Maybe it’s the intensity of their performances, or the way they balance the sensual with detailed and meaningful storytelling. Perhaps it’s their commitment to carving their own path since their debut in 2018. Whatever it is, ATEEZ has always been a captivating 4th generation boy group. It’s perfect timing that new songs would be released a day after public confirmation of a contract renewal, and a month since the mini-album GOLDEN HOUR : PART.3 dropped. Where the EP was smooth and light, the ‘In Your Fantasy Edition’ is full of heat and desire.
The album begins by including work from the original project – “Lemon Drop”, “Masterpiece”, “Now this house ain’t a home”, and “Castle”. These songs generally avoid the spectacle they're known for, but they possess an inviting energy and provide breadth for some emotional moments all the same. Laid-back but not lazy, ATEEZ knows where they’re going and are simply enjoying the ride.
The Official Music Video for "Lemon Drop" by ATEEZ
What once felt like an open-ended finale, “Bridge : The Edge of Reality”, now acts as the transition to more sultry and Dionysiac soundscapes. This turn towards maturity is not necessarily new for the octet, nor is it exclusive to them this year. BTS’ j-hope notably came out with singles “MONA LISA” and “Killin It’ Girl” this summer, revealing a previously unseen side to himself. Girl groups like KATSEYE and TWICE are also feeling empowered in themselves. There is a shift, one many would say is overdue, happening in the industry. Though Korea is a very conservative society, it seems idols are finding liberation as they entice the Western market.
“In Your Fantasy”, co-written by HONGJOONG and MINGI, is reminiscent of TVXQ!, SHINHWA, and SHINee. The title track’s proper melody amplifies the seductive lyrics. “Heaven is in my stare, ain’t gonna take you there”, they say in the chorus. It’s a great set-up for the following eight solo songs that are largely provocative and passionate. There are no promises of softness, only tempting glimpses into the clandestine facets that make up ATEEZ.
The Official Music Video for "In Your Fantasy" by ATEEZ
HONGJOONG’s “NO1” holds self-confidence in every line. “Yeah, I don’t chase, I made that heat map”, he says. The title itself is a nod to one of his tattoos that reads ‘NO1LIKEME’. As the leader, he’s additionally creating an unapologetic space for ATINYs to celebrate their collective success. By contrast, SEONGHWA's “Skin” is reaching out, calling for a romantic dance like a siren song. A testament to his range, with airy falsettos, solid belts, and heavy but hypnotic murmuring, the eldest member knows how to use his talent to lure.
With a groovy bassline and rhythmic guitar, “Slide to me” is an ear-catching tune made complete by YUNHO’s underrated vocals. In a totally different direction, “Legacy” boasts an epic instrumental worthy of being part of a video game or action movie soundtrack. It could’ve easily fit in with “Your Idol”, from the hit movie KPop Demon Hunters. YEOSANG’s dynamic voice deserves every second of this spotlight and proves his unquestionable place in the group.
“Creep”, the only track in English, is SAN’s haunting track that unfurls the sickeningly sweet ways desperation can manifest. A descendant of songs such as “Spider” by HOSHI of SEVENTEEN and “PARANOIA” by KANGDANIEL, it may be a surprising solo debut for those that know SAN, though not entirely unexpected. MINGI has established a style most recognized in YouTube exclusive content, and “ROAR” is an explosive extension of his unique approach. Co-written, produced, and arranged by the main rapper, he freely addresses haters: “Yeah they’re such a problem / They’re pure satire / They’re stuck in drama / They’re fake but viral”. Anyone seeing the group on their North American tour will no doubt get hype through the heavy beats and join him with their own barks.
ATEEZ Present WOOYOUNG "Sagittarius"
“Sagittarius” is the dreamy and otherworldly result of “ATEEZ Present”, a project launched last year by HONGJOONG with the goal of showcasing each member’s individual personalities and skills. “I float through the sky every day / You are my only cosmic clue / I’ll be here for you”, WOOYOUNG sings. A moonbeam in an otherwise dark concept, the adlibs in the background carry listeners to new heights.
JONGHO, a main vocalist, always delivers strong ballads. Some might say it’s overdone, but why fix something that isn’t broken? “To be your light” is the heartfelt end that stands apart yet brings everything to a clean close, and it isn’t a K-pop album without a fan song. The trope never gets old when it’s from a genuine place. “Even if we wander once more through the silence someday / Holding tightly to your hands, which never changed / We’ll make it happen, just like we once did”, he declares.
As fearless as ATEEZ is about exploring covert themes, they are masters at maintaining stable footing in the saccharine, too. These new songs, and the final installment of the trilogy as a whole, might not be as overtly thunderous as what they’ve done in the past, but it’s just as commanding. Immersive, atmospheric, and charming, they are rooting themselves into all fantasies and there are no signs of them leaving.
