[Album Review] HOT MESS (4th Mini Album) – EVNNE

12 hours ago 6

Next album up for a review is EVNNE’s 4th mini-album from earlier this year, titled HOT MESS. It features 6 tracks, including the lead single that shares the same name as the title of the mini-album. HOT MESS (the mini-album) is their brightest and most vibrant release to date. For a group that excels with a powerful dance sound (like their debut single TROUBLE), they delivered HOT MESS with great strength and earned a super high rating from me (I think it is one of the first in a while to go above a 9).

More recently, EVNNE released their 5th mini-album, LOVE ANECDOTE(S), and its lead single How Can I Do. Do check it out (after you check out HOT MESS down below).

1. HOT MESS (Title Track) – Click here for HOT MESS’s full review. (8/10)

2. Birthday – Birthday sees EVNNE in a softer pop motif. The instrumental has an enjoyable and fun groove, and I liked the lighthearted vibes that come from the song. The vocals and rapping were nicely executed, with pleasantly catchy melodies to make the song appealing to listen to. (8/10)

3. Love Like That – Love Like That features pop-rock guitar riffs and upbeat vibes that make this track an instant favourite in my books. I enjoyed the delicate and comforting approach EVNNE goes for in the chorus. The combination with the pop-rock sound makes for a feel-good number that brings a smile to my face every time I listen to Love Like That. And with that effect being consistently delivered, even on bad days, I don’t think it is fair to give it any other rating. (10/10)

4. CROWN – The first impression I always get from CROWN is that it is like their past singles. While the mini-album has consisted of light and bright tracks so far, CROWN is the first with a powerful instrumental and fiercer vocals/raps from the members. The rappers definitely had an opportunity to shine with the hefty and powerful instrumental. That high note at the end and the incline in energy from everything else were perfect. CROWN honestly could have been the title track, and I would have been fine with that. (10/10)

5. Youth – Youth stick out for two reasons. Firstly, that powerful electric guitar riff in the background definitely leaves an impression. And the rest of the instrumental definitely follows similarly, becoming slightly grungy during the bridge for impact and effect. Secondly, right off the bat, the members show more emotion and sentiment in Youth. The fact that I can feel that without digging into the lyrics tells me that the members are doing a great job vocally. I really liked how powerful their vocals were consistently throughout Youth. I did wish there were some powerful rapping in the track. This would have really fit, particularly with the emotions being explored in Youth. (9/10)

6. KESHIKI (Korean Version) – KESHIKI was originally released 9 months ago by EVNNE as an original Japanese single. I never got around to reviewing it then, but I am excited to review it now. KESHIKI reminds me of an anime OST. The fast-paced nature and brass elements amongst the rock elements were super unique and fun. I also love the powerful vocals throughout the track, which keep the members over the top of the vibrant and energetic instrumentation. I honestly can’t find anything critical to say about the single, so it ends off the mini-album on a super high note. (10/10)