Photo credits: TOP Media

[Review] UP10TION – CONNECTION

The boys from UP10TION are back with their second full-length album ‘CONNECTION’. Storywise this is a continuation of their previous mini-album ‘LIGHT UP’.

CONNECTION

We start off with the title track ‘SPIN OFF’. We get a plucky bass and a groovy synth sound. The rap verses are smooth as hell. The music video has some stunning sets, so check it out!

‘Liar’ gives us even more of that groovy bass. This track is more House inspired and is overall a really good groove. It’s impossible to sit still while listening to this song. 

After that we get the track ‘Summer Drive’. Honestly, bass players are gonna have a blast with this album. We go funky with the synths this time and we get some outstanding vocals. The chorus is super cute and a shot of serotonin. Add this song to your summer playlists!

‘Parade’ is a dance pop track that is a thank you for the fans who keep sending their love to the members. It’s wholesome and honestly a vibe. The bridge is giving me life with that high belt.

Next up

Next up is ‘Destroyed’. This one has a super cinematic feel with the orchestra, piano and strings. The layering is a bit intense at times, especially when all the electronic sounds get added. The rhythm changes are interesting though. 

We get the first sub-unit track of the album with members Kogyeol and Hwanhee. This R&B ballad is a beautiful display of vocals. The strings and piano give it that really emotional feel. The harmonies are *chef’s kiss*.

The next sub-unit is with members Kuhn, Sunyoul, Gyujin and Xiao. The track ‘Forever’ is a blend of pop and R&B. I’m in love with the difference between the high vocals and the low rapping. It’s super smooth and the entire song feels very soft.

‘Believe in you’ follows that with a great electric guitar which slides right into a super cute chorus with chanting and happy vibes. It’s a bit rock inspired which I love. This is one of my favorite tracks of the album. 

The track ‘Sky Line’ by members Kogyeol and BIT-TO is the last sub-unit single. This mid-tempo pop ballad is a great listen. I enjoyed the instrumentation and the smooth rapping. 

‘Honey Cake’ is the last track on the album. It’s utterly adorable and I dig the old-timey instrumentation. Both the classic piano and the brass were really cool additions. 

‘CONNECTION’ by UP10TION is a really cohesive album that displays some fabulous arrangements and vocals. The members were heavily involved in the writing and composing. 

You can find the album on Spotify here.

 

Ilse Van Den Heede
A writer with a slight coffee addiction and a tendency to find K-Indie gems in the YouTube rabbit hole.