You’ll Be Up Till “3AM” Listening to SUNG HANBIN’s Solo Debut DEAD:ALIVE
Photo: The L1ve Label
The moment ZEROBASEONE leader and member SUNG HANBIN was announced to be having a solo debut, anticipation ran high among fans. The group has been on a steady rise ever since their debut, so as listeners, we have grown familiar with the ZEROBASEONE sound, raising the question: “What is his personal sound going to be?” DEAD:ALIVE is a retro pop-punk and R&B release that showcases Hanbin's range and versatility. Each track creates an eerie atmosphere and reveals a darker side of Hanbin's artistry. It’s a new style that suits him very well.
DEAD: ALIVE Tracklist:
“Killin’ Me”
“UNDEAD”
“Insidious”
“3AM”
“Bloody Gravity”
“Other Side”
“Our Light”
“Steal the Thunder”
The album begins with a short intro titled “Killin’ Me.” A rock beat gives listeners a sense of what to expect from the album. The eerie sound cleanly segues into the title track, “UNDEAD.” This hard-hitting rock-pop track showcases Hanbin’s strong vocals and precise, technically demanding choreography. A retro synth instrumental backs the track's spooky sound and gets listeners ready to dance along. The instrumental features strong rock elements, like heavy electric guitar and drums, that create an early-2000s rock sound that runs throughout the track. Paired with Hanbin’s soulful vocals, it creates a track that commands listeners' attention. The music video stands out on two fronts: its visual concept and its choreography. The haunting video has dark moments, but as the song's title suggests, it also projects a sustained ghoulish atmosphere. As the video continues, deliberate scene transitions foreground Hanbin's acting. The angst and despair come through, and Hanbin conveys both with striking conviction. The second thing viewers will notice is the choreography. Fans know how skillful a dancer Hanbin is, and in this debut, he uses his full body to tell the story while hitting each move with controlled force. The dance is intricate and demands a lot of energy. The swift arm moves and fast-paced footwork require precision, and Hanbin executes them perfectly.
This album has a song for everyone. For listeners seeking an immersive pop-punk experience with rock elements, tracks like “Insidious,” “3AM,” and “Steal the Thunder” hit the mark. Each track is distinct, but they share the heavy electric guitar and drum sound of early 2000’s pop-punk, and Hanbin’s vocals carry so much emotion in each one.
For those who want to hear a more soulful, R&B side of Hanbin, tracks like “Bloody Gravity,” “Other Side,” and “Our Light” are perfect. While they still have that pop-punk sound, these songs take that R&B and add an artistic spin. These songs are more laid-back and carry a sensual, raw emotion. These tracks showcase Hanbin’s smooth vocals and versatility.
SUNG HANBIN’s debut album DEAD:ALIVE is a confident and cohesive solo debut, and beautifully introduces SUNG HANBIN's sound. Check out DEAD:ALIVE to find your favorite track.