THE BOYZ Become Vanguards in Their Ninth Mini-Album ‘導火線 (TRIGGER)’
Seven months after their last release, 11 member K-Pop group THE BOYZ are back with their latest album 導火線 (TRIGGER). Through a concept teaser released at the beginning of October, fans were shown that this album would lean into a darker, edgier style, similar to previous releases like “The Stealer” or “WATCH IT.” The narration in this video is intense and inspiring, with member Kevin Moon telling the story of this world, how they are not standing idly by, and how they are the catalyst for the change that is to come. This cinematic look into the new era for THE BOYZ instantly had fans counting down the days until the album was available, ready to take up their post as “Vanguards” alongside the members.
Design by Camille Espinas
On their tour earlier this year, THE BOYZ performed the opening track from the album, “Bite Back,” before its official release. This track was immediately met with praise and wishes for it to be uploaded to streaming services, and it even received an official stage mix video after the tour concluded. Although it wasn't the album's title track, social media was abuzz with excitement as fans eagerly anticipated the studio version of the song, finally able to hear the full lyrics in their entirety. Not only does the repetitive “I bite back” chant in the chorus give Halloween vibes, the lyrics of the whole song fit this aura — specifically the ending of the pre-chorus: “It's so perfect, this Thrillin' is growing // And you know that you're feedin' my appetite.” With the catchy chorus and the melodic, haunting vocal opening into a heavy bass drop, it’s easy to see why “Bite Back” was chosen as the hard-hitting opening track for a mature, dark style album like TRIGGER.
Following the same heavy bass, a darker style song is the title track — “TRIGGER.” Donning the same Vanguard personas as the concept trailer, the music video shows the members fighting against an A.I. government in order to keep their humanity. The opening narration of the video talks about the myth of Prometheus stealing fire from the gods, and how this became the trigger for a change in the world. The chorus breakdown is irresistibly catchy and incredibly satisfying, instantly making you want to belt out along with its powerful, battle cry-like energy — a style of chorus that isn’t unusual to THE BOYZ, but has been absent from some of their most recent releases.
Taking a break from the intensity and seriousness in both “Bite Back” and “TRIGGER,” the third track on the album is a fun, electronic style confidence anthem called “bAd.” The lyrics are playfully boastful, opening the song with “Come and get it on, gonna show you what is dope // Baby, I know you need a fresh boy // Do you wanna hang with a bad boy?,” but they also are tinged with a bit of pinning — specifically in the bridge where they sing “I'm your type, show up // Choose me, come on.” This is absolutely a track we hope to see on future THE BOYZ tour setlists. The funky beat inspires some fun choreography that THE BOYZ would pull off with ease.
Transitioning from pinning to longing, the fourth track on the album “Slip Away” is a sultry, pseudo-ballad with a heavy and addicting bass line instrumental. In this track, the members sing about a love that is just out of reach, constantly slipping away from them no matter what they do. The simplicity of the melody really allows for the vocals of the members to shine, showing off the beautiful falsettos and warm tones they are known for. The use of only backing beats in the bridge creates a groovy, head-bopping breakdown that immediately makes you want to loop the song over and over in order to hear it again.
Nostalgia comes full force in “Re-Wind,” a groovy, upbeat retro track that will have you dancing along from the very first beat. The old school instrumental fits the name of the song to a T, and also enhances the lyrics about wanting to fall in love with your person over and over again. Similar to some of THE BOYZ’s brighter tracks like “D.D.D.” or “Bloom Bloom,” “Re-Wind” is an all around feel good, serotonin inducing song that would make a great encore song at a future concert.
Rounding out this mini album is a hopeful, youthful anthem called “They See Me Dream.” The dreamy opening style evokes a different kind of nostalgia compared to “Re-Wind.” Similar in feel to their song “Nectar,” “They See Me Dream” is a song for all those chasing their passions, even when the world is bringing them down. The repetition of the lyrics “Keep on goin’” and “At the end of the wait there’s something better” are both soothing to hear and cathartic to repeat outloud to yourself. It also feels like a message from the current members of THE BOYZ to their younger selves, offering reassurance that their hopes and dreams aren't unrealistic and will eventually come true.
With first day sales of 導火線 (TRIGGER) doubling that of their previous release, it is easy to say that THE BOYZ have absolutely killed it with this comeback. The future looks bright, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.
What is your favorite track from THE BOYZ’s newest album 導火線 (TRIGGER)? Let us know by leaving a comment below or by reaching out on Instagram or X.