ZEROBASEONE reached a melting point with their comeback! Approximately four months since their debut, ZEROBASEONE returned with their charismatic second mini album MELTING POINT on November 6. ZEROBASEONE continue to adopt their thematic concepts of youth and changing seasons as the members present an album full of aspirations and emotions. With their powerful title track “CRUSH,” the group convey their newfound determination and passionate devotion to protect and be alongside ZEROSE. As a result of ZEROSE’s love, the dreams of the nine members have finally bloomed and are now set to venture forward in their new album.

CRUSH

A new era is upon us in the world of ZEROBASEONE as they take on a dark and intense role in the title track, “Crush.” The song takes listeners through the emotions of wanting to be a knight in shining armor for someone they love. ZEROBASONE express a need to protect a loved one from anything that may come their way, even if it hurts them. The group seems to have discovered their signature sound that they will be giving to the K-pop industry. The chime of synth and piano is darker and sounds more fierce, but is still very reminiscent of their debut track, “In Bloom.” 

A music video for the track was released and garnered over ten million views in three days. The concept of the music video tells the story of the nine boys becoming knights and protecting the people that they love. The lyrics are very consistent with the story, as they sing “Break me, but I’ll protect you / Crush me / Strike me down, but I’ll stand on.” 

The dark colors and breath-taking CGI are reminiscent of the late 2000s era of young adult fantasy novels and movies. There are also short spurts of homage to the story of King Arthur as Zhang Hao, the center of the group, is seen hovering over a sword that is confined into a stone. The intense choreography of the song is consistent with the overarching theme, with the members showing a movement that seems to portray a shield. Many fans theorized that the music video could be a continuation of the concept trailer, released before the group’s debut, continuing on the story of the highs and lows of youth.

Reaching the MELTING POINT

The opening track, “MELTING POINT,” sets the tone for the mini album on a high note. The warm combination of the vocal and rapping abilities from the million-seller group and the rhythmic tinkle in the soft tempo gives the image of an iceberg gradually melting throughout the song. ZEROBASEONE’s youngest member, Han Yujin’s, calm voice opens the song as the older members add their unique lights to every verse. With lyrics like “Why am I so happy? / When I see you, my heart goes on a roller coaster,” the song talks about the feeling of being so infatuated with someone that every interaction makes them feel like melting away. 

Take My Hand

The next song on the mini album is “Take My Hand,” a track with a warm and mesmerizing aura that makes it a fun and easy listen. The lyrics, “The moment when I grab your small hand / A whole new world unfolds before my eyes,” are the start of the luring pre-chorus.The harmonies are put on display as the vocalists smoothly move through the powerful chorus. The song comes to a close with an instrumental and returns with a wonderful showcase of Hanbin, Taerae, and Zhang Hao’s synergy together as their adlibs close the song. Many producers worked on the track together including Ryan Lawrie who produced “Jelly Pop,” a song from the finale of ZEROBASEONE’s survival show — Boys Planet. 

The Boys Stay Forever In the “Kidz Zone”

Taking a turn in genre and mood, ZEROBASEONE express their playfulness on their fourth track “Kidz Zone.” This energetic synthpop song contains an addictive drum and bass melody, creating an overall sonically pleasing track. Within a short span of time, ZEROBASONE are able to thrall listeners in with their mesmerizing vocals in the chorus and the track’s exciting lyricism and lively energy. Illuminating the cheerful track, the members’ vividly express a place full of possibilities, zero worries, and endless fun. Members sing, “Different language, irrelevant age / Different style, one friendship / All together trust it, all the worries stop it / Right now, let’s go and have some fun.” 

The celebratory track was produced by Alex Hope and Luke Niccoli, alongside fellow songwriters and producers Alex Bilo and Madi Yanofsky. The track’s playful lyrics were written by songwriters Lee Seuran and Lee Solbi (INHOUSE). The official audio track for “Kidz Zone” was released on November 8, with the colorful artwork done by Hyungsu Lee. The art piece presents a fun atmospheric scene using vibrant colors paired alongside a very detailed background, resulting in both a perfect pairing of music, art, and lyricism.

ZERBASEONE Wish ZEROSE’s A “Good Night”

ZEROBASEONE send sweet night greetings as the album closes with the sentimental ballad “Goodnight.” The track was composed and arranged by notable producers imsuho and N!ko (who participated in the production of ZERBASEONE’s debut album YOUTH IN THE SHADE). Alongside them, multi-million songwriter Julie Yu and multi-platinum songwriter Elias Öberg help with the track’s composition. The official audio track for “Good Night” was released on November 8, with the artwork done by KIMGUNJOO. The art showcases the perspective of viewing a bright winter night on the other side of a warm windowsill. With the soft colors of brown and white from the inside coordinating with the dark colors of blue and green from the outside, viewers may listen to the sweet night melody with a cozy setting set in place.

The ballad’s instrumentals deliver an ethereal impression to its listeners. From the soft yet sweet playing of the piano to the natural violin strings, “Good Night” adopts a magical melody stacked with the members’ emotional vocals. The song wishes and prays for a good night towards listeners, restoring assurance and providing comfort to the closure of their night.

Written by lyricists Cho Yun Kyoung, YIYIJIN (who have also participated in the composition of their debut album), and sunfl0wer, the thoughtful lyrics mix in perfect harmony with the gentle instrumentals. ZEROBASEONE members sing, “It’s a common night greeting / From bottom of my heart / Seriously, every every night / My heart is only for you.” A common night greeting is transformed into a heartfelt declaration of admiration and affection.

Melting for ZEROBASEONE

In various colors, ZEROBASEONE have showcased their flexibility in concepts and talents through this youthful album. ZERBASEONE still have yet to complete their journey of becoming one. Yet with every comeback, ZEROBASEONE prove it’s only the start of becoming the generation’s representative of youth and gorgeous beginnings.

“CRUSH” has already reached a total of 2,282,742 streams on the Spotify counter with the album’s side tracks exceeding over 800,000 streams. The accompanying music video for “CRUSH” has gained 22,147,872 views on YouTube. ZEROBASEONE will be participating in a theme stage for the 2023 MAMA Awards, collaborating with fellow K-pop groups LE SSERAFIM, TREASURE, and solo rapper Lee Youngji.

Watch ZEROBASEONE’s music video “CRUSH” on YouTube, and listen along to their second mini album on Spotify and Apple Music!

Fly to the pink sky with ZERBASEONE and follow their social media accounts on Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok.

Searching for more boy groups? Check out EnVi’s recent cover on WayV’s comeback with their second full-length album “On My Youth” here!

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