Debuting only five months ago, seven-piece group MIRAE delivers a bang-up first comeback in its second EP, Splash. According to their label, DSP Media, the album is split into two distinct parts. The โHOTโ version expresses the membersโ wild and sexy sides, while the โCOOLโ version serves as more of a pure and refreshing take on the boysโ performances. With six new tracks under their belt, how well do the rookies balance the contrasting sides?
https://twitter.com/official_MIRAE/status/1428371178930917382?s=20
Diving Down With A Splash
From first listen, the lead single, โSplash,โ unabashedly leans on the โhotโ side of the spectrum and packs quite the punch. Co-written by members Khael, Junhyuk, and KARDโs BM, the track provides another blend of K-popโs favorite genres: hip-hop, trap, and R&B. While the vocal melodies are catchy and harmoniously pleasing, itโs Khael and Junhyukโs rap sections that truly bring this number to life. Although, that dynamic dance break is a very close second.
In terms of the lyrical content, โSplashโ contains the story of MIRAE welcoming this new era with excitement. Despite exploring uncharted territories of the sea, the members sing of persistence and promise to move forward without fear. In English, the word “mirae” means future, and it’s clear the boys have a laser-focused determination to make their future count.
Heat Up and Cool Down With MIRAE
As epic as โSplashโ is on its own, the real highlights lie in the B-sides of this EP. โBang-Upโ is a fiery follow-up to the title track in which the boysโ wild side truly shows. With a myriad of ear-pumping EDM synths and collective shouting, โBang-Upโ could easily flaunt MIRAEโs intense dance training with flare. Contrarily, โNew Daysโ takes a turn into the cooler side of the groupโs strong persona. With a few breezy whistles and bouncy tempo, the boys paint the story of a new tomorrow with their fans.ย
But, what makes this last half of the album so great, is that theyโre all worthy of a summer road trip playlist. Particularly, โDonโt Stopโ is an instant standout with the opening of an electric guitar and foot-tapping drum snares. Actually, it almost sounds like MIRAEโs answer to NCT Uโs โMisfitโ from 2020, and it absolutely delivers. This recent trend of incorporating more pop-rock elements has taken the K-pop scene by storm, in which fans are wholeheartedly embracing every moment.
If you like Misfit by NCT U, please listen to Don't Stop – Mirae, same Vibe but with additional vocals. https://t.co/5AUuHOmJxL
— juli โจโทโทโโโ (@yayayuchan) August 25, 2021
anyways, the beat of don't stop is so add!cting anyone can sing along with it even after hearing it once <333#SPLASH_MVisOUT #๋ฏธ๋์๋ #MIRAE @official_MIRAE @members_MIRAE
— mel ; ia (@etherealsungbu) August 25, 2021
https://twitter.com/luvgyekyu/status/1430521076249939968?s=20
Lastly, โ#Secretโ and โSUGARโ exude the refreshing energy needed on a hot summer day. Both tracks are light, lovely, and contain the most beautiful melodies heard throughout this EP. Ending on a high note, MIRAE boasts the message of a fun love story, leaving the listener on a sugar high of happiness.
Future Boys Making Waves
With another solid EP stored away in their budding discography, MIRAE is already poised to exceed their debut records. As of today, Splash has surpassed the groupโs previous album, KILLA, becoming their new best-selling album at Hanteo. Additionally, MIRAE debuted at #7 on Billboardโs โNext Big Soundโ chart, making them the first and only rookie group to enter this list.
As the seven members continue to make waves and exceed expectations, you can count on seeing much more of MIRAE in the future.
Check out the Splash – The 2nd Mini Album now on Spotify and Apple Music.
For more news on the latest comebacks, check out our article on CLโs โSpicyโ single here!
Thumbnail Courtesy of DSP Media.
