Rosa Gulliver of TINYGMUSIC | 20th September 2024
Korean singer-songwriter/rapping six-member group P1Harmony delivers a heroic 7-track project “SAD SONG” tackling themes of overcoming loneliness through positivity; performed over lyrics and productions composed by the group members and collaborators. The project covers the terrain of many genres, extending the K-pop’s influence into new musical territory.
Starting out strong with title-track “SAD SONG,” P1Harmony instantly captivates in this quintessential dance track with its quick Hip-Hop Latin-inspired beats and catchy lyrics. It features an upbeat yet addictive piano riff, complemented by the distinctive voices of P1Harmony members. The album also includes an English version of the song as its last track, welcoming even more global fans to connect with their lyrics. The song is centred around sadness and feeling stuck while incorporating addictive song writing elements.
“It’s Alright” follows, which helps establish the groove of the project. It features an upbeat yet addictive piano riff, complemented by the distinctive voices of P1Harmony members. Its relaxed tempo, percussive embellishments, and vocal melismas help the listener settle into its suave and addictive vibe. The lyrics convey the message of self-determination connecting even more so to the audience.
Next is the ultimate K-pop group anthem “Last Call”. With many musical ties to the 2010s, this song’s timbre creates a familiar yet enticing addition to the classic style. The intense electronic sound and refreshing electric guitar create an energetic melody. The song shows the reward for pushing through, celebrating the heat of the moment, and making the final moments of the party even more electrifying.
As the group shifts back to earlier harmonic themes, “Welcome To” intensifies the overall project by mixing traditional rock elements with electronic percussive themes. It combines an addictive trap beat, powerful electric guitar sounds, and dynamic vocals. It delivers a message of hope, encouraging listeners to trust each other, rise again, and embark on a new chapter even in the face of hardship.
The work connects various elements from many genres and continues to do this with “All You”. Starting out feeling like a 90s hit with its R&B piano feel, it soon develops into a beautiful blend of past and present with its captivating synth and electric sound components. The song is about a shy confession with the subject realising they're like the other person and wondering if it’s love, with a hope to keep their connection forever.
Furthering its nostalgic elements, this is followed by P1Harmony’s first “unit” track “WASP” featuring their members INTAK and JONGSEOB, in a new light. It’s an experimental hip-hop track with a strong, challenging vibe, characterised by a gritty bass sound. As an instant call back to the 2016/2017 United States rap, this expands the musical attributes of their discography.
The dark, intense vibe, with sharp raps and lyrics, evokes a wasp—symbolising a rebel striving for success in the music industry. With a call back to their first track on the project, “SAD SONG” in English proves the perfect cadence as their last song for their release.
This project follows a successful first half of the year, charting on Billboard, and performing and appearing at many special events in the US market, aligned with their packed-house P1USTAGE H: UTOP1A headline world tour. The group performed at Governer’s Ball, marking their first US festival; they made a special first US award show red carpet appearance at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Dallas, which saw the group hanging out with Gov Ball headliner Post Malone backstage among other acts on the red carpet. It also followed a first pitch toss from THEO at a Cubs game in Chicago at Wrigley Field where KEEHO also sang the 7th inning stretch. Hitting special landmarks in each city they visited, the group went on an exclusive tour of Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts exhibit “Hallyu! The Korean Wave”, which caused a stir on social media (@MFABoston). And most recently, the group participated in the annual KCON LA 2024 at Crypto Arena.
About P1HARMONY
P1Harmony (피원하모니)’s six multi-talented and bilingual singer-songwriters and rappers (KEEHO, THEO, JIUNG, INTAK, SOUL, and JONGSEOB), continue to build their P1ece fanbase across the globe with consistent catchy releases and intoxicating dance choreography that permeates language barriers. Nearly four years since their debut, the bilingual K-pop group has released seven mini albums and a debut full length album. P1Harmony’s ongoing sonic evolution attracts adoring fans, including more than 1 Million monthly Spotify listeners, to their signature harmonisation and captivating raps.
P1Harmony’s 10-track debut full length album “때깔 (Killin‘ It)” marked the group’s first No. 1 album in Korean music show. It also debuted at No. 1 on Billboard World Albums chart, No. 2 on Billboard Top Album Sales chart and No. 10 Spotify Debut albums chart. Group members INTAK and JONGSEOB co-wrote the lyrics for the entire project and KEEHO, and JIUNG co-wrote tracks as well. The synth-driven title-track/single, ‘때깔 (Killin’ It)’ which incorporates a catchy 808 base with well-crafted rap flow paying homage to a fusion of K-pop and 90s hip-hop. P1Harmony’s “Fall In Love Again” rose to No. 24 on Top 40 radio, an impressive achievement as the first independently-signed 4th generation male Korean group to chart the longest time on US Top 40 radio. The 3-albums of ‘DISHARMONY’ series and the most recent 3-album ‘HARMONY’ series were highlighted by break-out singles: “JUMP,” nodding 25 Million YouTube views, “Back Down,'' also performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and “Do It Like This” which sees the fans dance… and chant at everyone of the live shows!
The group members have won over the hearts of music peers alike, including Jelly Roll, Post Malone, Paul Russell, Sabrina Carpenter, Paris Hilton, Nessa Barrett, while on the road; and support from tastemaker media including NY Times, Vogue, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Kelly Clarkson Show (((watch here))), The Daily Show (((watch here))), GMA3 (((watch here))). TIME, Forbes, NME, Teen Vogue, PAPER, PEOPLE, HYPEBAE, Refinery29 and Grammy who named P1Harmony one of the “...K-Pop Boy Groups To Watch….”
Keep up with P1HARMONY
Comentarios