TWS makes a splash with ‘Summer Beat!’
SEOUL—First comebacks are always when K-pop groups fully introduce themselves to their listeners. For the boys of TWS, “Summer Beat!” is the perfect EP to help them make a splash, especially after their more-than-successful debut.
TWS’ hit debut single “plot twist” (The first meeting doesn’t go as planned) gained success partly due to its endearingly mundane, diaristic lyrics, coupled with the innocence that their first mini album, “Sparkling Blue,” perfectly embodied. Their journey of boyhood continues in “Summer Beat!,” subtitled “Our Memories: Now,” released just this June 24.
Shinyu, Dohoon, Youngjae, Hanjin, Jihoon and Kyungmin’s new mini album is an endorphin-laden listen, with their energy so tangible that listeners will experience a sonic summer bliss just by listening to the six relevant, refreshing tracks.
Youthful innocence
In “Summer Beat!,” the six boys conjure endless memories of vibrant vacations and youthful innocence. “Summer has always been a time filled with joy and rejuvenation,” member Hanjin shared with Super in an exclusive interview. And it’s exactly this feeling that they bottle up in their second mini album.
The album aptly kicks off with the bright piano of “You+Me=7942,” a formula for friendship, which drips with playfulness in every note aptly partnered with downbeat drums and saw synths, and even some school bells. There’s so much going on that it’s impossible to be anything less than excited for what TWS has in store.
In the lead single “If I’m S, Can You Be My N?” the boys of TWS bottle up the brightness of summer in a funky, unrelentingly refreshing melody, with their zippy and energetic vocals sending you on an upward spiral of euphoria.
The piano hits just the exact notes to create a groove that takes you back to the childlike fun of your younger days, a magical nostalgia that TWS continues to weave throughout the album.
Falling into a state akin to a runner’s high is inevitable with the prerelease and standout track “hey! hey!” The boys take your hand and run with you throughout rock guitars and heart-pumping drums, as they chant “we don’t stop” with a sincere determination that makes you believe everything is possible.
This confidence takes a new form in the fan favorite “Double Take,” which paints the boys of TWS in a new light, as they take on hip hop and boom bap. There’s something special about the myriad of possibilities that comes with the six members, especially as they fully embrace their age and boyhood when it comes to their music.
Whimsical
In the whimsical “Keep On,” they invite you to a warm evening of friendship and harmonies, a comforting albeit cliched reminder to “keep on rocking” and “keep on shining” that plays out like the perfect ending to a coming-of-age Disney Channel movie. It’s quintessential, timeless and perfectly laid out, down to the percussive bridge. (Seriously, if “High School Musical” gets another remake, TWS would be perfect for the OST).
“One of my fondest summer memories from my childhood is going fishing in the river with my family and gathering around a bonfire at night, sharing stories and creating lasting memories,” Hanjin shared with Super, and it’s the perfect image for their last track: “Fire Confetti,” which closes out the album with entrancing synths.
“To me, summer isn’t just a season; it’s a collection of emotions and cherished moments that I hold dear,” Hanjin told Super, and “Summer Beat!” is exactly that.
TWS has an ability to create and conjure memories, as if every song is a movie that plays in your mind. In every track is a familiar teenage tableau, as if the six members are crafting and collecting mementos to bury in a time capsule.
Their specificity and attention to all the fantastical details of youth make TWS one of the standouts in today’s K-pop scene. And in this new EP, the boys ultimately claim their spot as fresh-faced coming-of-age storytellers.
Member Youngjae even talked to Super about how TWS is spending their first summer together as a group: “This is the first summer we’re spending together as TWS, so I’m thrilled to create great memories together. I’m looking forward to reminiscing about these moments down the road.”
The boys answered Inquirer Super’s questions about their newest EP, growing as a team and what they think of the Philippines.
Since your whole concept centers on summer, what’s your favorite summer activity? Do you have any fond or unforgettable summer memories from your childhood?
Hanjin: Summer has always been a time filled with joy and rejuvenation. My favorite summer activity has to be vacationing at the beach. There’s something about soaking up the sun, feeling the sand beneath my feet and listening to the sound of the waves crashing that brings a sense of relaxation and revitalization.
What’s your favorite track off this album and why? What track do you think will best represent you as a group?
Jihoon: We explored many new musical styles on this album, and one that stands out for me is “Double Take.” I personally love this style of music, not to mention its cool choreography. My other favorite is “Keep On.” This song feels deeply touching and warm, evoking a sense of being together under a sunset, supporting and appreciating each other. As for the song that best represents TWS, I think it’s our lead single, “If I’m S, Can You Be My N?” It perfectly captures how we pull each other closer, much like the poles of a magnet slowly coming together.
Your trailers are always so fun and full of youth. How do you prepare for acting scenes as rookies? Do you have any memorable or funny stories to share about your shoot on set?
Kyungmin: As [a rookie], I try to consider how each scene fits into the bigger picture and how I can best portray my character. I particularly remember filming the “Summer Beat!” trailer. I had a blast shooting the scene where I say, “If it’s a special training session, this isn’t enough,” jump into the pool, and dance in the water.
Since it’s been less than a year since you became a group, we’d love to know more about what it’s been like. What did you learn about each other that surprised you?
Dohoon: In less than a year since our debut, I feel like we’ve had nothing but the best experiences, thanks to the overwhelming love and support we’ve received. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself relying more and more on our members as time passed and we grew closer together as TWS.
Kyungmin: When I first stepped onto the stage, I couldn’t perform my best because I was too nervous. But as I continue and gain more experience on stage, I’m starting to feel more at ease. It’s reassuring to know I can always rely on our members whenever we perform together.
Besides working on the album, tell us about other group activities or tasks that helped you build your teamwork. Do you have any stories about your time together that helped you internalize your genre of “boyhood pop”?
Hanjin: Personally, I think our genre of ‘boyhood pop’ shines through most clearly in our lyrics, and delving deeply into them is the key to effectively convey their meaning. We’ve shared many good times together as TWS, and those moments help us better understand and express our lyrics, which in turn allows us to present the ‘boyhood pop’ genre more genuinely.
Specifically, during our ‘bonfire talks,’ where we openly share our thoughts and feelings, we often discuss how to best interpret and present our album concept. We also invest a lot of time and effort into self-improvement and practice to authentically embody the ‘boyhood pop’ vibe.
“Plot Twist” became the song of the semester. What can you say about your amazing success despite being rookies, and how are you dealing with the pressure that comes with it?
Shinyu: While there is certainly some pressure, I see it as a positive motivator for us. With many people watching and supporting us, I frequently remind myself and our members to push ourselves even further.
It’s actually always summer in the Philippines, and for sure, your Filipino fans are excited to see you do a summer concept. Are there any places you’ve heard of that you want to explore, or food that you want to try from the Philippines?
Jihoon: Boracay! The first thing on my list would be to visit a fruit market to indulge in various tropical fruits as I’m a big fan. I also want to capture the essence of the Philippine summer in photos and videos, and perhaps even dance under the scorching sun.
Youngjae: I’d really love to visit Cebu, especially after seeing so many tourists enjoying their time there. Hopefully, I can go there with our members one day, whether it’s for a shoot or just to explore and have fun.
