They’re back with purpose. Anyone who watched Coachella 2024 would spot that during ATEEZ’s set, the eight boys strived to put on an entirely live rendition of their songs: each tapping into a heavier vocal style. This stomach-sourced power ensured they could secure those notes through relentless elements and intense choreography. The title track of their newest comeback, GOLDEN HOUR : Part 4, Adrenaline, allows for this by design. The prechoruses all utilise this growlier style of singing, while fitting in with the song’s theme: “I can feel it go, runnin’ through my veins / Buzzin’ up my neck, pumpin’ adrenaline”. The instrumental-heavy chorus gives way for the boys to give it their all in the choreography, as can be seen in the music video. We’re not surprised to see that the fabulously cinematic piece was directed by HQF, who also worked on aespa’s Drama and I-dle’s Nxde, and numerous Stray Kids projects. 

Adrenaline isn’t even the best of the album, but as the hype song, it’s in its rightful place as the title track. Ghost opens the EP with a melody that is absolutely hypnotising. Distorting electronica is slapped on in the choruses, and it instantly becomes the earworm we wished had a longer runtime. With a strong premise, flawless vocals, and a cohesive structure, Ghost is easily one of ATEEZ’s better B-sides. 

NASA is as wonderfully spacey as you’d imagine. The mixers were having a field day with all the layering elements, while the reverbing synths kept the song’s identity at the forefront. We’re glad ATEEZ have stayed true to their signature synth-pop subgenre in B-sides, which have consistently been some of their best songs to date, such as Take Me Home and Cyberpunk.

We don’t need to tell you how good the bass sounds, because Yeosang does it for us: “808s so deep / They gon’ fracture ribs”. ATEEZ provide plenty of other similar sentiments in the song, but “Eyes on the ball, no pasta” is certainly the most eyebrow-raising. For this song, they also rocked up to Music Bank in denim spacesuits: a concept never before seen by human eyes till this day. We’ve learnt by now; when ATEEZ have guts, they’ve brought something to back it up. 

On The Road is two albums before Enough’s younger, more talented cousin. It’s a cohesive little anthem, using acoustics as its throughline, while the singers – particularly Jongho and San – breathe life onto the track. Remarkably, each member’s best register was applied, and everyone had their rightful place in the song. It’s an easy, comfortable listen. We have no notes; On The Road is simply another addition to their roster of vocalist-bragging tunes that sets them apart from other K-Pop groups. 

Pre-released Choose follows in the same vein. Even though it’s a gentler song, even rappers Hongjoong and Mingi find their place. With an ear-tickling appetiser, a main course with a clear identity that ties into the group’s famed lore, a palette cleanser, and two sweet tunes to finish it all off, GOLDEN HOUR : Part 4 is an excellent complete listen.

This is just another day of ATEEZ at their best. 

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Written by Maddie Armstrong

Featured image © KQ Entertainment

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