KAVE - [Acting Out] EP (Flight of Ideas + Say My Name)

Album Specifications

Sleeve Cover

142mm x 126mm / 1ea

Jewel Case

142mm x 125mm / 2ea

DISC 

125mm x 125mm / 2ea

Booklet

120mm x 120mm / 20pages / 2ea

Sticker
115mm x 115mm / 1ea

KAVE's Prequel

[Say My Name] Where Past and Present Meet

The first single ‘Venom,’ released last July, was a prologue to introduce the rock band KAVE (Gaho/vocals, Kekinu/drums, Jisang/guitar, Hyun/piano/keyboard, Owner/keyboard/DJ). It heralded a new beginning by emphasizing the other self within humans. ‘Venom’ soon led to the main piece [Flight of Ideas]. The first EP [Flight of Ideas] confirmed the strength of the lineup where all members are producers, realizing the present of rock that has branched out and progressed.

KAVE, who completed their second EP [Say My Name] in just three months since their debut, used the term ‘prequel’ to introduce the album. It's the story that [Say My Name] is a sequel to [Flight of Ideas] and that its timeline is in the past. It shows the process of recognizing the inner self in reverse order, resolving the curiosity of the previous work.

While the previous work created a new rock sound by incorporating gothic, ethnic, and Latin moods, this album is closer to the archetype of rock. It feels like KAVE's five members are introducing the music they have cherished since childhood. The overall atmosphere of the album can be approached as a genre called ‘industrial rock.’ The ‘industrial rock’ style can be felt in the fast and thick heavy metal sound, rough instrument tones, insane development, and active use of electronic instruments and sampling, and the gothic atmosphere and catchy melodies are reminiscent of Marilyn Manson. Of course, like the first EP, it expresses the rock style that was popular in the 90s while not missing out on future-oriented new attempts. KAVE adds, ‘It's a prequel to the previous work, but it's also a current progression that delves deeper into it.’

The [Say My Name] EP contains a total of 7 songs. Among them, the main title track is ‘You.’ It's a pop-rock number that samples ‘Winter’ from Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Unlike the intense flow that has continued since their debut, it contains a story that anyone can relate to, and it is solved with a popular composition centered on melody. The fact that the entire lyrics are in English is noticeable. At first glance, it feels like listening to a popular pop song. 

The song chosen as the double title is ‘Stone.’ Unlike ‘You,’ it's a typical industrial rock number. It powerfully expresses painful emotions through the theme of ‘Monster.’ By adding prepared piano to KAVE's unique sound, it adds a unique emotion to the explosive energy.

The intro track ‘Achoo’ heralds the industrial style that is laid throughout the album. It unravels the sounds of hope and anxiety with the theme of war and cough, and the DJ part that divides the magnificent atmosphere is impressive.

‘음음음 (Umm Umm Umm)’ is an experimental song with the color of a rhapsody. It showed outstanding song digestion ability by boldly changing the sound of instruments as well as the pitch and speed of the sound. The following ‘Follow Me’ also contains the same charm. In both songs, the part where the classical piano sound, which at first glance does not match rock, is used wittily is attractive.

The depth of emotion stands out in ‘Say My Name’ and ‘Blue.’ You can feel Gaho's appealing vocal power, and the thick sound completes the intensity even though the speed is not fast. 

It is an impressive album that unravels the energy and madness drawn from their past selves with their current musical capabilities. (Written by / Pop Music Critic Lee Yong-ji)