ZEROBASEONE Rewinds Time In Final Album, “RE-FLOW”
All good things must come to an end — or do they? RE-FLOW challenges this phrase, powered by the love and friendship that brings ZEROBASEONE and their fans, ZEROSE, together. Released on February 2nd, this special album is dedicated to the memory of ZEROBASEONE’s career and those who allowed their dreams to become reality.
Each of the nine members – HANBIN, JIWOONG, ZHANG HAO, MATTHEW, TAERAE, RICKY, GYUVIN, GUNWOOK, and YUJIN – shine their brightest on this album as they sing earnestly to fans. Showing their growth from K-pop survival show trainees to multi-million album sellers, ZEROBASEONE keeps their momentum going in RE-FLOW.
What Lies Ahead As We’re “Running To Future”
The RE-FLOW album came as a surprise after the revelation of a two-month contract extension left ZEROSE feeling confused about the group’s post-disbandment plans. As is common with the limited contracts of survival show idol groups, many fans felt torn about the conclusion of ZEROBASEONE’s activities.
As the first song on the RE-FLOW tracklist, “Running to Future” is an emotional ballad sympathizing with the hardship felt by both fans and members alike. With a simple instrumental made up of piano, light percussion, and synth, the members’ voices become the song’s focus. Though the group’s separation is inevitable, ZEROBASEONE comforts ZEROSE in the chorus: “On the layers of seasons we have shared / With my eyes closed I’ll be right here / Smiling softly waiting for you.”
References to past eras and songs are present in both the lyrics and the scenes of the music video, which reflect on ZEROBASEONE’s journey from debut up until now. “Past all the changing times on / In the place we promised to (We’ll meet again),” they sing, providing hope to ZEROSE preemptively feeling the weight of their loss. The lyrics continue to display ZEROBASEONE’s simultaneous heartbreak and hope for their careers. “Slowly yet not too late ’til we love again,” the chorus encourages fans.
A Love Letter To Ze-“ROSES”
Out of all the tracks on the album, “ROSES” stands out as the most heartfelt, yet cheerful, entry. Written directly to ZEROSEs, the nine members honor the connections made over their career in this song. They express their gratitude for the support of their fans and make a promise to repay their love.
Roses have been maintained as an important symbol throughout ZEROBASEONE’s career. The flowers appeared as early as their debut music video for “In Bloom,” long before the fandom was even given their name. In the music video for “ROSES,” the flowers follow animated characters of both ZEROBASEONE and ZEROSE. Though the petals become scattered, the roses continue to unite them across distance and time. Roses are used to reflect the group’s true emotions. In the pre-chorus, the group sings, “Instead of saying I love you / I will be your roses.”
Flowing between funky bass riffs, powerful drums, and mellow guitar, “ROSES” expresses the hope that the relationship between the group and their fans will continue to flourish. While rose blooms are limited to the springtime, ZEROBASEONE declare their love to be eternal: “Just like now, forever / You are my roses.”
Not An Ending, But A “LOVEPOCALYPSE”
Released as the final track that completes the album, “LOVEPOCALYPSE” is a pop rock song full of bold declarations. Unlike what the title suggests, the song seeks to show that despite all the things coming to an end, ZEROBASEONE’s love will prevail. A tone of sentimentality is shown in “LOVEPOCALPSE,” as the song addresses ZEROSE’s worries. From the first verse, the group reassures listeners, “I don’t need the end that waits for someday / Beyond the rules, Love.”
The music video compiles concert footage from the HERE&NOW Tour, including scenes shot by each member onstage. Each clip expresses the heart of ZEROBASEONE, their love for ZEROSE, and their desire to continue to perform as idols for many years to come. Even as the music video comes to an end, the members are heard shouting, “Did you miss us? Then we’ll come see you, ZEROSE!”
While ZEROBASEONE’s official activities will conclude with their HERE&NOW Encore concerts in March, ZEROSE can be sure that their time spent together is well cherished. ZEROBASEONE leaves their fans with this message: “Only one thing is clear now / Remember forever, my love.”
Looking for more music that’s fun with a message? Read EnVi’s write-up about XG’s latest album here.
