K-pop boy band BOYNEXTDOOR unveiled the tracklist for their second mini-album “How?” ahead of its release on April 15.
BOYNEXTDOOR, composed of Sungho, Riwoo, Jaehyun, Taesan, Leehan and Woonhak, debuted in May last year and became the first boy band launched by HYBE’s Koz Entertainment.
They debuted with the single album “Who!” followed by the mini-album “Why..” last September.
BOYNEXTDOOR's trailer film, schedule and tracklist (Koz Entertainment)
The tracklist for “How?” depicts, as colorful stickers on a laptop, the album’s seven tracks—“OUR”, “Amnesia”, “So let’s go see the stars”, lead single “Earth, Wind & Fire”, “l i f e i s c o o l”, “Dear. My Darling”, and an English version of the lead single—which follow the evolution of a youthful romance, bridging the band’s debut single album “Who!” and “Why…”
The album chronicles the relatable stories of first love to first heartbreak. It captures the excitement of a first date ("OUR") and the complexities of conflict and reconciliation as a relationship deepens ("Amnesia"). Romantic nights out ("So let’s go see the stars") coincide with uncontrollable frustrations ("Earth, Wind & Fire"). Candidly confiding in friends about love and life ("l i f e i s c o o l") leads to a relationship’s amicable conclusion ("Dear. My Darling").
Jaehyun, Taesan, and Woonhak participated as songwriters in the album in both composition and lyrics for five tracks including the lead single, which compares the uncontrollable nature of a relationship to the natural elements.
The track showcases the band's musical versatility with hyperpop, a relatively untapped genre in the K-pop scene. They were joined by executive producer and artist Zico, along with main producer Pop Time, who aligned their perspectives with the members to unleash their creative potentials.
BOYNEXTDOOR unveiled on March 21 and 22, respectively, a promotional scheduler outlining key dates leading up to the album’s release and a visually captivating trailer film, which both reflect the effortlessly cool charm of your friendly boys next door.
The trailer film combines kitschy elements like dreamy graphics, hyperpop music, and dynamic fast cut editing to depict the rollercoaster of emotions that accompany first love.
The sextet traverse different everyday settings, from libraries to parks, exuding the joy of being in love for the first time. Intimate shots of their video calls and dates immerse viewers into their world. Yet, as the music fades and the scene transitions to them navigating dark subway platforms, their emotions darken. Their emotional turmoil is further visualized through graphic effects of fireworks and stars that shower down on them.
Three series of concept photos and films under the themes “Earth,” “‘Wind,” and “Fire” will be released from April 1 to 6. Following the track spoiler and the music video teaser set for April 8 and 12, respectively, BOYNEXTDOOR will finally make their long-awaited return “How?” on April 15 at 6 p.m. KST.