VANNER Make A Fiery Return In Third EP “BURN”

VANNER’s fiery fervor is on full display in their third EP, BURN. KLAP Entertainment’s K-pop quintet made their return on September 30 with six diverse tracks. VANNER is a seasoned boy group, five years into their growing career. After their win on the 2023 survival program, Peak Time, VANNER have steadily been ascending to new heights. Members TAEHWAN, GON, HYESUNG, SUNGKOOK (on hiatus), and YEONGGWANG prove that their passion is limitless. BURN’s lead single, “Automatic,” is evocative of this very energy. 

Get Set, Ready, Go, Fly High

“Automatic” is an electro-funk track with lyrics full of positivity and confidence. The track starts off with distorted vocals paired with a teamwork-heavy choreography. As the track progresses, more sonic elements, like synths and bass, layer for a more full sound. The anti-drop chorus is carried by GON and HYESUNG’s smooth falsetto notes — a twist to TAEHWAN’s explosive vocals and YEONGGWANG’s rap lines in the pre-chorus. In the chorus they sing, “Follow me and feel this new world / I can’t stop moving my body, I don’t know how to stop it.” VANNER compare their unrelenting energy to being an “automatic” force.

The music video showcases VANNER’s multidimensionality. There is a combination of both charismatic night scenes and refreshing day scenes. From GON’s charismatic motorcyclist look, to HYESUNG flashing a smile as he plays scrabble, the music video first features each member alone, but as it unfolds, they all unite. The video ends with a strong sense of camaraderie. VANNER are full of laughter as they embrace one another, admiring the fireworks in the night sky. Just like the symphony of fireworks, “Automatic” demonstrates VANNER’s colorful and explosive energy.

Soaring to New Heights

BURN’s first track, “Revolver,” sets the tone for the album’s confident vibe. “Revolver” is a rock-inspired dance track that boasts VANNER’s charms. “Revolver” starts with a powerful electric guitar, with a catchy bass that kicks in with the verses. After the second chorus, there is even a boom-bap breakdown that leads into the bridge. BURN starts off strong, and this strength does not cease. 

Following “Automatic” on the tracklist is “New Heights.” For VVS, VANNER’s fanbase, this song might sound familiar. VANNER debuted “New Heights” during their Seoul encore concert in July. “New Heights” is a synthpop track with retro influences and infectious positivity. VANNER assure listeners, “No matter what comes down, ain’t no need to frown.” 

“Blossom” slows down the tempo with its new wave-influenced pop. “Blossom” is written by HIGHLIGHT’s GIKWANG, who was part of Peak Time’s star-studded judge panel. Member YEONGGWANG is also a known fan of GIKWANG — even honoring him in his stage name! This makes GIKWANG’s involvement on BURN all the more special. “Blossom” begins with a simple chord melody, and is joined by gentle vocal delivery. The title is in reference to a blossoming love and the lyrics reflect a recurring flower motif. They confess, “Would you be my rose, my daisy? / You fill up my whole world.” 

Nothing Is Impossible

After the heartfelt delivery of “Blossom” arrives a complete vibe switch. The fifth track, “Xcellerate,” showcases VANNER’s powerful side through a heavier sound. “Xcellerate” is a dance track with trap elements and a heavy bass. There is an alluring vibe that VANNER bring to the track, especially when they whisper lines of determination. Like the title suggests, the chorus continually accelerates as TAEHWAN adds his strong vocal belts. However, VANNER slow down the tempo for the bridge. The second chorus opens up the bridge with glittering percussion and synths. They still maintain their dedicated lyricism, “Like this, never go down / Nothing is impossible.” The outro resumes the hype from the chorus, now lowering the pitch of the vocals and boosting the bass. 

VANNER wrap up BURN on a lighthearted note with “Be Together.” “Be Together” is a special song for VVS. The track features writing credits from SUNGKOOK, who is now fulfilling his mandatory military service. VANNER first revealed “Be Together” at their first solo concert in five years, “The Flag: A to V.” Additionally, they released a special vocal video of the track to commemorate VVS’ fifth anniversary. The comment section is full of heartfelt words of admiration and gratitude from their fans, who were touched by VANNER’s sincerity. There is a nostalgic feeling to “Be Together,” with its light piano melodies and a new jack swing-reminiscent beat. The bridge is especially touching, with a piano that crescendos into a symphony of strings. VANNER close out the song, and the EP, with a sweet reminder: “Together, right now, I’ll remember / Forever, we’re together.” 

BURN can be described as VANNER’s identity in a nutshell. VANNER’s burning passion emanates from each track — regardless of genre. In less than a week, BURN is already on its way to surpassing their previous EP, CAPTURE THE FLAG’s, cumulative sales. VANNER continue to prove their performance prowess with each new release. If you’re looking for a motivational artist with an eclectic discography — look no further! 

Join VANNER as their BURN promotions unfold by following them on X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube!

Curious about other new K-pop releases? Check out our coverage of YENA’s third single album, 네모네모 (NEMONEMO), here!