI-TAP (Japanese ver.)”
“Shooting Star (Japanese ver.)”
“PROBLEM (Japanese ver.)”
The Title Track: “Yum”
Kep1er’s “Yum” sets a loud, intense, self-assertive tone. The group sings about bewitching people with their confidence and style. Composed by KZ, Nthonius, Meisobo, DINT, and COOMO, “Yum” contains an intense, pulsating bass line and loud EDM elements. The song does not give listeners time to breathe as every second fills their ears with excitement. This would sound amazing on concert-grade sound systems, which would further amplify the vibrations coming from the song.
Its music video is also a visual feast. Kep1er interprets their cosmic concept in another direction by dealing with the supernatural in “Yum.” They portray extraterrestrial beings who hypnotize others with their dance moves. Director Bang Jae Yeob’s creative transitions give the video extra life. Just like the fixated gazes of those under Kep1er’s spell, this is a music video worth keeping your eyes peeled on.
The B-sides: “Hell or Heaven” and Re-recordings
The original B-side “Hell or Heaven” contains contrasting instrumentals throughout its runtime. It starts off with notes from a harmonica and some simple beats, but its chorus races off. The chorus for “Hell or Heaven” contains a mix of pop and rock that changes the feeling from its verses. It begins like it would open a cowboy western, but it transitions into a theme for a coming-of-age movie. Composed by Glory Face, Jinli, Bang Gunwoo, and KEEJUN, “Hell or Heaven” brings another unique sound to this EP.
Japanese versions of Kep1er’s last two title tracks, “Shooting Star” and “TIPI-TAP,” and the B-side “PROBLEM” round out Kep1er Japan 1st EP<AGAINST THE WORLD>. These versions of “Shooting Star” and “PROBLEM” are the first seven-member re-recordings of songs originally released under Kep1er’s initial nine-member formation. Both songs originally appeared on the group’s first full Korean album, Kep1going On.
The Verdict: A Satisfying Listen
Though short, Kep1er Japan 1st EP<AGAINST THE WORLD> gives another example of Kep1er maintaining quality music in this step of their career. The two original tracks on the EP introduce new sounds for Kep1er. The title track “Yum” comes full of intense dance beats that could truly shake a music venue, and “Hell or Heaven” includes two differing moods for a strange, but welcome, mash-up of a song. I only wish I could visit Japan for their promotions.
Edited by Bryn Claybourne