K.A.R.D (카드) Re Member ; era

KARD (카드) has made a triumphant return with their fifth mini-album, "Re: The 5th Mini Album" (2022), marking a significant milestone in their musical journey. This release showcases the group's evolution, blending their signature sound with fresh elements to create a captivating listening experience. The album features a diverse range of tracks, including the lead single "Ring The Alarm," which has quickly become a fan favorite.

"Re: The 5th Mini Album" offers a comprehensive look at KARD's artistic growth, with each member - BM, J.Seph, Somin, and Jiwoo - contributing their unique talents to the project. The album explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth, resonating with listeners on a deeper level. From high-energy dance tracks to emotive ballads, this mini-album showcases KARD's versatility and their ability to push boundaries in the K-pop industry.

KARD's Journey to 'Re:'

Previous releases

KARD's musical journey has been marked by a series of successful releases since their official debut on July 19, 2017, with the mini-album "Hola Hola." Prior to this, the group had already captured attention with three pre-debut singles: "Oh NaNa," "Don't Recall," and "Rumor." These early releases set the stage for KARD's unique co-ed group dynamic and their signature sound.

Following their debut, KARD continued to build their discography with a string of mini-albums and singles. Their releases included "You & Me" in November 2017, "Ride On The Wind" in July 2018, and "Red Moon" in February 2020. Each release showcased the group's growth and versatility, solidifying their position in the K-pop industry.

One of their notable releases was the single album "Way With Words" in August 2020, which demonstrated KARD's ability to evolve their sound while maintaining their distinctive style. This release would prove to be their last group project for nearly two years, as unforeseen circumstances would lead to a temporary hiatus.

Group hiatus

KARD's journey took an unexpected turn when J.Seph, one of the group's members, began his mandatory military service. This development led to a hiatus for the group, lasting approximately 22 months. During this period, the remaining members pursued individual activities to maintain their presence in the industry.

BM, for instance, released his first solo comeback with the single "Lost in Euphoria" on January 21, 2022, showcasing his individual artistry. Meanwhile, fans eagerly awaited news of J.Seph's return and the group's future plans.

The hiatus came to an end when J.Seph was discharged from his military service in early April 2022. His early discharge was due to the spread of COVID-19, which led to his last vacation in mid-February, from which he did not return to military service.

As J.Seph completed his service, excitement began to build for KARD's comeback. On May 28, 2022, DSP Media made the long-awaited announcement that KARD would be releasing a new album in June, marking their first full group release since the hiatus began.

This announcement set the stage for the creation and release of "Re: The 5th Mini Album," signaling a new chapter in KARD's career. The album, featuring the title track "Ring The Alarm," was released on June 22, 2022, much to the delight of their fans, known as Hidden KARDs.

The journey to "Re:" was not without its challenges, but it ultimately strengthened KARD's bond as a group and their connection with their fanbase. This comeback represented not just a return, but a renewal of KARD's artistic vision and their commitment to creating innovative and engaging music.

Album Concept and Themes

KARD's "Re: The 5th Mini Album" marks a significant shift in the group's musical direction and visual aesthetics. This release showcases a softer and more diverse sound compared to their previous works, demonstrating the group's versatility and growth.

Visual aesthetics

The visual concept for "Re:" presents a refreshing change from KARD's earlier releases. The album's artwork and promotional materials feature a lighter, more romantic aesthetic that complements the musical direction. This shift has been particularly noticeable in the group's styling, with all four members dyeing their hair blonde for this comeback, leading some fans to dub it "the golden era of KARD".

However, the visual presentation has not been without its challenges. Some observers have noted inconsistencies in the quality and coordination of the members' outfits during promotions. While Somin has consistently received praise for her styling, there have been instances where the outfits for other members, particularly J.Seph and Jiwoo, have been less cohesive or well-received.

Despite these occasional missteps, the overall visual concept for "Re:" has successfully conveyed a softer, more mature image for KARD. This aesthetic shift has played a crucial role in supporting the album's themes and musical direction.

Musical direction

"Re:" represents a significant departure from KARD's previous sound, which was characterized by bold, intense tracks with strong Latin and tropical house influences. The new mini-album offers a more diverse range of musical styles, showcasing the group's ability to adapt and evolve.

The title track, "Ring The Alarm," leads the album with a moombahton-inspired sound, maintaining some elements of KARD's signature style while introducing new textures. However, it's the B-sides that truly highlight the group's musical growth. Tracks like "Good Love" and "Whip!" explore softer, more melodic territory, incorporating elements of R&B and pop.

This shift in musical direction was a deliberate choice by the group. As BM explained, "For our past albums, a lot of our focus was on 'What could we add?' Just adding more layers. But this time around, we wanted to focus on subtraction – how much can we take out but still make it look full?". This approach has resulted in a more refined and nuanced sound that allows each member's talents to shine.

The album's musical diversity is further exemplified by tracks like "Break Down," a self-composed piece that showcases the group's growing involvement in their music production. This variety in sound not only demonstrates KARD's versatility but also opens up new possibilities for their future musical direction.

By embracing a softer, more diverse sound while maintaining elements of their signature style, KARD has created an album that both satisfies long-time fans and has the potential to attract new listeners. "Re:" thus serves as a pivotal release in KARD's discography, marking a new chapter in their artistic journey.

Track-by-Track Analysis

KARD's "Re: The 5th Mini Album" offers a diverse range of musical styles, showcasing the group's versatility and growth. Let's delve into each track to explore the unique elements that make this album a significant milestone in KARD's discography.

'Break Down'

"Break Down" opens the album with a slow start but quickly picks up pace, featuring deep vocals from Jiwoo and Somin. The chorus introduces a crunchy and textured instrumental, accompanied by catchy and memorable hooks. J.Seph's rap verse adds energy to the track, while BM's dynamic performance during the chorus and his rap in the bridge are particularly noteworthy. All four KARD members contributed to writing the lyrics for this groovy track about people hurt by love, showcasing their collaborative efforts and strengthening their bond as a group.

'Ring The Alarm'

As the title track, "Ring The Alarm" represents KARD's return to their signature sound. The song features a moombahton-inspired rhythm, reminiscent of their earlier releases. While some listeners found the instrumental slightly weak compared to KARD's previous works, others appreciated the summer vibes and the group's attempt to showcase a more mature side. The track's pre-chorus and tropical vibe received praise from fans, who noted its similarity to KARD's earlier hits like "Don't Recall" and "Oh NaNa."

'Good Love'

"Good Love" brings a brighter and summery feel to the album with its tropical-inspired instrumental. The track features pleasant melodies and hooks, with Jiwoo and Somin taking the lead vocally. BM and J.Seph contribute strong rap sequences that complement the overall vibe of the song. As the only English-language track on the album, "Good Love" was specifically included to cater to KARD's global fanbase.

'Whip!'

Closing the album, "Whip!" stands out as the most appealing track on the mini-album. The song opens with catchy hooks and a brief saxophone riff that plays throughout. The instrumental leans towards a softer side, featuring a pleasant guitar in the background. BM's vocals blend seamlessly with the female members, while Jiwoo and Somin's performances are particularly satisfying. J.Seph's rap sequence adds a punch to the track, rounding out a song that showcases KARD's ability to explore new musical territories while maintaining their signature style.

Overall, "Re: The 5th Mini Album" demonstrates KARD's commitment to refreshing their sound while staying true to their roots. The diverse range of tracks allows each member to shine, highlighting their individual strengths and their cohesiveness as a group. This mini-album serves as a testament to KARD's musical growth and their ability to adapt to new styles while maintaining their unique identity in the K-pop industry.

Production and Songwriting Credits

Member involvement

KARD's "Re: The 5th Mini Album" showcases the group's growing involvement in the creative process. All four members of KARD have contributed to the production and songwriting of the tracks, demonstrating their artistic growth and commitment to their craft. BM, in particular, has played a significant role in the album's creation, taking on responsibilities as a composer and lyricist for multiple tracks.

The title track, "Ring The Alarm," stands out as a prime example of the members' involvement. BM wrote, composed, and arranged the song, with J.Seph also contributing to the lyrics. This level of participation extends to other tracks on the album as well. For instance, in "Break Down," all four KARD members - BM, J.Seph, Somin, and Jiwoo - are credited as lyricists, showcasing their collaborative efforts in crafting the album's message.

The members' involvement goes beyond just songwriting. In several interview films released alongside the album, the four members shared insights into their work process, musical direction, and the changes they experienced during their hiatus. Each member also provided a keyword that encapsulated their perspective on the album: BM chose "RE:Turn to the basics," Somin selected "RE:Born," J.Seph opted for "RE:Trigger," and Jiwoo picked "RE:Debut". These keywords offer a glimpse into the personal significance of this comeback for each member and their individual contributions to the album's concept.

External collaborators

While KARD's members have taken a more active role in the album's creation, they also collaborated with a talented team of external producers and songwriters to bring "Re: The 5th Mini Album" to life. The album credits reveal a diverse group of collaborators who contributed their expertise to various aspects of the production.

For the title track "Ring The Alarm," KARD worked with producers and songwriters such as Benjmn, Cosmic Girl, Kim Do-Hoon, TM, and TL. These collaborations helped shape the moombahton-inspired sound that characterizes the track.

Other tracks on the album feature different sets of collaborators. "Good Love," for example, was created with the help of Avenue 52 and David Anthony Eames, while "Whip!" saw contributions from Minkey and Park Hyun-kyu. These external collaborators brought their unique perspectives and skills to the project, helping to diversify the album's sound while maintaining KARD's signature style.

The involvement of both KARD members and external collaborators in the production and songwriting process has resulted in a well-rounded album that showcases the group's growth while introducing fresh elements to their music. This collaborative approach has allowed KARD to explore new musical territories while staying true to their artistic vision, making "Re: The 5th Mini Album" a significant milestone in their discography.

Music Video for 'Ring The Alarm'

Concept and storyline

The music video for KARD's "Ring The Alarm" presents a visually striking and diverse array of scenes that complement the song's summery vibe and moombahton-inspired rhythm. The video showcases each member in distinct settings, creating a series of arresting set pieces that capture the viewer's attention. Somin appears in a living room surrounded by aquariums, while BM is seen at a gas station. J.Seph occupies a white living room, and Jiwoo is positioned at a fast-food stand. These individual scenes allow each member to shine while contributing to the overall visual narrative.

The concept of the music video seems to focus on creating a chill summer atmosphere, aligning with KARD's signature style. The contrast between darker, black-colored scenes and brighter, summer-inspired orange and green settings adds visual interest and depth to the video. This juxtaposition of colors and environments creates a dynamic visual experience that keeps viewers engaged throughout the song.

While the music video doesn't appear to follow a specific plotline, it successfully captures the essence of the track's laid-back yet energetic mood. The lack of a clear narrative allows the focus to remain on the members' performances and the song itself, emphasizing KARD's musical and visual appeal.

Choreography highlights

The choreography in "Ring The Alarm" stands out as a key element of the music video, showcasing KARD's ability to adapt their dance style to the song's more relaxed tempo. The routine strikes a balance between the group's typically energetic performances and a more controlled, fluid approach that matches the track's softer sound.

One of the most notable aspects of the choreography is its gender-neutral approach. The dance moves are executed with equal characterization by all four members, regardless of gender. This is particularly evident in a key choreography point where all members lift one leg coquettishly while placing the opposite hand behind their head. This move, while almost cutesy in its femininity, is performed with equal commitment by both male and female members, highlighting KARD's versatility as performers.

The dance routine features a variety of movements that complement the song's rhythm, including swaying hips, swiveling ankles, and smooth transitions between formations. These elements contribute to a more light-hearted and playful choreography that aligns well with the gentler beats of "Ring The Alarm."

The music video culminates in a powerful group performance on a rooftop, where KARD's synchronized movements and individual charisma truly shine. This scene, set against an urban backdrop, provides a striking visual that emphasizes the group's cohesion and stage presence.

While some viewers noted that certain wide shots of the group dancing in empty spaces felt somewhat anticlimactic, the choreography itself remains a strong point of the video. J.Seph, in particular, stands out for his energetic execution, infusing the routine with a hip-hop flair that adds an extra layer of dynamism to the performance.

Live Performances and Promotions

Music show appearances

Following the release of "Re: The 5th Mini Album," KARD made their highly anticipated return to music shows, showcasing their new tracks and captivating performances. The group's comeback was marked by appearances on popular Korean music programs, where they performed their title track "Ring The Alarm" and other songs from the album.

KARD's performances on music shows were characterized by their energetic stage presence and polished choreography. The members' synchronization and individual charisma were on full display, demonstrating their growth as performers during their hiatus. These appearances helped to reintroduce KARD to the K-pop scene and generate buzz around their new release.

One notable aspect of KARD's promotions was the release of various performance-related content. This included a performance video for "Ring The Alarm," a dance practice video, and a fanchant guide, all of which helped to engage fans and showcase the group's talents. These additional materials allowed Hidden KARDs to connect with the group's comeback on a deeper level and learn the choreography and fanchant for "Ring The Alarm."

Fan events

KARD's comeback was accompanied by a series of fan events designed to celebrate their return and connect with their loyal fanbase. One of the most significant events was the announcement of the "2022 WILD KARD TOUR IN NORTH AMERICA," which marked the group's long-awaited return to the United States. This 11-city tour, scheduled for the fall of 2022, provided an opportunity for KARD to reconnect with their international fans after a long period of separation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The group also engaged with fans through various online and offline events. These included video call events, where lucky fans had the chance to interact with KARD members directly. Additionally, face-to-face fan signing events were organized, allowing fans to meet the group in person and receive signed albums.

To further enhance the fan experience, KARD released special content such as the "Re:member story" and "We're: Back" series, which offered behind-the-scenes glimpses into their comeback preparations and personal reflections on their return. These intimate looks into the group's journey helped to strengthen the bond between KARD and their fans.

The promotional activities for "Re: The 5th Mini Album" demonstrated KARD's commitment to their fans and their desire to make a strong impact with their comeback. Through a combination of live performances, fan events, and engaging content, KARD successfully reestablished their presence in the K-pop industry and set the stage for future success.

Critical Reception of 'Re:'

Reviews from music critics

KARD's "Re: The 5th Mini Album" received mixed reviews from music critics. Some praised the group's return to their signature tropical sound, while others felt the album lacked the impact of their earlier releases. Critics noted that the title track "Ring The Alarm" brought back the moombahton-inspired rhythm that KARD had become known for, reminiscent of their pre-debut tracks.

The album's overall sound was described as a softer and more diverse approach compared to KARD's previous works. While this shift in musical direction was appreciated by some reviewers, others found it less memorable than the group's earlier, more intense releases. The pre-chorus and tropical vibe of "Ring The Alarm" drew comparisons to KARD's earlier hits like "Don't Recall" and "Oh NaNa," which some critics viewed as a welcome return to form.

However, some reviewers felt that the instrumental in "Ring The Alarm" was weaker compared to KARD's previous works, and the song's energy level didn't quite match expectations for a comeback after a two-year hiatus. Critics noted that while the track was pleasant, it lacked the melodic weight that characterized KARD's early material, playing more like a tribute than a new era.

Fan reactions

Fan reactions to "Re: The 5th Mini Album" were generally positive, with many expressing excitement over KARD's return after their long hiatus. The album's diverse range of tracks allowed each member to showcase their individual talents, which was well-received by Hidden KARDs, the group's fanbase.

Many fans appreciated the group's return to their tropical house roots, finding it refreshing in the current K-pop landscape. Some longtime listeners noted that KARD's sound, which was once criticized for being repetitive, now stood out as unique and refreshing compared to current trends in the industry.

The B-sides on the album, particularly "Whip!" and "Break Down," garnered praise from fans for their catchy hooks and the members' performances. Some fans even considered these tracks to be stronger than the title song.

While the overall reception was positive, some fans expressed a desire for a more impactful comeback, given the group's two-year absence. They felt that the energy of the album and title track was somewhat average compared to their expectations.

Despite these mixed opinions, many fans celebrated KARD's return and appreciated the group's effort to evolve their sound while maintaining elements of their signature style. The album succeeded in reestablishing KARD's presence in the K-pop industry and set the stage for their future releases.