Every time the name H1-KEY comes up, the first things that pop into my mind are their unique vocal color and the intense focus they bring to the stage. Hearing in a past interview that the members practiced singing live while running on treadmills, I thought to myself, 'These guys are the real deal,' rather than just being impressed. And with this latest album, that belief has only solidified.
At 6 PM on the 26th, H1-KEY returns with their fourth mini-album 'Lovestruck', about a year after last summer's 'LOVE or HATE'. The title track 'It Was Summer' (literal title) seems to encapsulate a brilliant page of youth in its entirety.
"This time, we were truly desperate. Even more so than at our debut."
This comeback was a long time in the making, with the team pouring all their energy into it. The title track 'It Was Summer' is a refreshing summer song that combines fast BPM with guitar and band sounds. But it's not just about the cool melody.
SEOI said, "If our previous album was about intensity, this time we've captured the opposite mood with refreshment. It's a song that makes you feel cool just by listening to it."
HWISEO mentioned, "The stages we've shown so far are different from this one. This is the first time since our debut that we've tackled such a fast-paced song. It was a new challenge."
Indeed, the choreography was no easy feat. The highlight dance at 180bpm is a scene filled with the members' sweat and perseverance.
YEL shared, "We practiced repeatedly for two hours with a metronome. Starting from 90bpm and working our way up to 180, we really felt the truth in the saying 'you can do it if you try'."
"We genuinely enjoy being on stage."
The biggest weapon of H1-KEY is 'sincerity'. On stage, they shine with authenticity rather than just glamour.
RIINA said, "Every time fans say 'H1-KEY's performances are fun and energetic', it gives us strength. It seems our genuine enjoyment comes across."
SEOI also added, "H1-KEY's songs have lyrics that make listeners take a moment to reflect. We hope our sincerity is conveyed through our lyrics and performances."
'It Was Summer' also swept the votes in a blind test. RIINA said, "It's a song that anyone can enjoy, easy to approach. Whether it's a steady climb or a sudden surge, we hope to make a mark on the charts and firmly establish H1-KEY."
"On the day of the MV shoot, it felt like 3 degrees... but we still smiled."
The behind-the-scenes of the music video shoot is also fascinating. Although it looks like a scene from midsummer, the shooting day was amidst a winter wind advisory.
HWISEO laughed, "It was between 3 to 5 degrees, but we clenched our teeth and endured, worried our breath would show." RIINA recalled, "We arrived at a nearby lodging the day before, saw the sea, made fruit punch, and incorporated as many elements as we could to make it look like a real summer in the music video."
"H1-KEY is growing, each member adding their own color."
The members have been steadily improving their individual skills in vocals, choreography, and songwriting over the past few months.
YEL said, "Being a team that puts sincerity into our songs, it's natural for a variety of colors to blend together. H1-KEY is on a path, and we feel confident that it's the right one."
SEOI expressed a desire to eventually produce a vocal track that fits the team, saying, "While I have personal favorites like R&B and hip-hop, I'd love to produce a song that suits our team."
"Please remember H1-KEY this summer"
A year's hiatus was anything but a break. RIINA said, "We've been busy preparing for our 3rd-anniversary fan concert and performing on stages both domestically and internationally. It was actually a time that allowed us to calmly prepare for the album." Through this comeback, they are pouring out all the skills they have honed.
SEOI said, "We're thrilled to show more of our performance capabilities. We hope that when people think of this summer, they'll think of 'It Was Summer' by H1-KEY."
Photos provided by GLG
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)