‘Just Breath’, the title track, is a mix of vibrant Silk Sonic-esque funk influences as well as all the conviction of house music. At the same time, it is inherently Korean in its sense of humour and pop/party liveliness. In addition, it wouldn’t be surprising if listeners who have newly turned into AROHA after experiencing “Restore” are naturally assuming that JinJin and Rocky are main vocalists because only these two can go from hardcore rappers to soulful singers without batting an eyelid. The music video for ‘Just Breath’ is a funfest, to say the least, and at this point, we desperately need a slice of life K-Drama with JinJin and Rocky as the protagonists!
Written, composed, and arranged by JinJin, the next track ‘Lazy’ featuring Weki Meki’s Choi YooJung exudes all the summery freshness we’re craving in the winter. It is the perfect TrenChill, pop-rap track that is nonetheless fast-paced and energetic. Similarly, ‘Lockdown’ goes the futuristic, alt-rock way, a sharp turn from ‘Lazy’.
Within just 3 songs so far, we’ve already been taken on a musical rollercoaster ride and there’s no time to settle down as we’re thrown into ‘Complete Me’, written and composed by Rocky. ‘Complete Me’ is not only lyrically impressive but also incredibly easy on the ears. The vocals are impeccable, especially since they are layered on some patchwork-style experimental EDM.
As we’re reeling from the addictive quality of ‘Complete Me’, we’re brought to the end of the EP with ‘CPR’, an emotionally charged ballad with Rocky hitting notes as high as AROHA’s love for ASTRO. Rocky’s stylistic choice of making this song sound as endearingly old-school as a 90s K-Drama OST to bring the mini-album full circle is worth high praise because ‘CPR’ is something we didn’t know we needed but that ended up being life-changing, much like the title itself. Besides, let’s not overlook the sheer creative stroke of genius that is having a song called ‘CPR’ on an album called “Restore”.
Overall, there couldn’t have been a better way to start the year than with JINJIN&ROCKY’s brainchild, “Restore” and we’re already fiending for more. What is your favourite song on the mini-album? Share your thoughts with Kpopmap in the comments section down below! “RESTORE” Coming Soon: Here’s Why JinJin & Rocky Make The Perfect Musical Duo KPOP STORIES|Jan 13, 2022
