Introducing LOONA's [#] Album
ALBUM: [#]
Pronounced "Hash" (Hangul: 해시; also known as Sharp, Hangul: 샵) is LOOΠΔ's second mini-album. It was released on February 5, 2020, including lead single "365" and title track "So What". This album is released one year after [X X], and was highly anticipated, to say the least.
This had been one of the longest period of inactivity from LOONA due to a variety of reasons - both reported in media, and via multiple speculation. The leaving of creative director Jaden Jeong from the LOONA Project, the deletion of "LOONA The Ballad", financial troubles and lawsuit plaguing BlockBerry Creative ...
That said, during that period, the hustle continued - including LOONA TV, along with GO WON TV and JINSOUL TV, as well as LOONA's legendary boy group dance covers. Also solicited during the period was Orbit 2.0 memberships.
Here is a chronological look at the teasers and MVs leading up to the album launch, and beyond.
WARNING: I'll be excessively sharing my own personal impressions and commentary henceforth :p
The Teaser known as "#" was uploaded at the end of March 2019, followed by inactivity until early December 12th, when the above-featured Teaser for "365" was uploaded.
According to loonatheworld.fandom.com, "365" was released on December 13, 2019 at 6:00pm (KST) through online music platforms, 54 days prior to the mini album’s full release.
Originally titled "Candles", "365" is a fan song with a message that "LOONA will shine as moonlight for 365 days to the fans who waited for them a long time,". Which also felt like a reminder that "LOONA is still here, we are not going anywhere yet, even as everything else is mired in sh*t..." (IMHO, of course :p). The song's first stage was showcased during December 14, 2019'S "LOONA Premier Greeting: Meet & Up".
Scroll thru to the bottom of this blog-feature for more of "365", and what happened after the teaser... But first; BACK TO THE ALBUM!
ABOVE: Teaser "#" (Uploaded "31 Mar 2019")
BELOW: Teaser “#1” (Uploaded "14 Dec 2019")
At this juncture, folks who've followed LOONA from [+ +] and [X X] would have realised and perhaps even expected the aesthetics and cinematographic aspect of LOONA - where what we are witnessing is not necessarily your "regular Kpop act".
I have to also admit, I am not well versed in Kpop enough to determine that is what is happening in the scene, as I did not listen to as much Kpop then (I still don't, I admit, beyond what I post on #TUNESTALK) - with Big Bang showcasing a hyper-stylised presentation of their music, and even BLACKPINK's early stylised aesthetics+discography, with the exception of "STAY" (where the MV was also shot in an exterior environment versus studio based).
LOONA and BBC is not only "world building" a fictional existence - as they have been via the LOONAVERSE - but has as well now encompass the world we live in, the situation around us, regardless of where we live our various lives. But more on that later...
ABOVE: Teaser “#2” (Uploaded "9 Jan 2020")
BELOW: Teaser “#3” (Uploaded "22 Jan 2020")
The Above Trailer for "To all LOOΠΔs around the world" was uploaded 29 Jan 2020 looked more cinematic, than your traditional style of "music video" teasers - which we now know IS apart of the MV, and so much more - distinguishing and separating LOONA from the "traditional Kpop" the eternal public might be familiar with, IMHO.
The trailer do not show any of the girls dancing or performing. And while we see the girls around the world looking at the camera, LOONA - whom traditionally before this point had not turned and looked directly at the camera - always with a partial half-turn, as seen with Go Won in the above teaser, they are hyping up what is to be expected next - for LOONA to "face the world".
The above trailer was followed by a Preview/Highlight Medley of LOONA Mini Album "[#]" - uploaded "31 Jan 2020" - prior to the MV drop.
There was a sole teaser (Uploaded "3 Feb 2020") before the actual MV dropped on "5 Feb 2020");
It was also announced (on January 7, 2020 via Fancafe) that member HaSeul would not be participating in promotions for this album due to mental health concerns. And she will continue to sit out of [12:00], until her return for LOONA's 4th mini album [&].
This is the Tracklist for [#]:
1. "#" (1:06)
2. "So What" (3:18)
3. "Number 1" (3:22)
4. "Oh (Yes I Am)" (3:15)
5. "Ding Ding Dong (땡땡땡)" (2:58)
6. "365" (3:41)
CD EXCLUSIVE:
7. "Day & Night" - 3:34 (Limited A & B)
The track "Day & Night" came as a CD Exclusive to the Limited A & B versions of [#] physical album release.
You will also notice that the "LOONA Sound" that folks and fans have mentioned (for their individual debuts and pre-[#] albums) has somewhat changed with "So What", as it had been infamously mentioned that Lee Soon-man of SM Entertainment had been involved in producing this track (and would do so again for "Why Not?").
There was a noticeable "difference" in tone, and vibe. And while I am not educated in the intricacies of "music" to properly articulate the necessary details, it felt that the "indie vibe" of previously LOONA, has now started down the track of "(mass) commercial viability", IMHO - at least with "So What". Featuted below is the officially released Music Video for "So What" (Uploaded "5 Feb 2020"). (*I've previously featured the MV & Behind-the-scenes ala "Loona TV").
(All text via ): LOOΠΔ [#]
12th member, Olivia Hye and the 1st member HeeJin meets in fate and made LOOΠΔ as a whole world.
[#] does not mean much when it is used alone, but it means that when # is used in combination with words or letters, they realize the result of a multi-use combination when they are together, just as they perform a special function or great ability.
Through this album, LOOΠΔ want people to break out of the box, boundaries and prejudices, showing them to not to be afraid to challenge yourself. It is possible to make different waves more than you can imagine if you challenge yourself with your passion(BURN), and go forward.
On “THE BACK OF THE MOON”, which no one knows about, instead of a moon that does not shine on its own and always shows the same side, LOOΠΔ serves as a fuse in the heart of the whole LOOΠΔs around the world.
Through this album, LOOΠΔ is about to show the whole different confident, challenging LOOΠΔ, not the same LOOΠΔ people all know.
COMPOSER+ARRANGER: Coach & Sendo
LENGTH: 1:06
Intro ‘#’ gives a hint that whole different album is made in a different space, going over [X X]’s point.
COMPOSER: David Anthony, Anna Timgren
ARRANGER: David Anthony, IMLAY
LYRICS: Jo Yoon Kyung (조윤경)
GENRE/LENGTH: Urban dance / 3:18
The titled song ‘So What’ is an impressive urban dance piece with a grand bass and signature Hornstab, which further maximizes the “girl crush” that LOOΠΔ has not shown before. With the message ‘Break the boundaries that the world has made’ and it added the depth in LOONAVERSE.
COMPOSER: minGtion (밍지션), Tara Nabavi, Malin Johansson
ARRANGER: minGtion (밍지션)
LYRICS: Kim Jin (김진) (makeumine works)), JQ
GENRE/LENGTH: R&B / 3:22
‘Number 1’ is a 808-bass groove that adds a dreamy atmosphere EP sound with rich harmony and emotional voice, just enough to show another vibe of LOOΠΔ.
COMPOSER: Coach & Sendo, Le`mon
ARRANGER: Coach & Sendo
LYRICS: Le`mon
LENGTH: 3:15
‘Oh (Yes I Am)’ is a song that has a clear sound and mysterious vibe that LOOΠΔ is looking for ‘Infinite possibilities that I have’.
COMPOSER: minGtion (밍지션)
ARRANGER: minGtion (밍지션), Kim Yeon Seo (김연서)
LYRICS: Kim Yeon Seo (김연서)
GENRE/LENGTH: Dance-pop / 2:58
‘Ding Ding Dong’ is a dance pop genre, that features a bass line built on top of a piano leap make LOOΠΔ’s voice more charming. On the lyrics, LOOΠΔ compared ‘Ding Ding Dong’ a sound that it rings through the heart, with an expectation of the one approaching first, with timid characteristic.
COMPOSER: Johan Gustafsson, realmeee, Hayley Aitken
ARRANGER: Johan Gustafsson, realmeee, Hayley Aitken
LYRICS: Hwang Yubin
GENRE/LENGTH: Ballad / 3:41
The lead single ‘365’ is a lyrical R&B ballad, based on the piano, with a message that LOOΠΔ will always shine Orbits around the world, who has been waiting for LOOΠΔ for a long time with moon’s heart.
Also, LOOΠΔ’s [#] limited version has CD only songs that will add extra fun.
LOOΠΔ discovered destiny in coincidence and fate.
"HIDDEN" TRACK: "Day & Night" (Available only in physical CD release)
COMPOSER: Coach & Sendo, Kim Yeon Seo (김연서)
LYRICS: Kim Yeon Seo (김연서)
LENGTH: 3:34
And I witnessed a LOONA I had not seen nor heard before, a shift in direction, a new sonic journey, an evolution. And I would be the first to admit, it took me more listens before I could enjoy the track, and man I was pumped all the way til Sunday when it clicked! LOL
I recognise the girls. I recognise the by-then-iconic "running". And because of their appearances in multiple online variety and reality shows, and their own LOONA TV and VLIVES, I recognised their colors and attitudes too! And that fulfilling notion of seeing them with their make-up and performer personas shining brightly, and remembering them without the bling+glam, made me feel "proud", as much as I was enthralled and fascinated by their performances.
I had managed to witness this aspect of the comeback, but frankly was still unschooled in the Kpop-scene and what it entailed, so none too surprised I absolutely missed out on ordering this album, and this has plagued me for quite some time actually. It was until I lived thru their [12:00] was I subsequently able to secure myself a copy of [#] OMFG ... and being lucky enough to pull a CHUU-photocard was the ultimate cream on top!
The following are select performance videos across a variety of domestic Korea shows...
Performance Video for "MOVE REC" on dingomusic (Uploaded "5 Feb 2020"):
"Behind" version for "MOVE REC" on dingomusic (Uploaded "24 Feb 2020):
GAP CRUSH on "1theK Originals" (Uploaded "6 Feb 2020"):
"LIVE CLASS" on M2 (Non-performance ... sort of... / Uploaded "7 Feb 2020"):
"KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK" for MUPLY (Uploaded "10 Feb 2020")
PLAYLIST:
- 365 0:10
- # 2:38
- So What 3:47
GAP CRUSH (내돌의 온도차 교복 ver.) on "1theK Originals" (Uploaded "11 Feb 2020"):
3-Parter "SHINDONG GAYO" with LOONA for SBS POP (Uploaded "16 Feb 2020"):
The "So What"-era was also a milestone for LOOΠΔ when they were awarded the #1 Win at MCOUNTDOWN (on March 12/2020)! he date "March 12th" has since been designated as LOONA's "birthday" (as mentioned by JinSoul). Featured below is the video mention, while I've published a deeper delve into their performance and win HERE, including a congratulatory message from HaSeul!
The following is their VLIVE on the night of the win, where this was one of many opportunities to see the girls not performing, their individual personalities, and hyping each other up, shading each other, laughing at each other, laughing at themselves, and imitating each other ~ LOL
# - was, to me - a new chapter started in the LOONAVERSE. Jaden Jeong had left the LOONA Project, and with him the fictional story of LOONAVERSE we started with during pre-debut, right up to [X X]. And while nothing concrete has been revealed to the general public, I'd felt the long duration between [X X] and [#] would have been without a doubt fuelled with litigation (at the very least), and a concentrated effort into continuing the lore logically, and something that'll be planned for a long game, versus something quick to satisfy immediate fans' desires, and run dry as subsequent comebacks run their course and whimper through.
Besides the music, the choreography and all-around performance excellence expected from Kpop, so too is the prevalence of "Stories" and world-building, for a more immersive experience beyond the audio - especially for folks who might not understand the language and appreciate the lyrics, the notion of moving visuals and stories do help draw folks in, IMHO.
"Telling a story" and "selling a story" are not mutually exclusive, and I'd like to think folks and fans these days are able to tell and smell the difference. A quick-time fix, or a long term tale to continually share and theorise over. And the stories continue ...
Understandably, the main focus is still MUSIC, and with the new vibe from LOONA, we subsequently journey down the "new" audio landscape with their third mini album [12:00], released on October 19, 2020, and this time we needn't have had to wait "a year".
And remember that "365"? There never was a traditional "music video" after what was teaser, when instead episodes of LOONA TV showcased that day when they painted in the space - with episodes #569 and #570 ... and ending with #571 when they had a surprise birthday for ViVi ddaawwww
The track "365" hit so different for me. I know not a lick of (South) Korean language (KDrama phrases do not count), but the melody and tune for "365" will always remind me of the feeling of missing out on this album when it launched, and being able to secure it after much waiting, with bittersweet triumph and joy.
So yes, the allure of LOONA and their music/songs - at least for me - is also colored very much by "sentimentality" and emotion, and how they are able to make me vibe and feel for the songs, besides bopping and grooving in my armchair LOL
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