“What’s up?” Is the debut mini album released by Superbia Entertainment’s seven-member boy group, RE:NEW. It was released on June 21st, 2019 and consisted of six tracks. The group members were initially introduced one at a time via introductory videos, and ahead of their debut, they had a six-episode show entitled Fresh Start! Their debut was well anticipated, particularly as Superbia Entertainment had yet to venture into the territory of more energetic and bright boy group concepts.
Two concept photos were released per member: a ‘fresh’ version, including brighter colors and natural makeup, and a ‘new’ version, categorized by slightly darker hues and neon. Overall, the concept was nowhere near as dark as teaser images previously seen from their other boy groups. The group’s debut title track, Something earned them two wins during the span of its promotions, though they also promoted their sidetrack, Paradise on music shows. Alongside the music video release, a choreography version was dropped, and three different dance practices. The boys also had a streaming event, during which new content would be dropped as their music video reached different goals in terms of views. Through the event, a choreography video was release for Paradise, as well as a special suit version of Something’s choreography.
(playlist link: here)
TRACKLIST
“Something” - insp. Lucente’s ‘YOUR DIFFERENCE’
Something combines traditional hip-hop with a lighter,energetic synth, with an addictive and unexpected chorus. The song’s momentum is particularly driven, especially in the build-up, and though there is quite a bit of rap (a la typical Superbia fashion), the strong vocals in this track were really given space to shine through. Something’s melody takes surprising turns throughout the course of the song, and truly no one could expect a Superbia group to not come through with a strong rap-line and a brighter concept with a twist. The choreography is energetic and strong, and truly gave the members an opportunity to show off their charismatic stage presences. The group was especially praised for their ability to turn such a potentially aggressive song into something bright and fun, especially because of their expressions and styling!
“Paradise” - insp. TST’s song of the same name
Paradise begins with an artistic guitar riff and simply blossoms from there, becoming increasingly more synth-focused and busy as the song reaches the swooping chorus. Despite the potential for becoming generic when categorized primarily by piano notes, guitar, and electronic synth, Paradise finds a way to keep itself interesting through the vocal-driven melodies and rap-break withheld towards the end of the track. The stacked vocals and emotional tone to the chorus are remarkably effective and powerful, and despite the hook’s not being exactly complicated, the buildup it provides ultimately adds well to the song. Paradise gives off a feeling of being a bit rough and not exactly polished until the chorus, which adds to the dreamy and wistful nature of the song. The choreography is graceful but eye-catching, and the styling added to the effect.
“Afterparty” - insp.Spectrum’s song of the same name
“Take a Chance” - insp. Pentagon’s ‘Just do it yo!!’
“Second Try” - insp. BTOB’s ‘Second Confession’
“Just as u are” - insp. ONF’s ‘Pretty’
ERA NOTES
The hair colors popped off
Sanghyun - Lighter brown
Quinn - Black
Yunyi - Dark blue
Gem - Red
Junsu - Platinum blond
Ari - Orange-red
Kyuwon - Dark chocolate brown
The styling was casual and colorful for their debut! There were a lot of brightly colored outfits and makeup looks, and accessories such as bandanas, baseball caps, berets (especially Sanghyun), and layered casual clothing. The styling was a lot simpler than expected from a Superbia group, and the members were comfortable in t-shirts and sweaters, belts, and for some, ripped jeans.
A VERY cute detail: many of the members sported colorful stickers on their faces a la freckles, but they were shaped like tiny stars and hearts!
Kyuwon had wavier hair and wore glasses often onstage. The glasses trend was one shared by Sanghyun (who actually needs them, but shh).
The boys just obviously have so much fun onstage and being around each other :(( they all just seemed to brighten each other up a lot, and even though many of them had never really performed in front of such big crowd, the nervous energy was quickly dispelled.
Junsu and Ari were admittedly the most nervous to debut, but their reality programs showed the other members supporting them lots and it was adorable.
The music video was very colorful and fun, with interesting editing including lots of text effects and animation. It was shot both indoors and outdoors, with the dance portions filmed against a graffiti wall that was animated to have moving graffitti that spelled out key lyrics. There was definitely an emotional undertone to the song, as the lyrics essentially describe a relationship falling apart because some indescribable something is wrong, but the approach is a bit more curious and playful than brooding and agonizing. Overall, the music video wasn’t overwhelmingly complex, but it was aesthetically pleasing and exciting.
The physical album packaging had two versions: a white version with neon green accents (FRESH ver.) and a black version with neon pink accents (SOMETHING ver.). The selca photocards were adorable, and Newbies were really blessed with lots of freebies in the albums, like postcards, bookmarks, and polaroids with printed signatures and cute messages.
Quinn’s main talent was revealed during a variety show: he’s an incredibly gifted liar. He was given the challenge to lie consistently throughout the course of the episode, and if he were caught, he would have to suffer a consequence. He made it through the entire episode without being caught, despite the fact that the majority of what he said was completely untrue.
Immediately from debut, they announced plans for the dance line (Gem, Yunyi, Quinn, Junsu) to release monthly choreography videos either as a team or individually. Yunyi alone got the first month, and a video was uploaded of him dancing with female backup dancers to Exo’s Kokobop, showing off his strong dance skills.
There were so many cute interactions between RE:NEW and their sunbaenims: Hijinx, Ultraviolet, ARCANA, and Saturn in particular.
