“Ascend-”ing to New Heights with ZEROBASEONE

Do you believe that survival show acts never last? Never say never, for ZEROBASEONE are continuing their journey and sharing new dreams. Since the release of their previous album, RE-FLOW, ZEROBASEONE have undergone changes in their lineup and a fresh rebrand. HANBIN, JIWOONG, MATTHEW, TAERAE, and GUNWOOK take on a mature and classy concept with Ascend-, released on May 18. The EP consists of seven tracks, including the title track “TOP 5.” The group worked closely throughout the production process; drawing on from their unity brought on by hardships, the mini-album is their most vulnerable and musically distinct project yet. Just as the hyphen in Ascend- suggests, the possibilities for ZEROBASEONE’s growth are endless.

On Becoming the “TOP 5”

ZEROBASEONE evoke the spirit of 2000s boy bands in “TOP 5,” as the track blends contemporary R&B and dance-pop. Low lighting and dark sets establish a serious mood in the music video, making it a stark contrast to their previous colorful releases. Rather than assuming specific roles, this time ZEROBASEONE chose to focus on themselves as artists. The group shows how they continue to master performance with sharp choreography and synchronization with the background dancers.

“TOP 5” serves as a double entendere, referring to the group’s success as well as each members’ unique features. Though they may now be five, ZEROBASEONE also honor their time as nine with mentions of their past compositions. GUNWOOK’s rap in the second verse references lyrics from “ICONIK” and the choreography pulls a move from the chorus of “Devil Game.” In the final chorus, ZEROBASEONE acknowledge how far they have come and wish for more as they sing, “Don’t stop, this ain’t fantasy, top five.” 

Following the title track, ZEROBASEONE present their ambitions in “V for Vision.” Moody guitar solos take the bulk of the instrumental, offset with electronic synth and light percussion. Breathy falsetto and clear diction express the members’ transition from dreaming to taking control of their own narrative. Still, the rise to fame has not been easy. “The altitude keeps rising (But it feels right),” HANBIN confesses in the second verse. Even as the pressure to succeed increases, MATTHEW bounces back, “No regrets, you know I’m this type / Keep going, take my way.” 

Though they are an established team with two daesang awards and crowned as multi-million album sellers, ZEROBASEONE still have visions to fulfill. They will not settle for anything less than greatness, and have the confidence to prove it. “In the end, I’ll write my own definition / A ‘V’ in one hand, my team beside me,” ZEROBASEONE declare.

“Customize” Me to Your Heart’s Desire

GUNWOOK became the first member with songwriting credits in ZEROBASEONE’s discography with “Customize.” Revealed during their set for KCON Japan, the pop-rock track showcases ZEROBASEONE’s darker side. As shared in the comeback livestream, the song’s theme is the process of losing your sense of self after falling deeply in love. ZEROBASEONE delve into the deeper ends of their vocal range, growling with desire at each guitar strum. The members fully surrender themselves in the chorus, “You can customize my heart… All of me, change it up.” Every part of ZEROBASEONE quickly becomes disposable to their lover’s whims. Though they are consumed by infatuation, ZEROBASEONE find excitement in the venture. “We’re not meant to be,” HANBIN and JIWOONG admit in a hushed tone, “But I’ll choose you anyway.”  

“Exotic” is ZEROBASEONE’s first experiment with the house and techno genres. Amidst an extensively diverse discography, the track aims to demonstrate ZEROBASEONE’s continuous versatility. From the pre-chorus, they command attention when they demand, “Focus on me, now feel it / A different kind of drip.” Taking cues from minimalist music, the steady pulsing beat becomes hypnotic. With bold chanting, the members urge listeners to give in to their desires and explore their unknown selves. “Sometimes it’s okay to be reckless,” they insist in the pre-chorus. “At least once, follow what pulls you.” The members embrace their unique traits, and revel in the novelty of the unfamiliar. Whether you’re fearlessly or reluctantly encountering changes in your life, in the final post-chorus TAERAE encourages listeners to face them head-on.

Despite All the Changes, Love Persists

Ascend- shifts to a more heartfelt and soulful tone in “Changes.” A slow track, the members’ vocals are accompanied by piano, percussion, and chimes. ZEROBASEONE address their fans, ZEROSES, and highlights their connection. Through a bright debut, a tearful farewell of four members, and every era in between, ZEROSE have remained unwavering in their support. Grateful for their fans, ZEROBASEONE profess their love and use the track to comfort them despite the many changes thrown their way. “It never changes, changes, this love / Never changes, changes with you,” TAERAE reassures in the post-chorus. Though the members vow their devotion, they also make sure that their love is mutual. Strengthened by the shared hardships, both ZEROBASEONE and ZEROSE become each other’s refuge. JIWOONG inquires in the final chorus, “Will you hold my two hands every day?” No matter what changes, ZEROBASEONE hold ZEROSE to their promise to love each other for an eternity.

For the final entry, “Zero to Hundred,” ZEROBASEONE add funky synthwave to bring the excitement up. Still, as they navigate what their new direction entails, ZEROBASEONE is not without their own qualms. “So what if we’re scared? We carry on,” MATTHEW proclaims in the second verse. Because the members have each other to rely on, their burdens become lighter. The group takes each struggle in stride, and chooses to enjoy every moment.

“The dream of you becomes clearer / The moment we run and finally reach each other,” they sing in the chorus, a reference to their previous fan-dedicated song “Running to Future.” Without the battle against a temporary contract, ZEROBASEONE finally have time to stop and smell the roses. Interactive fan events have become especially precious to the group, such as the rose garden planted in honor of ZEROSE’s third birthday. ZEROBASEONE’s future is secure, as HANBIN promises during the bridge, “I’ll be there in all of your tomorrows.” 

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Looking for more sensual tracks to add to your playlist? Check out EnVi’s coverage of Anderson .Paak and DEAN’s collaboration, “Aftertaste.”