[Review] BooSeokSoon’s ‘Second Wind’
Despite this sub-unit starting as an inside joke between SEVENTEEN and CARATS, the often slapstick trio BooSeokSoon (BSS) have finally come back with the long awaited Second Wind.
DK, HOSHI, and SEUNGKWAN. Image: SEVENTEEN Official Twitter.
In 2018, BooSeokSoon (consisting of members SEUNGKWAN, HOSHI, and DK) broke into the K-Pop industry with their equally funny track “Just Do It”. The trio banded together thanks to their comedic chemistry, and have since been able to bring this humour to their songs without the restrictions of maintaining their group’s image.
BSS have always placed fun and happiness at the centre of their releases without the fear of losing popularity. In an industry that is so focused on well developed concepts and meaningful lyrics, BSS’s EP, Second Wind, feels like a breath of fresh air. Of course SEVENTEEN have their fair share of upbeat tracks that match the group’s extravagant energy, but BSS take this to a whole new level. The whole EP being produced by their fellow bandmate and overall producer for the group, WOOZI, means that the unit is still able to sustain SEVENTEEN’s unique flair.
The title track “Fighting” is the epitome of unserious music and will remind fans of Orange Caramel’s “Catallena”. The track is pure pop perfection and highlights that BSS are masters of rap, vocals and dance. However, the standout verse comes from Lee Youngji, the self proclaimed Carat, internet personality, and rapper. Her deep toned rap adds layers to BSS who all tend to lean towards a higher register. Some may even say that she stole the show!
Beneath the optimistic musicality of the track lie some more serious lyrics. The boys remind us that when things get tough, we need to keep fighting: “On a day like any other / You hear this song start to play / We’ll be there to sing it for you / Gotta keep going, what else can you do?”. The lyrics feel befitting coming from a group that started from a small company and slowly grew to becoming world famous idols through their own hard work.
The second track “LUNCH” has an almost Bruno Mars-equse vibe with its retro synths and tinny beats. This similarity comes as no surprise as the boys have expressed their love for the artist in a multitude of interviews. BSS are brilliant at changing the tone of their voices to match any concept that is thrown at them. Seungkwan seems to thrive with this kind of beat using his honey like vocals to boost the track. The jazzy chorus will have you dancing no matter where you are.
Leading out the EP is the soothing “7PM” featuring Norwegian singer, Peder Elias. Peder seems to fit seamlessly into the group’s dynamic, as his vocals blend well with the overall energy of the track. The simple acoustic backing with its unadorned drumbeats creates the perfect relaxing ballad. The ad libs from DK and Peder work so well together that they will have fans thinking that Peder is actually a member of the group.
The only downside to this EP is that it is only three tracks long! Whilst all songs have been beautifully formed, the end just comes too soon with Carats being left wanting more. BooSeokSoon may be the class clowns of SEVENTEEN but their talent cannot be denied. Second Wind will definitely leave fans hoping that they don’t have to wait another five years for their next release.
Edited by Chelsea Cheetham.
