EPEX 3rd Album Sohwa (韶華) Chapter 3: Romantic Youth
EPEX (EPEX) makes a comeback with their final album in the youth-themed full-length album trilogy, [Sohwa (韶華) Chapter 3: Romantic Youth].
While their second full-length album, ‘Youth Deficit,’ released in November 2024, captured stories of complex deficiencies that begin because they are youth, and stories of satisfying those deficiencies based on choices made in every moment, the third and final full-length album in the youth series, ‘Romantic Youth,’ contains the romantic tales of youth who fully embrace all those moments of deficiency and welcome the new moments that follow. We hope this album serves as a small comfort to everyone living their youth in their own way and discovering romance within it.
1. Nothing Happened
<Nothing Happened> is a ratchet genre track where tight, solid synth bass and brass sounds are well-blended. It expresses a firm resolve to overcome situations in one's own way, without being swayed by formal comfort or excessive interference from others.
Korean Lyrics by Hezen(Music Cube)
Composed by Maria Marcus (ARTiffect), Adam Alexander (ARTiffect), Tobias Näslund (ARTiffect), Christian Fast (ARTiffect)
Arranged by Tobias Näslund (ARTiffect)
2. Bursting with Romance
<Bursting with Romance> is a hybrid rock track where EPEX's impulsive energy and intense charisma explode, combining driving riffs and highly addictive hooks that keep listeners on the edge of their seats. The unrestrained sound captures burning passion and a challenging spirit, maximizing the story of romantic challenges possible only for youth with EPEX's unique color.
Korean Lyrics by Three Idiots(lalala studio)
Composed by imsuho, Naasim, Dr.Han, Alvin Nordqvist, Jimmy Claeson
Arranged by Naasim, Dr.Han, imsuho
3. Picasso
<Picasso> is a song that encapsulates the desire to endlessly create new moments like Pablo Picasso, and the strong will to ultimately discover possibilities even within deep darkness. It is an impressive track with an unrestrained synth-hip-hop-based sound featuring powerful synth bass drops, guitar riffs, and popping 808 drum sounds.
Korean Lyrics by danke
Composed by Landon Sears, Anthony Pavel, BJRNCK, Kyle Buckley, Charles Roberts Nelsen, MZMC)
Arranged by Pink Slip, inverness, MZMC
4. Tearfully Grateful *title
The title track, <Tearfully Grateful>, is about the mature attitude of accepting a breakup. Starting with a lyrical melody, emotions gradually build, increasing immersion. A subtle rock touch is added to a comfortable, pop-yet-acoustic sound, delivering a delicate yet profound resonance.
Korean Lyrics by danke, 박우현, 이혜준(ONCLASSA), 이지연(lalala studio)
Composed by imsuho, N!ko, Dr.Han, MLC
Arranged by Dr.Han, N!ko, imsuho
5. Dance with a Wolf
<Dance with a Wolf> is a song that expresses a confession to a girl fallen for at first sight, delivered through playful, popping rap and witty lyrics. Dynamic melody lines blend over funky and groovy acoustic guitar sounds, conveying the surging flow of emotions in a light and rhythmic way.
Korean Lyrics by 박우현, 3!(lalala studio)
Composed by KZ, 김태영, Albin Nordqvist, MLC
Arranged by KZ, 김태영
6. A Night of Counting Stars
<A Night of Counting Stars> is a medium-tempo pop track that creates a warm atmosphere with a harmonious blend of acoustic and electric guitars. It sincerely and beautifully expresses a precious heart for a loved one, likening it to stars. The overall vocals and harmonies create a warm ambiance, leaving a gentle lingering impression at the end.
Korean Lyrics by danke
Composed by imsuho, N!ko, Dr.Han, MLC, Oliver Forsmark
Arranged by Dr.Han, N!ko, imsuho
7. Whale Fall
<Whale Fall> is a song about how every moment of youth becomes an important element in completing one's existence, just as a whale's fall to the deep sea after its life is the source of countless new lives. It's a rock-based, medium-tempo pop ballad genre, featuring an impressive acoustic guitar that leads the overall flow and a piano arrangement that evokes the image of falling towards the sea. Towards the latter half, the escalating vintage drums and the choir echo in the outro, reminiscent of a stadium, add to its grandeur.
Korean Lyrics by danke
Composed by imsuho, N!ko, Tim Tan
Arranged by N!ko, imsuho
8. Pluto
<Pluto> is a song that depicts the reckless adventures of youth who embark on a journey to find all things believed to be extinct, carrying a message of challenge and hope that if one does not give up, luck will surely come someday. It starts with a rhythmic piano performance, followed by a hopeful melody line, characterized by its cheerful expression of positive energy and the adventurous spirit of youth.
Korean Lyrics by danke
Composed by KZ, 김태영, DINT, MLC, Gabriel Brandes
Arranged by KZ, 김태영