2024 has marked a significant milestone for ATEEZ, the sensational boy group whose rise to fame seems unbounded. From smashing records on global charts to gracing the stage at Coachella, they've become synonymous with success. We even covered them in our April 2024 print issue – well before their new record dropped.
Despite a demanding schedule that follows their December album release and a looming world tour, ATEEZ has wasted no time in dropping their latest mini-album, GOLDEN HOUR : Part.1.
So… how does it compare to their earlier work?
Let it be known: there are way more woodwinds on this record than we anticipated. ATEEZ did not have to go this hard, but they really pulled out all the stops – from trap instrumentation to e-pianos and orchestra flourishes. The opening track and narration, “Golden Hour,” was previously featured in a trailer for the LP, and opens up the album beautifully. It’s masterfully cinematic, incorporating found sounds and oozing with melodrama.
On first listen, I was expecting a slower-paced first full track. Instead, I was greeted with “Blind,” a Latin-infused club banger with a rowdy shout chorus. It seemed to capture a particular kind of golden hour: out in the world with friends, enjoying the last fading rays of sunshine as the night kicks off and the backyard party begins.
“WORK,” the lead single, continues the Latin flair, but adds those woodwinds we told you about. Clarinet and upright bass on a hip hop track? In 2024, anything is possible. Vocalists seamlessly merge with the group’s rappers, and each member contributes to crafting a unified sound. ATEEZ is incredibly versatile when it comes to new styles.
“Empty Box” takes a somber turn, offering a poignant R&B ballad amidst the album's playful vibe. This is the kind of track I expected right after the introduction, and I expected it to be the central sound given how self-serious “Golden Hour” is. It’s a beautiful song, but I think the boys ultimately made the right choice to include more bangers. They really shine on this record when they’re dialing everything up to 11.
“Shaboom” was quite the surprise. I don’t know what made ATEEZ wake up one day and want to do a reggae track, but by golly they did. Admittedly, it’s my least favorite from the record, simply because it feels so out of left field. But its reggae sections are faithful to the genre, and its injections of trance EDM are boundary pushing.
Finally, “Siren” delivers a hard-hitting EDM track that captivates with its energy and intricate arrangements. It fits at the end as a closer. And while it feels a little formulaic, there’s no doubt this song would go hard live.
Overall, GOLDEN HOUR : Part.1 exemplifies ATEEZ's evolution as artists. With a seamless blend of Latin influences and genre-bending experimentation, the mini-album heralds a new era for the group. As they celebrate six years in the industry, ATEEZ continues to prove their musical prowess, cementing their status as one of K-Pop's leading acts. We’re anxiously awaiting the next part.