P1HARMONY Show What Makes Them “UNIQUE” in Ninth Mini Album
After ten months, P1HARMONY are taking over the comeback stage with their ninth EP UNIQUE, released on March 12. UNIQUE is unlike any album the group (composed of Keeho, Theo, Jiung, Intak, Soul, and Jongseob) has released in the past. Across the six songs, P1HARMONY demonstrate a strong grasp of electronic and Brazilian funk, including a continuous BPM that refuses to slow down. As the boys showcase their growth with an ever-expanding sonic world and a standout perspective on instrumental power, they don’t hold back on what makes them truly UNIQUE.
Individual and Irreplaceable
Over the last five years, P1HARMONY have played a pivotal role in making their music irreplaceable in the music industry. From incorporating Keeho’s R&B flair to emphasizing Jongseob’s seamless flow, they’ve combined their talents to make something that is purely their own — and they made it look effortless. Now, the group isn’t backing down from confidently showing off the talent that got them to where they are today.
From start to finish, the EP’s title track “UNIQUE” is loud, impactful, and energetic. The song opens with Jiung before transitioning to Keeho as they set the scene through the lyrics “So unique, eyes on me” before including some fun wordplay as Keeho raps, “U N I, Q up the vibe, call it us, us, us.” Since all six members are featured even before the first chorus, the members don’t hesitate to quickly play off of each other’s verses.
After riffing one by one and adding commentary around the ideas of individuality and imitation, the group arrives at the chorus. Though there are multiple high points in the energetic title track, the catchiest and most recognizable hits are here. The music almost comes to a halt as they wind up for the percussion-filled lines, which culminate in Intak proclaiming, “My crew, unique.” The catchy phrase is repeated three times in the chorus, emphasizing the members’ partnership and their persistence as a unit.
This idea of moving in sync as a group is only further solidified in the second refrain, where Keeho and Intak rap, “Y’all can’t be us (Ooh, yeah) / My team takes it all / So envious believe it / Everything we do, we do as one.” With Intak having writing credits on the track (along with Jongseob and Jiung), it becomes evident that every word and message is fully intentional.
The group didn’t skip out on showing their love for creative experimentation, not only with their genre, but with their lyrics as well. The song features four languages; naturally, “UNIQUE” is sung in Korean and English, but to listeners’ surprise, Jongseob incorporated Spanish lines in his first rap. Later on, Intak also added a hint of Portuguese into the first refrain. This lyrical exploration comes after P1HARMONY has finished their latest international tour and released a fully Spanish version of their title track, “EX.”
A New Visual Era
P1HARMONY are typically known for their colorful, mix-and-match patterned streetwear. With “UNIQUE,” however, the group complements the song’s intense nature with a dark, intimidating aesthetic. As the “UNIQUE” music video begins, viewers return to the world of P1HARMONY, drawn into their story’s comic.
People are seen protesting and pleading for the heroes to return, building the anticipation that leads up to Jiung’s opening of the song. With dobermans running between worlds and one spotlight directed at P1HARMONY, the members awaken and begin the song. This video continues the story presented in their DUH! era, where the group decided to stray from heroism after being taken for granted. Now, one by one, they prepare to return to their lives as heroes as symbols of their strike’s death surround them.
Once they all arrive at their headquarters, the real fun begins. Every member boldly wears all black with cyber-themed metallic accessories that harmonize with their dauntless movements. When they come together, the track’s choreography is revealed for the first time. The group fills the spaces between every word with addictive moves inspired by Afro dance.
The key choreography moment comes at this point, with Intak raising one arm and leaning in a circle as the others follow, making it seem as if the frontman is in control and they have truly become one. Though the BPM of the song is rather quick, the movements are almost in slow motion as Intak’s arm lifts, drawing attention to the intensity of the group as a whole.
Intak, who often has a vital role in deciding the group’s key moves, chose this moment alongside their performance director. This isn’t the only moment of intense choreography, though — the whole song is packed with dynamic solos and synchronized moves that keep viewers engaged from start to finish.
The music video moves on to showcasing rap lines from Soul and Jongseob to complementary vocals from Theo, all while maintaining powerful choreography. With every moment and note, P1HARMONY prove why their style and creativity can’t be replicated or mimicked by other artists or rising artificial intelligence.
Let’s Keep This Party Going
P1HARMONY’s EPs have traditionally used a formula of tempos, genres, and energies from song to song. With UNIQUE, the group breaks this blueprint, telling listeners to expect the unexpected. As “UNIQUE” moves into “Pandemonium,” there isn’t a moment to rest — instead, they start moving even faster.
“Pandemonium” leans into club beats and EDM, featuring powerful beat drops and warped voices. Through the distortion, all the members can be heard rapping. Even when vocalists like Keeho and Theo take center stage, their singing has a quickness that leans more toward rap.
Following a confidence-filled song like “UNIQUE,” it’s only right for the group to show off and prove themselves in their natural environment — on the dance floor. Through the techno lyrics, they express how they catch people’s attention and don’t let go for the whole night.
After the second post-chorus, a surprising interlude takes place, a first for a P1HARMONY track. A British woman explains in a soft tone, “Pandemonium / Refers to a state of wild uproar / Unrestrained disorder or chaos / Often characterized by intense excitement.” At the end of her statement, Intak picks the song back up with a final chorus and a concluding round of thrill.
As the song’s energy never wavers, their performance may seem to lean more toward a rave rather than a concert. This is only further proven as “Pandemonium” slips into “L.O.Y.L.” Another guest voice arrives, welcoming in the listener as they state, “You can take my heart / But it won’t be easy / You’ll find a way somehow,” before Theo takes over with an ethereal repetition of the word “lightning.”
As Keeho and Theo pass off atmospheric vocal lines, it can only be expected that this same pattern will be picked up by another member — but remember, P1HARMONY aren’t following the guidelines this time around. Instead, a sudden beat switch appears in the pre-chorus as Soul comes forward shouting, “Know you wanna tap / When the beat go smack.”
While the original sound is incorporated through layering the initial sparkly piano and synth effects, it becomes twisted with a harder, more rugged beat as the song progresses. The depth creates a dynamism that is perfect for the differing tones each member brings to their parts. The lyrics are driven by the title, which appears to be the word “loyal,” but is actually an acronym for “Love Of Your Life.”
Infused with a fun, flirty undertone, each boy takes his turn boasting about themselves on the track. In an attempt to prove himself to the one standing in front of him, Jongseob raps, “Baby I’m your ideal (vibe, vibe, vibe) / Look ahead, look behind, I’m your ideal lightning / Even the cells in your body react, drawn in, it’s tangy / Bite me, bite, bite me, how it taste?”
Jongseob was the member who suggested adding “UNIQUE,” “Pandemonium,” “L.O.Y.L.,” and the later song “ICE (VVS)” to the album. While each track showcases a genre they hadn’t tried yet, he knew they could pull it off. It’s evident that P1HARMONY were not only enjoying the exploration of new sounds on this EP, but also wanted to show their cheekier side through the lyrics.
It’s Not Luck, It’s Talent
Though the fourth track on UNIQUE, “Wednesday Girl,” is in no way slow, it’s as slow as this EP gets. “Wednesday Girl” allows for a sincerity and softness unheard of so far on the album. Primarily performed by Theo, Keeho, and Jiung, the song gives the vocalists a moment to move their power and range to the forefront.
The term “Wednesday Girl” stems from the sweet sentiment of waiting for a certain day of the week to come around, since that is when the singers get to see the one who holds their heart. The message is delivered over a smooth, lively instrumental that seems inspired by Caribbean beats, with fun, repetitive vocals complementing it.
While the song doesn’t have an official video, viewers got a taste for the shy, blush-worthy feeling the track presents in the album sampler. During the clip, Jiung, Soul, and Intak sneak glances at the camera, with Jiung even giving the audience a quick wink. As the camera focuses on them, they look for a mystery girl featured on the back of their newspapers.
The pace soon switches back to a larger-than-life spirit with the song “Triple 7.” The title comes from the idea that three sevens are a sign of good luck and fortune, a motif often seen in gambling imagery to denote a jackpot.
Over an intricate beat, P1HARMONY state that they aren’t relying on luck and instead proving themselves through their talent as confidence drips off their every word. After working for their career’s success for over five years, they’ve earned their right to brag subtly, even when others assume it’s just luck.
With lines from Intak like “After finishing the tour, my condition / Even if not perfect, it’s not bad, bad / Bet on my lyrics, just go all in,” it’s clear the group’s confidence doesn’t come blindly and is instead built on experience. As Jongseob backs him up for the latter half of the verse, it is also evident that the trust they have in themselves stems from the trust they have in each other’s work, making the cocky attitude found in the next song, “ICE (VVS),” even more fun.
P1HARMONY hasn’t had a full group rap track since “That’s It,” which was featured on their debut EP DISHARMONY: STAND OUT. The return of a full rap song will likely be well received by fans, especially given the fun nature of including vocalists. While the theme is similar to “That’s It,” the overall track is reminiscent of the unit song “WASP,” performed by Intak and Jongseob.
Both these members have writing credits on the track, as well as Jiung and Keeho, who don’t hold back when it’s their turn with the mic. Following Intak in the first verse, Keeho raps, “Only time I look down / Is to check the shoes I walked in, yeah / Move so iconic / So cold they call me Slavic, yeah / I just wanna be like / ‘Okay, okay, where the party at?’”
As the chorus and title reflect, the members show off the “ice” (or jewels) that they have worked so hard to gain. The subtlety of the song’s name is another form of this, as the accessories they are flaunting aren’t just any diamonds — they are VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) diamonds, meaning they have no noticeable flaws to the human eye. The song draws a comparison between the jewelry and the work P1HARMONY produce — just as VVS diamonds have no detectable flaws, neither, it seems, does the group’s lyricism.
UNIQUE has proven to be a carefully curated album, with Intak and Jongseob having writing credits on all six songs, and members Keeho and Jiung also having some writing credits throughout. Though P1HARMONY have only just wrapped up their “MOST WANTED” Tour, the six new tracks almost beg to be performed live due to their energy and danceability. Plus, the fun isn’t over yet. In the comeback schedule for UNIQUE, fans can find three question marks next to the date March 19. So keep your eyes open and be ready – the heroes are likely coming back soon.
UNIQUE is available to stream on Spotify and Apple Music. Make sure to stay up to date on all things P1HARMONY on their Instagram and TikTok.
Want more P1HARMONY? Check out our travel guide to Canada based on the members’ travels!
