|
Guys, you already know what’s up – an essay is coming because my favourite group is back! I’ve been anticipating this comeback like it’s the only thing that will improve my mental health currently and honestly… Deja Vu kind did just save my life. Dramatic antics aside, TXT have been a constant in my life since their debut and I think that 2019 me had no idea they would become my favourite group alongside SHINee in no time. In many ways, I’ve really appreciate the way the group experimented with their sound over the last couple of years while still maintaining their original, emotional sound – it made for a unique experience every single comeback and Deja Vu is no exception to this rule so let’s dive right in and review the new album.
 Deja Vu is so reminiscent of old-school k-pop that I’m currently in this special state of nostalgia hitting me left and right. From the verses, which are melodic but also offer these small R&B moments due to the instrumental, all the way to that stunning chorus that reminds me of the dramatic, emotional, and atmospheric choruses we used to get from 2nd and early 3rd generation of idols – Deja Vu is truly a whole package. It offers exactly what we’ve been missing on the k-pop scene for a while now – something dramatic in its emotions, something with a clearly nostalgic background, and something that does not take a single break while delivering all of this to us. Even the outro is stunning, accompanied by the guitar and some lovely rock influences which I’m currently absolutely loving. The music video is very fitting for this kind of sound and style as well, offering a new take on the TXT video and story lore but throughout it all it keeps this fragile but emotional atmosphere that elevates the song to new levels. I’m always incredibly biased when it comes to TXT but I really think this song is one of the strongest boy group releases we’ve got so far this year and a great way to start April. It’s definitely going to find its way into your heart if you’ve got into kpop during 2nd or early 3rd generation because it truly reminds me of that specific, theatrical sound we had during that time. If there’s anyone who could’ve brought it back to life (although they already did through some of their previous titles and b-sides), it’s definitely TXT. The new album is great as well. TXT always have at least 2 b-sides I (and the rest of the world) get completely obsessed with and this time around I think we need to pay our respects to I’ll See You There Tomorrow and Miracle. I’ve been looking forward to I’ll See You There Tomorrow the most and it absolutely delivered. It’s catchy, upbeat but still bringing this interesting nostalgic feeling with its instrumental and stylistic vocal choices. It sounds so much like TXT, their recognizable upbeat sound that would make me recognize them in the masses any time and they really do this kind of pop style so well. That chorus is stuck in my brain until further notice. On the other hand, Miracle is another genre TXT do well – big, wistfully emotional songs with some rock elements to seal the deal. Miracle‘s melody is impressive, big and flows into that anthemic chorus perfectly. It has the similar vibes as their retro-like songs such as Wishlist or Ghosting (just with more rock oomph) for me which makes Miracle another stand-out b-side on this new album. TXT really have such a solid discography and it’s so wonderful to see that they continue to deliver quality time after time. Everyone sound great in this album as well. This is, of course, not to say that the rest of the album is not great as well. The Killa is much more melodic than I expected and it’s such a catchy little track (continuing that tropical sound of Tinnitus?) and Quarter Life has definitely reached its target audience here – I am also here in my quarter life crisis and I’m not happy at all. The Killa is a silent grower for me, worming its way up my brain with each new listen and I’m in love with the gentle atmosphere it offers. I also love when they combine their higher and lower register like in this song and paired with that acoustic vibe, The Killa is definitely another hidden gem on the album. |