Courtesy of JELLYFISH ENTERTAINMENT
The boy band EVNNE has returned with their third extended play (EP), “Ride or Die,” which presents a significant stylistic departure from their previous work. The new EP, released on Monday, adopts a refreshing and summer-themed concept, contrasting sharply with the darker tone of their second EP, "UN: Seen," which centered on an “ugly duckling” motif and earned the group two music show trophies earlier this year.
The shift in style was intentional, as the group wanted to showcase a different facet of their artistic identity. “We wanted to show a new side of EVNNE; we wanted to show the refreshing, more relaxing side of us,” said Ji Yun-seo during a press showcase held at the Yes24 Live Hall in eastern Seoul. The showcase preceded the EP's release at 6 p.m.
“Ride or Die” was produced in a relatively short time frame, with the band beginning preparations at the start of 2024, despite being engaged in their first fan concert tour across Asia from March to May. Park Han-bin emphasized their commitment to conveying sincerity through this new concept.
 |
| ▲ Boy band EVNNE poses for the camera during a press showcase held Monday afternoon at the Yes24 Live hall in eastern Seoul / Courtesy of JELLYFISH ENTERTAINMENT |
The EP features six tracks, including the lead single “Badder Love,” followed by “I 〈3 U,” “XO,” “2X,” “Boom Bari,” and an English version of “Badder Love.” Yoo Seung-on explained that “Badder Love” was chosen because it felt new and aligned with the group's vision. “It’s not ‘rascal’ like our previous song,” he noted. “It’s refreshing, and it acts as proof that EVNNE can pull off different genres with no problem.”
The band members did not find the transition to the refreshing concept challenging. Ji Yun-seo stated, “We didn’t find the refreshing concept distant or difficult. We naturally had both sides within ourselves.”
In addition to the lead track, the EP includes “XO” and “2X,” which were co-written by the group’s leader, Keita. “XO” encourages a romantic interest to express their feelings clearly, while “2X” reflects on the notion that time feels like it moves faster when spent with loved ones. Park Ji-hoo highlighted that the theme of love in the album extends beyond romance to include friendships and personal goals.
Following the promotion of “Ride or Die,” EVNNE will embark on their “Ride with EVNNE” showcase tour across North and Central America starting in August. Lee Jeong-hyeon mentioned that fans can anticipate live performances of the English version of the lead track and an enhanced stage presence from the group. He reflected on the lessons learned from their first fan concert tour, stating, “We learned how we could unite as one through music, despite the different languages we speak, and I think we also improved, performance-wise, as we performed every day.”
Sayart
Kelly.K, pittou8181@gmail.com
Related articles
- K-pop Group Weeekly Announces First Tour Across the Americas
- BTS’ RM Reflects on Group’s 11th Anniversary and Jin’s Military Discharge
- Treasure to Conclude Second Asia Tour with Double Live Performances in Seoul
- Babymonster Teases Mysterious Announcement, New Music Expected Soon
- Enhypen to Release Second Studio Album "Romance: Untold" Next Month
