SM Entertainment
Since debuting in 2019 as the Chinese sub-unit of NCT, a supergroup with one of the most impactful careers in K-pop, WayV has been building their own unique legacy within the ecosystem. Despite their solid discography and refined stage skills, they remain one of the most underrated units in the group overall.
Their newest mini album FREQUENCY is one of the most vibrant releases of the year.
The title track “FREQUENCY” (which has both a Mandarin and Korean version) packs a punch combining old school hip-hop elements, gritty guitar riffs, and vocal performances that are teeming with confidence. The lyrical content isn’t necessarily revolutionary, but WayV’s personal touch helps it stand out a bit from the others. Lines hammering in bold themes about popping off, going to a new dimension, and being on a different level than others are accompanied by more campy elements. Silly imitations of a phone ringing and a cartoonish laughing adlib are simple additions that bring more life to the track and help set it apart from every other song about success and rising above the rest.
The track gives equal opportunity to both the singers and rappers of the group to shine (excluding member WinWin, who unfortunately couldn’t participate in this comeback). Listeners get to hear the strengths and distinctive tones in Kun, Ten, and XiaoJun’s voices, while Hendery and YangYang have ample time to go back and forth and bounce off each other’s verses. While the essence of the lyrics isn’t particularly striking, it’s still one of WayV’s most charming title tracks.
B-sides “HIGH FIVE”, “TWIST”, “Filthy Rich”, and “Call Me” don’t continue the concept of the title track, and don’t really have a consistent subject or genre amongst themselves either. This isn’t uncommon with mini albums, and it’s not inherently a negative quality.
The sound of “FREQUENCY” and the album aesthetics give off a moody vibe, but the three tracks to follow take a turn in a more upbeat direction. “HIGH FIVE” is a bright and boisterous hit, reminiscent of their previous title track “Give Me That”. “TWIST” brings WayV’s signature charisma to the forefront, with flirty lines and a beat that makes the listener want to get up and dance. “Filthy Rich” is a track sung entirely in English (tour incoming, perhaps?) about the internal wealth that comes from being with the right person outweighing material riches.
Winding down, “Call Me” is a slower track with R&B elements that feels like a nice, soft landing for an album that starts out so rowdy and animated.
While the lyrics throughout the album feel overdone or cliche at times, it doesn’t take away from the talent the members display or the catchiness of the songs.
WayV has some of the strongest singers in the industry, who sound particularly ethereal when their voices are layered to compliment each other, but rapper YangYang stands out especially on this album. He adapts the demeanor of his voice perfectly for each scenario, and was particularly endearing on “TWIST” and “FREQUENCY”.
WayV’s previous albums tend to be more rich and complex, but FREQUENCY is still a solid body of work that’s a fun ride from start to finish.
Listen to FREQUENCY here!