K-pop boy band TWS returns with new mini-album 'play hard'
TWS, dubbed K-pop’s champions of youth, made their comeback with the release of their fourth mini-album “play hard” on Oct 13.
The album showcases their growth from fledging boys to fierce youth and is fronted by the lead single “Overdrive.”
“Overdrive” embodies the feeling of being completely overheated with a burning passion of the boys—portraying their vibrant spectrum of feelings when deeply over heels for someone. Through passionate performances and candid storytelling, they express their feelings with boldness and intensity, vividly portraying the youthful love, all wrapped in the dramatic energy.
TWS (pronounced “Two-Us”) also released a music video for “Overdrive” on the HYBE Labels official YouTube channel that features a playful storyline reminiscent of a love simulation game.
The visualizer captivates with its fresh concept and a creative twist where each member takes a shot at confessing to their crush in their own unique way—but just as they’re about to open up their hearts, it ends in a comical failure, having them respawn back to square one in the game-like “confession simulator.”
“Play hard” also contains five other songs: “Head Shoulders Knees Toes,” an inspiring story of chasing their dreams without limits; “Hot Blue Shoes,” fiery passion captured in the form of the color blue; “Caffeine Rush,” a dreamy haze of being endlessly absorbed into something; “overthinking,” a determination to stop lingering and move a step closer; and “Here For You,” a heartfelt promise dedicated to their fans, 42s.
“Play hard” was released about six months after TWS’ third mini-album “Try With Us” in April.
During their media showcase in Seoul for “play hard” on Oct. 13, TWS member Shinyu said, “So I'm really excited to present our fourth mini album and create many new beautiful memories with our beloved Sai [fans]. And with this mini album we tried to showcase a completely new face of TWS starting with the pre-release track ‘Head Shoulders Knees Toes. ’I hope you're really excited to check it out.”
Member Hanjin said, “To me, our fourth EP embodies the eruption of youthful passion. Preparing for this album wasn't always easy, but once the music and the performance came together, every moment was worth it.”
“And just like the lyrics of our pre-release track, we really wanted to break our own boundaries with this album. So, we poured our hearts into it,” said Youngjae.
About “Overdrive,” Dohoon said it “is a track where along with the bright and refreshing energy we've shown before, you also get to see a more powerful and intense side of TWS.”
Jihoon said, “For this performance, rather than showing the usual TWS vibe, we wanted to express the feeling of being so overwhelmed with joy, you could go crazy, but in a way that fits each of our characters more freely and individually.”
Based on Hanteo Chart data, TWS’ “play hard” sold 517,941 copies on the first day of release on Oct. 13.
