[Music Review] K-pop boy band ATEEZ releases new mini-album ‘GOLDEN HOUR: Part 2’

‘With this album, we aimed to show both what we’re good at and what we can do differently’ - Kim Hong-joong.

‘Golden Hour - Part 2’ concept image. Image: KQ Entertainment.

Once again, Korean boy band ATEEZ is making news with their latest comeback “Ice on the Teeth” which features as the title track for their 6-track mini album 'Golden Hour: part 2'. The music video which dropped on Friday 15 November amassed over 10 million views in just 17 hours.

Their first album in the mini-series was all about working hard to achieve your dreams, whereas this album takes a slightly different approach. 'Golden Hour: part 2' has a focus on self-love as it aims to capture and celebrate the best moments in one’s life, a highlight reel of sorts. 

ATEEZ inadvertently built the image of a band that can only produce fierce and compelling music that is full of energy. As Hong-joong, the group’s leader, mentioned in an interview with Consequence of Sound*: “This album will break the stereotype that we only focus on intense music”, but fans need not fear the change with the confidence in the band. Hong-joong, continues: “[We are] satisfied that we could craft this new style while staying true to our identity.”

The focus track of the album, “Ice on My Teeth” demonstrates a relationship between hip-hop beats with melodic string instruments that changes the dynamic of the beat that immediately captures your attention. ATEEZ member Yeosang reflects that: “The strong beat mixed with the violin made it sound fresh and exciting.” The track encourages people to recognise and value their own worth and individuality, Seong-hwa believes that ‘Ice on My Teeth’, “represents personal values which are hidden but only revealed when you smile.” It’s the diamond that shines when your personality is emboldened.  

‘Golden Hour - Part 2’ concept image. Image: KQ Entertainment.

Hong-joong mentions: “With this album, we aimed to show both what we’re good at and what we can do differently,” the positive response from Atiny, the name given to ATEEZ fans, will be the reinforcing sign that the band needs to know that they made the right choices in embracing a new music style. 

Leading up to the launch of the album, ATEEZ blessed fans with a range of bewitching photoshoots that displayed a variety of aesthetics. The slow release of the concept photos leading up to the music video launch had Atiny starstruck and in awe. 

From an ethereal icy blue, a fantastical and dreamlike floral, and a dominant red reminiscent of the past, these concept photos had fans chomping at the bit to listen to the new album. 

The mini-album is a total of 17 minutes long, the perfect length to listen to hype yourself up when getting ready for or travelling to work. This short and sweet album is the perfect motivator with upbeat rap components that harmonise perfectly with the melodic vocals. 

The first track on the list, “Deep Dive” sets the mood for the mini-album with themes of anxiety and pressure from society that can become overwhelming and isolating. In the second verse, Yunho’s line can be translated to: ‘remember fleeting moments turn to toxic obsession, quickly wrapping around my body’ followed by Yeosang telling us to: ‘run away, avoid the hypnotic neon sign’. 

This song is calming, it reminds us that we are all human and face difficulties, including ATEEZ who are away from family and friends for long periods of time, and we should persevere to push through with the support of those that are in the same boat as us.

‘Golden Hour - Part 2’ concept image. Image: KQ Entertainment.

This song is followed by a 1-minute interlude, “Scene 1: Value”, that starts off with hypnotising instrumentals before the repetition of the line: ‘Great minds think alike // And only we can see the true vision’ reinforcing the hypnosis and getting people to think that their unique characteristics isn’t what makes them different. It is what makes them stand out and be individual. Wooyoung believes that it: “Shows how we’re connected and share a vision, even on different paths.”

With a tune that makes you want to sway, “Man on Fire” uses both vocals and rap to demonstrate that love is wonderful but can come with risks. Love can make someone push themselves to the limit and do things they never thought, as Seong-hwa so eloquently puts it: ‘I’d walk into these flames, if it’s for you.’ “Man on Fire” is addictive, it perfectly captures each member's strengths; ATEEZ’s motto of ‘eight makes one team’ is perfectly demonstrated in this song. 

After a long day, and an even longer night, “Selfish Waltz” is the song you put on with a whiskey in hand to dance the troubles away. It captures the feeling of frustration, high tensions, and being on edge. The song shows the messy side to any relationship and not being able to find a solution. 

The final song in Golden Hour: Part 2 is a power ballad that differs from the rest of the songs and is sung predominantly in English. “Enough” is ATEEZ talking to people and allowing us to connect with them, it is them letting us know that they are with us, and to believe in ourselves and keep persevering. It is the perfect song to end a comforting, yet sparkling, mini album.

Follow us on social media for our unboxing video of Golden Hour: Part 2!

Edited by Chelsea Cheetham.

* All further quotations sourced from ATEEZ’s interview with Consequence of Sound.