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ONEUS released their 5th mini album "Binary Code" few days back on May 11, 2021. They also released the official music video of the title track 'Black Mirror' from this album. This is their second comeback in 2021 after releasing their first full album "Devil" in January that featured the group’s breakout single 'No Diggity', which became their first song to make it onto the Gaon Digital Chart. Here's sharing the "Binary Code" Highlight video.
As mentioned already "Binary Code" is ONEUS’ second release of the year, following their debut studio album "Devil". The album consists of five tracks, including the title track – 'Black Mirror'. The sidetracks include – 'Connect With US', 'Polarity', 'Happy Birthday' and 'Valkyrie - Rock version'.
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Concept And Significance Of The Title "Binary Code"
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Binary code is a coding system using the binary digits 0 and 1 to represent a letter, digit, or other character in a computer or other electronic device. The binary number system has only two possible states, off and on, usually symbolized by 0 and 1. ONEUS has used this system as a base since their group name consists of 1 itself and explored the concept.
In an interview ONEUS members said, "This album "Binary Code" implies the story of another 'I' who has gotten out of a binary reality where the world is embodied by 1's and 0's meeting us in the new magical world." ONEUS frames the beginning of the universe as Yin and Yang. This can be interpreted in the binary system as 0 and 1. The Yin and Yang create two beings – ONEUS and the listeners.
1. 'Black Mirror'
The title track 'Black Mirror' is based on the reality of being trapped in the digital space. 'Black mirror' refers to the screens of gadgets like TV's, computers, smartphones to which we are glued 24*7. When the screen turns black, people see a reflection of themselves. As the song starts, its chugging bass guitar forms a meaty backbone. Bright synths and rhythm guitar join the fray, crafting a brisk setting that’s light on its feet and energizing.
The song's melody is at its best. The clipped pre-chorus brings a healthy dose of drive to the track, while the second half of the chorus takes advantage of the instrumental’s disco influences. The rappers have also done a great job harnessing the drop. The choreography shows a lot of influence from 60's, 70's and 80's jazz and pop. In the following video catch the boys performing the stage showcase of 'Black Mirror'
The track is co-composed and co-written by RBW’s Kim DoHoon, Lee SangHo, and Seo YongBae and Monotree's Inner Child. Basick and RAVN have also taken part in writing the lyrics of the tracks . ONEUS has performed dance moves that seem to draw inspiration from the late pop legend, king of pop music, Michael Jackson but the song is more in keeping with modern dance and music trends.
The song’s lyrics also, reference a number of the late pop icon's hits, including 'Bad' and 'Man In The Mirror.' As they sing, "Who's bad? And I'm cool / Man in the mirror, I pray to be in the mirror with you / Join me here, let's move your body / Over this moment, levitate, bounce," you just can’t stop grooving with them. The song is addictive and can be heard in loop!
2. 'Connect With Us'
Next up is the track ‘Connect With US’. This is the longer version of the original song that was a part of their previous album "Devil". Here again the song is executed with enough panache. It is more pop than anything with great acoustics. It is also quite melodic with a smooth flow. The song sounds pretty cool with the rap parts in bits and pieces and as we continue listening to the song, before you even know it, we're swept into another standout moment.
This song is such a nice journey! From start to end, it is more than an enjoyable experience. Its smooth mid-tempo rhythm makes it dynamic, and the way ONEUS has played with the song's strength is pretty impressive! With these two formulas combined, 'Connect With Us', connects with us for sure!
3. 'Polarity'
'Polarity' is backed by a groovy guitar sound. This track leans more towards R&B with a dash of pop mixed in and blesses us with some great vocals and a smooth rap section.
The Instrumental portion in the song is amazing and weaves in unexpected directions. The rap is charismatic, it's fun, and the vocals are smooth as hell.
ONEUS continues to be innovative and daring with their discography and ideas. It is getting harder to box them in to any particular image or branding especially, as a growing K-Pop group. They are a tough competition for their counterparts and are here to stay for long. Watch them perform 'Polarity' on stage in this video!
4. 'Happy Birthday'
The fourth track on the album is 'Happy Birthday'. It is groovy, has got a sensuous undertone and the lyric "I’m so thirsty, I go crazy" is extremely catchy. This is the kind of track you feel like listening to again and again.
5. 'Valkerie'
Last but definitely not the least we have the rock version of 'Valkyrie'. The track was originally a part of the 2019 album "Light Us". This rock version of 'Valkyrie' is held together by a dominant energy that demands attention. The song does one thing very well, it melds its modern EDM throb with more classic K-Pop tropes. And it does this with an undeniable sense of rock music!
All in all "Binary Code" is a progressive realization of a worthwhile dream etched out through 5 different renditions. The thought is vividly portrayed through the title track 'Black Mirror' in which ONEUS conveys the message that people are prone to being trapped inside the cyber world of electronic devices that appear to act as gateways to any place in the world. We must therefore pay more attention to one another.
Which song from this album will find a place in your playlist? Let us know in the comments below.
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