In the world of K-pop, it’s comeback season with lots of new music dropping this fall! For one, K-pop boy group EPEX has released their latest album, EPEX 2nd Album: Youth Chapter 2 – Youth Deficiency, which features 8 tracks for fans to explore.
Get to know EPEX, they are an eight-member boy group under C9 Entertainment, which is also home to artists like CIX and Younha. The group consists of members Wish, Amin, Yewang, Mu, Ayden, Keum, Baekseung, and Jeff. EPEX debuted in June 2021 and has been exploring a variety of musical genres ever since.
On November 5th, 2024, they released their second full-length album, Youth Chapter 2: Youth Deficiency. The album follows the pre-release single “My Girl,” which came out on October 14th. “My Girl” is a bright, cute track that is sure to put a smile on your face as it is a cheerful love song. Meanwhile, the title track, “Universe,” offers a more serious and contrasting message with a very unique and cinematic music video that will be sure to grab your curiosity.
“Universe” Music Video
This album is part of EPEX’s “Youth Trilogy,” focusing on the thoughts and experiences of youth in the modern world. Themes such as “anxiety” and “love” feature prominently, with lyrics that resonate with many listeners, building on topics they’ve explored in past albums. This new album focuses on a new topic of deficiency and when one feels like they are lacking in capabilities and how to move forward.
Here’s a breakdown of each song from the album:
Universe – The title track of the album, “Universe,” delivers a bold message about the personal struggles everyone faces and how those struggles shouldn’t hold us back. The music video features the group’s beautiful choreography, with graceful yet powerful movements that support the song’s empowering message. The vocal harmonies in the chorus stand out, highlighting the group’s unique sound.
My Girl – “My Girl,” the pre-release track, is a bright and playful love song with a catchy pop sound. It blends an easygoing melody with hip-hop influences in the beat, making it a fun and easy listen. The accompanying music video is also worth checking out!
1997 – “1997” stands out for its retro ’80s synth-percussion style, which gives it a nostalgic feel. The track also incorporates subtle band elements, adding a fun dynamic for listeners who enjoy these genres.
It Is What It Is – This track is more mellow compared to the others, but it doesn’t shy away from strong, bold vocal performances in the chorus. The piano and electric guitar create a steady background, but it’s the vocals that truly shine here.
Attosecond – “Attosecond” has a signature EPEX sound that will be familiar to fans of their earlier title tracks. The song features an intense, hard-hitting melody that isn’t quite rock or hip-hop but still packs a punch. The chorus includes a distinctive auto tuned harmony that’s ear-catching and repetitive. In a recent interview, the members mentioned that “Attosecond” would be their top choice for a music video among their b-side tracks if they could make another one. You can easily imagine this song as a powerful performance piece.
Wonderful – “Wonderful” showcases the group’s vocal diversity perfectly. While the other tracks may highlight instruments or beats, “Wonderful” is more about the harmonies and unique vocal colors of the members. The melody supports the vocals without overpowering them, creating a well-balanced track.
Closer – “Closer” is an emotional band ballad with an edge. The song gained attention after the members performed it during a special stage (watch it here) on several music shows, where you can see who sings which parts. The rappers, Baekseung and Jeff, show off their vocal abilities, adding a raspy strength that complements their usual rap style. The electric guitar and percussion during the song’s climax add to its emotional depth.
Loner – The final track, “Loner,” starts with a piano intro that remains consistent throughout, with steady percussion entering later. Similar to “Wonderful,” the focus here is on the vocals, which take center stage throughout the song.
No matter your music taste, there’s likely a track on Youth Chapter 2: Youth Deficiency that suits your style. You can stream the new album on YouTube and other music platforms now and check out the music videos as linked here or on EPEX’s Youtube channel.
Let us know your favorite song from the new album!
