PLAVE makes their comeback with their fifth mini-album, "HYPERDRIVE" on October 12.
"Hyperdrive" is not merely an accelerator; it represents a leap to coordinates distinct from the flight path taken thus far. This album serves as the tangible outcome of that very leap.
The methodology behind "HYPERDRIVE" lies in recombination and a shift in perspective. Cynicism is layered over bossa nova rhythms, a clear, bright sky is set against a breakup song, and cosmic promises are carried by EDM-based dance beats. While the tension created by these disparate elements drives the music forward, PLAVE’s signature "easy-listening" philosophy—that music should be pleasant to the ear—remains unwavering across every track.
The title track, 'Star Trace,' is PLAVE’s first foray into an EDM-based dance-pop track. The members' vocals soar like the trajectory of a star over layers of synths and heavy beats, infusing the genre's inherent appeal with PLAVE’s own narrative. The lyrics tell the story of two worlds—ASTERUM and Terra—that, while separate, are connected by a mysterious force. The promise to protect one another across boundaries is captured within the expansive soundscape of 'Star Trace.' The performance has also been elevated to match the song's scale; crafted with the members' direct input, the 'Star Trace' stage visually translates the track's dynamic progression, incorporating beats that mimic the roar of a racing car engine.
The tracklist vividly demonstrates the breadth of PLAVE’s musical experimentation. The album opens with the soothing bossa nova melody of 'Ggun,' followed by the rock track 'Sweet Rain,' which uses acoustic guitar to capture the lingering feelings of a breakup; 'The Answer Is Yes,' offering a clear, positive message to weary modern individuals; and 'Rewind,' a track made even more special through an external collaboration with K-pop hitmaker Kenzie and her production team, KZLAB. Traversing various genres, PLAVE begins to delve deeper into questions regarding emotions and memories.
This marks the third chapter for PLAVE, following the "ASTERUM" trilogy and the "Caligo" series. In "HYPERDRIVE," rather than racing faster, PLAVE shifts their gaze to a vantage point where they can look back on the path they have traveled. The music that emerges from this perspective is both deeper and freer.
