Album Review Face-Off :U-KISS 'Mono Scandal' Verses ZE:A 'First Homme' [AUDIO]

While each group employed a different marketing strategy, the musical styles included on “Mono Scandal” and “First Homme” share similarities.

With their new releases, ZE:A and U-KISS aim to take their music to the next level.

U-KISS are grown and sexy on 'Mono Scandal'.

U-KISS has transformed in numerous ways since the group was established by NH Media in 2008. One of the most fascinating aspects of U-KISS is their vocal strength and the overall capability of the group.

 “Mono Scandal” is the first release from U-KISS which includes their newest member Joon, who was added to the group in the academic absence of AJ.

Their recent tour yielded some of the strongest K-Pop performances in years, attracting new fans to the group. On “Mono Scandal”, U-KISS engages listeners while proving that they are more than pretty faces.

“Mono Scandal” is a six track mini album which contains instrumental tracks for “Don't Flirt” and “Come Back To Me”.

“Don't Flirt” is a hip hop influenced R&B track which benefits from production by Duble Sidekick. “Don't Flirt” is aurally sexy but has also received hype from the 19+ concept used to promote the song.

The sweeping ballad “One” is a musical standout for the album. “One” translates the magnetic vocals of U-KISS which are on par with balladeers 2AM.

“Come Back To Me” is an emotional ballad which clearly speaks to the devastation of lost love. Lyrics such as “Because of you, I learned what love is/I can’t live because my heart is in pain” are heartrending and add to the sentiment of the album.

U-KISS then approach similar subject matter with “Can't Without You”. “Can't Without You” is a soft pop track which also incorporates rap. “Can't Without You” is a song which along with “Don't Flirt” helps to substantiate that U-KISS has targeted a more mature audience with “Mono Scandal”.

ZE:A aim to be listeners main men with 'First Homme'.

Star Empire Entertainment released the five track mini album “First Homme” from the male group ZE:A on June 2. The group has won over a legion of fans in recent years through the numerous variety program, K-Drama, and musical theater performances of its members.

“First Homme” reflects the impact of this diverse performance experience on the nine member group.

“First Homme” opens with a self-titled musical prelude. The album then transitions to the upbeat and catchy track “Wobble”, which features lyrical contributions by ZE:A member Minwoo.

“Breathe” is one of the most uptempo tracks on “First Homme” which could be best described as electronic influenced pop.

“Stagger” is an immensely soulful track which reflects the pain of heartbreak. “Stagger” succinctly encapsulates the emotional complexity of an unsteady relationship.

“First Homme” concludes on a bright note with the optimistic track “ONE”. “ONE” is a standout track for “First Homme” and brings the emotional range of the five songs to a satisfying conclusion. The track benefits from the co-composition of members Park Hyungsik and Kevin. Kevin is also credited for the lyrics of “ONE”.

Overall, “First Homme” shares cross generational musical appeal with “Mono Scandal”. While both extended play albums reflect influences of electronic dance or hip hop, neither is deeply entrenched in the genres.

Listen to the new album “Mono Scandal” by U-KISS RIGHT HERE.

Listen to the new album “First Homme” by ZE:A RIGHT HERE.

Tags
U-KISS
ZE:A
NH Media
Star Empire Entertainment
Mono Scandal
First Homme
Join the Discussion

Latest Photo Gallery

Real Time Analytics