In a long-awaited comeback, ZEROBASEONE returned as a 5-member group on May 18 with their 6th mini album ‘Ascend-.’ Following the expiration of their original contract in March, fans have been waiting anxiously to see how the formerly 9-member group will continue as 5. In this 7-track release, ZEROBASEONE has continued to establish their more mature sound, leaning into the aesthetics of early ’90/00’s hip hop and R&B. With their ever-evolving vocals and their effortful song production, the group has showcased their perseverance in the face of change, with talent that remains unshakeable. Here are our “TOP 5” moments from the album setting the tone for this new era.
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The 6th Mini Album
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1. The Chorus in “V for Vision” and Its Complementary Fanchant
In a song about chasing after your ambitions and trusting in yourself to achieve them, the chorus of “V for Vision” takes on a drawn-out quality that showcases the group’s vocals. With a complementary fanchant crafted by the members themselves, this section of the song also displays ZEROBASEONE’s collaborative harmony with their enthusiastic fans.
2. The Post-Chorus and Vocalizations of “Customize” (Paired with TAERAE’s high notes of course)
An all-around excellent showcase of the members’ vocals, “Customize” plays into the strengths of each member, allowing them to sing comfortably within their ranges. One of the members, Park Gunwook, contributed to the song as a lyricist, arranger, and composer, helping create a track that displays the members’ distinct styles in a manner that meshes well together. This song and its complementary choreography were also teased at KCON Japan a few weeks earlier, giving fans a taste of what the rest of this album would sound like.
3. All the Variations of the Chorus in “Exotic”
Another vocally strong song, the chorus of “Exotic” highlights the members’ strengths within a higher vocal range. Paired with the techno house vibe of the instrumental, the song draws audiences in for a catchy beat that’s perfect for dancing.
4. The Final Chorus of “Changes”
With a slower and more suave sound, “Changes” is solely based in vocals, once more putting emphasis on the group’s expertise in this area while also spotlighting each member’s abilities.
5. The Pre-Chorus and Chorus of “Zero to Hundred”
As the final song on the album, “Zero to Hundred” brings everything to an uplifting close, leaving listeners with an awe-inspiring impression of the group’s vocal strengths in a catchy vocal melody that shakes the heart and flows seamlessly from the pre-chorus to the chorus.
*And Of Course A Special Shoutout to “TOP 5”
Specifically the bridge.
From Matthew’s solo to the sample used in the dance break, this section of the song has become the most recognizable and widely shared on social media, encapsulating the mature, sophisticated sound of this release, as well as highlighting the hip hop and R&B influences of the entire album.
All around, ‘Ascend-‘ perfectly demonstrates ZEROBASEONE’s vocal talent, artistry, and range; their increasing involvement in song production; and how their sound has continued to mature since their debut in 2023. Despite the unfortunate end of their time as a 9-member group, HANBIN, JIWOONG, MATTHEW, TAERAE, and GUNWOOK have shown how they plan to continue embodying the ZB1 sound and ascending to new heights.
What are your favorite moments from ZEROBASEONE’s 6th mini album? Let us know in the comments below or on our Instagram or Twitter/X!
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