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ASTRO’s iconic subunit MOONBIN&SANHA is ringing in the new year with mystery and panache. Their highly anticipated 3rd EP, “Incense” finally dropped on January 4, 2023, and almost immediately made waves across the world, topping charts and trends left and right. It was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from music lovers globally and proved to be a grand success, even breaking the duo’s own record in first-day sales.

“Incense” comes after MOONBIN&SANHA’s ultra-successful 2nd EP “Refuge” and continues the coherent storyline that was first introduced in “In-Out” with ‘Bad Idea’ and fleshed out in ‘Who’. This thread of dark, fatalistic mystery runs deep in ‘Madness’, the title track of “Incense”, but the album itself takes on an aesthetic binary, gently holding us by the hand as we embark on a cruise of emotions that is nothing, if not a cinematic experience.

In the language of perfumery, paying homage to MOONBIN&SANHA’s very first song on the tracklist - ‘Perfumer’, “Incense” lures us in with a rich, warm, addictive note, which later dissipates into something of a pure, white floral innocence, reminiscent of a sweet summer day - ‘Your Day’. “Incense” transforms, just like a layered fragrance, unfolding to reveal its myriad accords - all of which envelop us in a hypnotizing daze. Member MOON BIN revealed that he had a personal fragrance ritual while preparing for and performing "Incense" that involved putting on a different perfume before each performance. He hopes that listeners will also be reminded of distinct scents while enjoying their performance.

The sheer perfection and genius with which this album is conceptualized speak volumes of MOONBIN&SANHA’s sense of musicality, especially since both members participated heavily in the making of the same. For those who might not know, member MOON BIN co-wrote ‘Madness’ and ‘Desire’ (his solo track which he also co-composed), while YOON SAN-HA co-wrote and co-composed his solo song ’Wish’, thus imparting their own unique artistic color to the work.

Now, before we move on to a complete breakdown of 'Madness', let's take a brief look at the tracklist and its sonic merits.

The Stories Of "Incense" - Album Review

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If "Incense" were a gradient of colors, it would go from a periphery of dark lavender to a core of baby pink. The first track on the album, the all-English 'Perfumer' radiates an ethereal yet transient vibe. It is chimeric and ever-so-subtly backed by a psychedelic groove that puts us in a trance. MOONBIN&SANHA have us right where they want us with this song, and their dreamy vocals are to die for.

The calm, beautifully languid, and undulating flow of ‘Perfumer’ is then undercut by a flair of alt-rock that gets our adrenaline rushing at once. ‘Madness’ is an excellent blend of genres that create an unforgettable, unique sound representative of K-Pop at its best. It is also an undeniable extension of MOONBIN&SANHA’s musicality and might as well form a trilogy with the subunit’s first 2 title tracks ‘Bad Idea’ and ‘Who’. MOON BIN's vocals are resounding, whereas YOON SAN-HA's rap is intoxicating. Talk about a power duo!

Next, MOON BIN’s solo track ‘Desire’ treads into the rosy territory of playful, irresistible romance. If MOONBIN&SANHA cast a spell through ‘Madness’, the tables are turned in ‘Desire’, where MOON BIN himself is head over heels for someone’s overwhelming charisma. He is giving up control, surrendering his senses, and embracing his falling. Opting for a fusion of genres with driven percussion at its core, MOON BIN’s clear, husky vocals are sweeter than ever yet laced with a tinge of mischief.

Then, YOON SAN-HA switches the genre entirely with a poignant, affecting pop ballad, but the transition is gentler than you’d imagine. As a matter of fact, transition and chronology have been two of the biggest strengths of “Incense”. It flows seamlessly from one mood to another, creating an inimitable soundscape rife with versatility and integrity at the same time. So, the raw beauty of ‘Wish’ is not only refreshing but also highly appreciated. The song derives its force from the soul, and the confessional tone is grandiose, to say the least. We also cannot ignore that ‘Wish’ sounds quite like a love letter from YOON SAN-HA to AROHA, filled with gratitude and endless affection.

If ‘Wish’ was the soundtrack to a timeless romance film, ‘Chup Chup’ is the OST for a youth romance K-Drama with a friends-to-lovers trope. This is R&B/Pop done right, and we love to see it. Beware of heart-fluttering butterflies while listening to this song because you will not be able to resist a daydream.

Finally, MOONBIN&SANHA wrap up with the pretty little dance/disco/pop bow that is ‘Your Day’. Now this song is most definitely dedicated to AROHA, and there are simply no two ways about it. It is pumped with bright energy and is the perfect song to conclude the album that started out on the other end of the sonic spectrum. You can almost feel the joy MOON BIN and YOON SAN-HA poured into this song, and their positivity is simply contagious.

When all is said and done, ‘Incense’ lives up to its name and does exactly what it was meant to - leave us with the scent of a lingering memory that we will want to replay over and over again.

'Madness' Lyrics Explained

Perhaps the best place to start a lyrical analysis of ‘Madness’ is to look into its primary reference - “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” and then connect it with MOONBIN&SANHA’s 2nd EP “Refuge”. MOON BIN shared during the duo’s comeback showcase for “Incense” that he watched the film to prepare for the concept of a perfumer and that this concept is most definitely connected to “Refuge”.

On the surface, the novel “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” and subsequently the movie of the same name tells the story of Jean Baptiste Grenouille, a man born without any inherent scent but gifted with an extraordinary olfactory sense. He constantly struggles with feelings of alienation and becomes obsessed with the idea of creating the ultimate perfume that will resemble the smell of "others". However, his desire to be accepted as a “normal” person soon takes on a wicked form, wreaking havoc all around.

Now, obsession is a major theme in ‘Madness’ too, and the music video adopts an enigmatic chase to express the same (more on that later). Despite the gruesomeness of the film, the underlying theme can be perceived as a meditation on purpose and human nature. As for MOONBIN&SANHA's purpose, in MOON BIN’s own words, “If we'd conveyed the message that we'll be a refuge, this time, we embodied the message that we wish to make everyone who listens to our music happy”. So, with the motif of something as ephemeral yet eternal as perfume, MOONBIN&SANHA are expressing their unavoidable desire to be one with their lover’s being and enrich their lives. Just like every single person has their distinct scent, MOONBIN&SANHA’s scent is also one of a kind, and once you fall for it, there’s no turning back.

The song opens with a coalescence. The object of affection is surrounded by MOON BIN and YOON SAN-HA’s captivating charm that meshes with their breath (“As long as you are breathing”) and seeps into their psyche - slowly but surely. Given the strong evocative power of scent, scientifically proven to be directly linked to emotion and memory, it is only through incense that we can reach the deepest recesses of our minds, access and even control emotions that lie dormant inside - “I touch something deep inside you”. It isn’t surprising, therefore, that redolence has long been an irreplaceable symbol in art and literature throughout the years.

Before you know it, you’re thoroughly overwhelmed, drowning in the sentimentality you didn’t even know you were holding on to - “No one can stop / Incense that spreads soundlessly”. It invokes euphoria, catharsis, deliverance, and ardent passion, taking us to the brink of insanity (“It’s my madness / Make you even crazier”) before tipping the scale and engulfing us.

MOONBIN&SANHA’s unforgettable scent permeates AROHA’s being as they make new, unforgettable memories with the duo. They hope to bring everlasting happiness to AROHA whenever they think of their boys, just like their favorite perfume reminds them of the sweetest times - “Put on a bit happier face / Until then I won’t stop / Spread swirling around you”.

What words cannot express, incense does with ease, and so MOONBIN&SANHA are leaving no stone unturned to make sure their adoration reaches their beloved AROHA  (“This heart that is unseen / Until it becomes all yours / It will spread more to you”) until their passions collide in unison (“You will be the one who ends up resembling me”). That is the ultimate artistic raison d'être of MOONBIN&SANHA, and that is what ‘Madness’ is all about.

The point of connection between 'Madness' and 'Who' from "Refuge" lies in the way the storyline naturally moves from wanting ("You want me endlessly...You will never catch me") to giving ("Whatever you want / I answer, Yeah I got / Without an explanation / Make you laugh Amor, I’m giving"). Either way, one thing is certain - "You won’t be able to escape" ('Who') / "You can never avoid me" ('Madness').

'Madness' Music Video - An Interpretation

Starting from where MOONBIN&SANHA left off in ‘Who’ - with YOON SAN-HA’s eye, the music video for 'Madness' plays out like a hunt for the most elusive treasure of a scent that is somehow locked up and away from the world. From the very opening scene, we are directed to look forward to the grand revelation of what lies behind a rich, red leather veil. The atmosphere is lush, decadent, and dipped in danger. We’re also led to believe that both MOON BIN and YOON SAN-HA are opposing forces, running breathlessly towards the same destination, which amps up the tension even more.

It is worth speculating here whether, in the music video, MOON BIN represents unrivaled skill, whereas YOON SAN-HA stands for innate talent. The conflict between these two abstracts has been a tale as old as time but when they join hands, the result is marvelous, to say the least. MOON BIN is synthesizing the ideal fragrance but YOON SAN-HA looks to nature for inspiration. So, it isn’t a surprise when YOON SAN-HA is the first one to unmask the iced bouquet, which he later attempts to melt in order to reveal the coveted scent, only to earn but a whiff of the same. In stark contrast to YOON SAN-HA’s gentle approach, MOON BIN, quite literally, breaks into the ice chest and is followed swiftly by YOON SAN-HA too, in a display of “madness” to achieve their ends. We’ll interpret this as an amalgamation of genius and grind as MOONBIN&SANHA’s duality transforms into unbeatable unity. Yes, they might have gotten their hands dirty in the process, but the prize is too precious to bother about such insignificant concerns.

At the end of the music video, in the post-credit scene, MOON BIN walks out of the arena alone with the sought-after bunch of (presumably) blue orchids (symbolizing rarity and uniqueness) after one definitive look behind him. The blue flower, regardless of the type it is, is a potent symbol of striving for the infinite and unattainable. Now, take that as you will but dare we say that MOON BIN prevailed in the final contest with YOON SAN-HA for the flower, and that conclusive look back was a nod to how far they’ve come and how far they can go in pursuit of a fantasy. Needless to say, we’re certain that there will be more to the story which will be disclosed in MOONBIN&SANHA’s next comeback. Until then, let’s revel in the brilliance that MOONBIN&SANHA have created for us.

What did you think of MOONBIN&SANHA's "Incense"'? Tell us in the comments section down below!