N.Flying embraces sentimental alternative rock in new album
A teaser image for N. Flying's fourth mini-album “How are you?” / Courtesy of FNC Entertainment
By Kwak Yeon-soo
K-pop rap rock band N.Flying released its fourth mini-album “How Are You?” on Wednesday.
“The concept of this album is sentimental and sexy,” the group's drummer Kim Jae-hyun said during a showcase. “We surveyed our fans at the concert and asked what concept they expect from us.”
The EP's lead track “How R U Today” is sentimental alternative rock music with a message to an ex-girlfriend. The lyrics offer a man's honest expressions of the emotions following a breakup.
The new album includes five tracks, all written by the group's leader and vocalist Lee Seung-hyub.
When asked whether the lyrics came from his personal experiences, Lee said “Part of the lyrics might have come from my personal experience, but I was mostly inspired by movies and dramas.”
The initially four-man group N.Flying made its debut in Japan in 2013 with its single “Basket.” Performing as the opening act at FT Island's tour concerts, it gradually gained recognition among Japanese music fans.
In 2014, their second Japanese single titled “One N Only” hit No. 1 on Tower Records chart.
Riding on this success, the band officially debuted in Korea in 2015 with its mini-album “Awesome.” The band did not win popularity immediately, but was slowly propelled into the limelight when its fifth member, vocalist Yoo Hwe-seung, joined the band in June 2017.
Together, the five-man band unveiled “Hot Potato,” a funky, upbeat song which became a substantial hit.
“Our previous song Hot Potato had vibrant, upbeat vibes, so I wanted to write a sentimental love song this time,” Lee said. “We've been working non-stop for this album. We even got vitamin shots to boost our energy while we were preparing it.”
Members of N. Flying perform during a showcase for their album at the YES24 MUV Hall in Seoul, Wednesday. / Courtesy of FNC Entertainment
The members also revealed their anticipation for placing high on music charts or winning first place on a music program.
Kim said “Our goal is to top music charts or music programs. If we win first place on a music program, we will cosplay as Deadpool or any other superheroes.”
Lee said, “If we win first place on a music program, we'd like to go on a world tour.”
Despite some criticisms regarding their identity as an idol rock band, unlike many others who perform a smidge of dance routines while singing, the members showed confidence in their music and performances.
“Of course, we want to maintain good looks like other idols. All members lost more than 4 kilograms voluntarily. Lee and I changed our hair color,” Yoo said.
“I also wore colored contact lenses,” said Cha Hun, the group's guitarist.
However, the members all proclaim they want to be recognized for their musical talents. “It's the music that we really care about. We love holding live concerts, so we hope fans love our music more than our looks,” bassist Kwon Kwang-jin said.