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B1A4 returns with 'Connect' after two-year break

By Lee Jung-youn

Published : Jan. 9, 2024 - 18:58

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B1A4 performs B1A4 performs "Rewind" during a press showcase held at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Monday. (WM Entertainment)

It's been more than two years since their last release but B1A4 is going nowhere.

With members back from military service, the group released a new album, “Connect,” saying there was still a lot they wanted to do.

The new mini album, the trio's eighth, comes about two years and two months since the digital single "Huge Horse" in November 2021.

“I feel so nervous right now. I hope everyone will enjoy our new album,” Sandeul who completed his military service in August, said at a press showcase at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on Monday.

The group participated in writing the music and lyrics of all five songs in the album, as they have with almost every song since their debut.

"We've always thought that it was necessary to produce all of our songs by ourselves if we want to express B1A4's unique color," Sandeul explained.

CNU participated in writing and composing the second and third tracks, “Back To You" and "Pause," while Sandeul participated in the fourth track “When You Call My Name.” All three members participated in writing and composing the last track, "Still In My Heart."

The title song "Rewind," written and composed by CNU, is a new jack swing number with a bright and refreshing energy. The group smiled brightly throughout a showcase performance of the song, high-fiving each other as they went.

CNU explained that new jack swing allowed him to create a trans-generational song. “I am a big fan of music from the '80s and '90s. I picked a genre from that period because it would be nostalgic to the older generation but fresh and new to the younger generation.”

During the two-year break, the band members completed their mandatory military service and engaged in active solo careers, but never forgot their passion for gathering in the name of B1A4, said the bandmates.

“All of us were busy with our solo careers, but we got together almost once a week to discuss the new album,” recalled Gongchan, the youngest of the three members.

“Although it has been almost 13 years since our debut, we still feel like we haven’t shown a quarter of what we've got. There’s so much we want to do as a B1A4,” said CNU.

"It's blessing that we have made it to the 13th anniversary of our band. We want to continue this happiness with our fans, BANA," said Sandeul.

From left: B1A4 member Sandeul, Gongchan and CNU pose for pictures at a press showcase held Monday. (WM Entertainment) From left: B1A4 member Sandeul, Gongchan and CNU pose for pictures at a press showcase held Monday. (WM Entertainment)