K-Album Review: Chase by THE BOYZ

Kaamaakshi Bhat, Zirakpur, Punjab

THE BOYZ, currently an 11-member group under IST Entertainment released their fifth mini album on September 21, 2020, titled ‘Chase’.  This album’s concept is far darker than any of their previous songs like ‘Boy’ and ‘Bloom Bloom’ which had cute concepts. Deo Bi (Fandom Name) didn’t expect it at all. From this album, we can certainly say that THE BOYZ plans to really steal the hearts of the fans. This album has 6 songs with the final song of Road to Kingdom, ‘Checkmate.’

Shine Shine 

The first song on the album is ‘Shine Shine’ which is an introduction to the album. When I first read the name, I thought it would be a fluffy and cute song but once you listen to it you get to know that’s not the case. It starts with a pulsing heavy tone with effective flute sounds in the back. You can hear the brass and kicking in the instrumental from the chorus. There are very smooth transitions between pre-chorus and chorus. You can hear the clap sound when the pre-chorus hits. The instrumental is the same almost throughout the song. This song has a darker tone with subtle intensity to it.

The Stealer

This song is the title track of the album. It starts with a siren along with jazz piano which slowly goes into a hard-hitting chorus surprising the listeners. It then goes onto the percussion phase and starts with the first verse. The funk and bassline kicks in the verse, is very effective and makes us jam to it. The ad-lib piano in the pre-chorus is very likeable. The chorus and the pre-chorus percussion transition section are what make this song memorable. In the bridge, the piano is back shifting the song from its normal bass percussion. The rap part blended with the verse so well. It was really pleasing to listen to it. The vocals of the song are wonderful along with the aesthetic of the music video. The choreography of the percussion transition sounds is the turning point of this song.

Lyrically this song is all about stealing our hearts with their charms. The song starts with a high-energy chorus and is groovy all throughout till the end without feeling an energy drop. The song’s different parts sound exciting because there is a little bit of change in instrumentation in every part of the song. The instrumental is full of little quirky sounds along with some sine wave sounds going back and forth. Music production-wise this song is very clear, and we can focus on each instrument while listening to this song. The song talks about how THE BOYZ are going to steal our hearts but then we disappear from their sight. In the music video, it seems that they failed at stealing our hearts and ended up behind bars. 

“I’m the Stealer (Yah)

I’ll go into the deepest place of your heart (that’s right)

When I have you in my hands

Pull the trigger (Yah)

You cruelly made me fall

And then disappeared”

Insanity

While listening to this song you can tell it’s a mix of Taemin’s Danger which they performed on Road to Kingdom in their own style. This song stands out to me as soon as it starts with the low tone and bass in the instrumental. The vocals in this song are well-polished. The percussion in this song is used very well. Overall, this song is smooth and attractive with a great emphasis on the members’ vocals.

Whiplash

This song is colourful and something you can vibe to. The plucky bass of this song is a good match for the vocal line, and it suits the song well. In the chorus, you can hear the melody go up and down which is its attractive point. This song has some cheerfulness to it thus, escaping the dark tone of the whole album. The vocal melody of this song is really catchy to your ears, and you can sing along to it after a first listen.

“Even your gestures give me whiplash

My heart that stopped is refreshed

And starts beating again

All my moves get faster at every shining breath and gaze

Whiplash, you’re the Whiplash (Whiplash!)”

Make or Break

It is similar to the style of ‘Giddy Up’ and ‘Right Here‘ and gives R&B and EDM vibe. This song is light and chirpy and my favourite from the album. It has catchy vocals and melody. You can hear vocal harmonies in between the chorus which makes the song addicting. In the bridge, vocal harmonies blend well with the synth and electronic keyboard instrumental. This song is so satisfying that you want to bang your head with the rhythm. Background vocals are very solid in this song. The harmonies and melodies of this track are super soft and soothing.

Checkmate

This song is totally different in vibe to the previous songs. It starts with an intense beat along with a heartbeat. The strings and the horn in the instrumental during the chorus give the song a dark vibe. The bridge part is my most favourite as it takes the listener on a roller coaster ride of emotions and the buzzy synth sound makes it more interesting. This song was also performed on the final stage of Road to Kingdom with a royal concept leading THE BOYZ to the win.

Please share your favourite song from the album in the comment section.