“GOLDEN HOUR PART 3: ATEEZ COMEBACK REVIEW
Pre-Release Thoughts
Upon seeing the first viewing, I thought the sound we were introduced to was very different than what we’re used to seeing from ATEEZ in the sense that they stick true to a very fun beat, but the lyrics and additional sounds are more minimal from this teaser. The preview and concept photo release period made me very excited. They gave off a strong Y2K vibe along with a summer-focused theme which was heavily apparent because of the usage of the names, “heat” and “thirsty”. The teaser was also loaded with plentiful usage of keys and of course, lemons.
Music Video Review
Compared to previous works like, “The Real” and “Work” that had more serious tones, I thought this was closer in line with, “Ice on My Teeth”. The group seems to be going back to the simplicity vibes that, “Work” had. As I mentioned in my pre-release thoughts section, there is a lot of usage of keys as symbolism. This could also be an oversight, but I did also notice San’s necklace shown very prominently. Could it mean we are looping back? If so, this could confirm the theory that they are also bringing back their, “Bouncy” era. Concerning the choreography, I noticed there was a lot of ‘cooking’ hand movements. A lot of the cuts in this music video gave very nostalgic vibes. Especially the ones that were set in the laundromat as well as the ones that included the shopping cart. There is also a cut that shows the boys in an elevator that only goes up to floor four, which makes me believe that Golden Hour Part 4 may be the final piece of the Golden Hour series.
At the end of the music video, we are shown boots in a trunk. Does this mean we are getting HALATEEZ back? If this is the case, this could also signal a last call to their youths and freedom before going back to fight the dystopian.
Regarding my final thoughts on this music video, I would also like to mention that I think that the briefcase shown in the water are definitely clues, but I am unsure to what. The outfits and looks for this music video were quite casual in comparison to recent MV’s. I need to have Seongwha’s outfit so bad. I also love that San has been shirtless for this entire series! Their hair colors were mostly natural, but I do love Wooyoung as a blonde. The blush and freckles were so cute! All in all, the choreo also looked very fun and I can’t wait to practice it.
Discography Review
LEMON DROP
This was the title track for a reason! I love that ATEEZ never backs down from a good, catchy beat. Compared to some of their other popular songs like, “Bouncy”, and “Crazy Form”, I thought this was more boy band-ish sounding. I loved how much time Wooyoung got to sing. I’m also genuinely obsessed with Mingi’s rap in this song and I’ve had it on repeat. 1:58 to 2:08 was a highlight for me that I cannot stop listening to it. I am obsessed with the chant.
MASTERPIECE
The intro to this track is really funky. Also quite catchy. Consistent with some of the Y2K themes we saw in the previews and concept photos, I thought they leaned into that aesthetic with this song heavily.
NOW THIS HOUSE AIN’T A HOME
We’ve always gotta have at least one emotional song on the album. I really enjoyed Yeosang’s voice in this one! If you remember, “Enough” from part two and, “Empty Box” from part one, this song is a sister song to both of them. Sonically, I think this song definitely plays into the nostalgia vibe of the album as a whole.
CASTLE
Of the tracklist, this is my second favorite. I really liked how steady and chill this one is. Since the release of this EP, I’ve had this song on repeat.
BRIDGE: THE EDGE OF REALITY
I am obsessed with this one! Given that it’s at the end of the album, I am wondering if it will lead into the next. This is the kind of song you hear in a club, and I definitely think it’s fit for dancing. I really like how ATEEZ always has a song in their EP’s that is mostly either an instrumental or a beat. I might be crazy for this, but this would make a great song for a rave.
Final Thoughts
Compared to what we’re used to, I thought this EP was different and more mellow sounding than what we’re used to. I love that ATEEZ tries everything with their music! I thought it was more chill than both part 1 and 2. I wonder if it’s a slow down before part 4. My sister mentioned that she likes this album the best because of how poppy and more chill it is compared to their other music. I also loved the cover art and love any time ATEEZ goes back to orange.
Knowing ATEEZ, the things they’re posting now are probably hints or easter eggs for the next album. If it follows the previous timeline, we can expect a Golden Hour Part 4 in December.
While I do love ATEEZ’s more “loud” and energetic music, I loved the vibes of this one. The visuals that incorporated orange and blue especially caught my eye. I’m excited to see how the entire Golden Hour series will tie together. Lastly, stan ATEEZ and Choi San, if you see this, I love you and keep doing what you do!
