Finding a fanbase in the saturated music world is a challenge, but within the first few hours of their debut on April 14, Korean rookie band Cravity began trending as listeners fell in love with the newest addition to K-pop.
As #StanCravity trended on social media, it became clear that the group had already managed to carve out a path for themselves in the K-pop landscape with high-energy debut album Cravity Season1. [Hideout: Remember Who We Are].
Led by the explosive soundscape of title track “Break All The Rules,” the nonet is bursting with confidence and maturity that belies their status as newcomers. Lyrically, the track tells the story of nine youths with strong ambitions venturing out on their first journey together, overcoming obstacles, and continuing to move forward without hesitation; with hopes of providing solace for anyone going through the same emotions.
Sonically, Cravity bravely experiments – balancing out the anthemic rock stylings of opener “Top of The Chain” and the drama of “Break All The Rules,” with the pop/hip-hop/trap fusion soundscape of “Blackout.” Aside from their bold, experimental sound, the group’s music video for their lead is also a sight to behold.
The video for the lead single is visually stunning in its seamless weaving of dark and light, beauty and power as it introduces individual members in the midst of a rich setting interspersed with song and dance.
Cravity draws its name from ‘center of gravity,’ as the nonet – consisting of Serim, Allen, Jungmo, Woobin, Wonjin, Minhee, Hyeongjun, Taeyoung, Seongmin – debut with intention of attracting listeners into their unique universe, by pulling them in as they gravitate towards the band with their creativity, charm, and pure talent.
As the first boy band to debut under Starship Entertainment (home of K-pop powerhouse Monsta X) in five years, Cravity has understandably high expectations placed upon them. But if their energetic debut is anything to go by the undertaking of following in the footsteps of their superstar seniors is a challenge the nonet will ace.
In fact, the support from said seniors is also clear as day, with “Jumper,” produced by Monsta X’s Joohoney, taking top spot as the seven-track record’s stand-out offering.
Cravity Season1. [Hideout: Remember Who We Are] is an impressive first attempt, with not many flaws, but it’s far from perfect. Tracks like “Stay” and “Cloud 9” remain average and forgettable, falling into the trap of sounding commercial and less authentic-specifically in terms of the mindlessly repetitive humming and chorus- than the other five tracks of the album.
Despite a few stumbles, Cravity is filled with hopes and dreams, and on their way to stardom. As such the final track of their debut album, the R&B/pop-infused “Star,”, talking about the group’s united wish of being the “shining star” in the lives of their fans, is the perfect closer as it beckons the beginning of what’s likely to be a beautiful journey with Cravity.