On their fourth mini-album, Kep1er explore the ins and outs of puppy love and romance, though some songs are underwhelming and inconsistent at times
Kep1er’s ‘Lovestruck!’ On the album cover, two rose gold heart-shaped padlocks are intertwined, engraved with cherry red claw marks. The theme being unpacked by the K-pop girl group is clear as day: ‘Lovestruck!’ Solves matters of the heart openly. The rookie nine-piece croon delightful puppy love, dreamy fairy tale endings and vertigo-inducing romance. For all intents and purposes on this album, love really is all sunshine and rainbows.
While his spirited exploration into these age-old motifs is certainly not the first of its kind, Kep1er makes a worthy effort. Where their third mini-album ‘Troubleshooter’ – led by the polarizing title track ‘We Fresh’ – struggled to create a unique sound for the group, ‘Lovestruck!’ brings their discography back to track with the lighthearted, bubblegum-tinged flair they execute best.
Still, they manage to find room to mix things up on title track ‘Giddy,’ a sleek, bass-driven pop anthem that’s reminiscent of a handful of K-pop’s biggest hits in 2022. ‘Gidi’ avoids becoming too familiar with its arrangement. Each stanza offers something new. It also does what a title track should do: It includes a barebones hook that’s designed to creep you out. However, this “disco-punk” opener doesn’t delve beyond that.
Despite its comparatively run-of-the-mill title track, ‘Lovestruck!’ It starts showing its cards as soon as you give its B-sides a chance. ‘Back to the City’ – a strong candidate for best track on the album – is a panoramic take on the nu-disco wave, with ’80s-influenced synths. Here they sing of moonlit nights in the city, metropolitan lights lighting up the night like constellations, the lyrics on ‘Back to the City’ being much bolder and more creative than the narrative seen from the group.
‘Why’ comes right after, first dipping into a gentle, lower vocal register, before blowing up into loving cadences as they sing “Ripple in My Heart” and “Unanswered Questions”. It’s a light and soothing listen – and does much to highlight the group’s vocal tone and harmonizing ability – though largely forgettable.
Meanwhile, ‘Lovely’ easily turns into ‘Lovestruck!’ is the most ineffective of the five tracks. Here, Kep1er draws influence from Latin and reggaeton sounds and sings a siren’s song of irresistible allure, but ultimately fails to comprehensively capture the genre’s trademark charm and energy.
The album’s resplendent closer ‘Happy Ending’ is its catchiest and catchiest, featuring an excellent vocal performance from Keeper1r. It emerges eloquently through intimate vignettes of a man holding himself back from crossing the threshold between friendship and love affair, imbuing the album with a classic sense of being utterly and hopelessly in love.
‘Deeply in love!’ makes a case for allowing love – the mostly pretty parts – to wash over you and asks us to look at life through rose-tinted glasses. Why dwell on heartbreak when there is so much more to love that should be celebrated? It’s not an entirely unique approach, but then again, it doesn’t have to be. Instead, Kep1er look comfortable continuing to lay the foundation for their airy and joyous sound, carving out a comfortable niche for themselves in the competitive landscape of K-pop.
Details
- Release date: April 10, 2023
- Record label: Swing Entertainment, WAKEONE
