ZB1 is a project group formed by the huge MNET survival show Boys Planet in 2023, and have a two and a half year long contract. They have nine members: Hanbin, Zhang Hao, Matthew, Ricky, Tae Rae, Gyuvin, Yujin, Jiwoong, and Gunwook.

Here are my credentials: As is becoming a theme in these reviews, I know more “around” ZB1 than actually about them. I’ve heard bits and pieces of their singles, seen a performance or two on stage, and I’ve seen Jiwoong in the BL Roommates of Poongduck 304, which impressed me since it’s rare enough to see an idol do a BL and rarer still one that has an actual kiss. Otherwise, I don’t know much, and I’m looking forward to knowing more.

EP #1: Youth In The Shade

In Bloom was their official debut, and, credit where it’s due, it has a perfect name. Despite being a summer release, it feels like the beginning of spring, light and airy both in instrumental and delivery. It reminds me a little of Gfriend’s Me Gustas Tu or Navillera, at least in terms of its brightness and roller skating ready sound, though its more video-game seem updated for 2023. The music video too is very cute, especially the parts where they hold the bouquets of flowers out to the cameras.

From the 1st EP, Youth In The Shade, I enjoyed the lighthearted piano in the 90’s hip hop New Kidz On The Block (my hidden gem) and the nostalgic guitar-driven Our Season.

EP #2: Melting Point

Crush, which is a prerelease for their second EP, opts for a more subdued and “mature” sound, at least at first. It’s kind of like an updated version of the boy group noise music that dominated the early 2020s. I have to admit that, despite liking most of the song, the first section of the chorus is painful to my ears, and I don’t understand why it was constructed like that. It interrupts the flow, it confuses the listener, and…well, it’s just not good.

Melting Point is the actual single from the EP, and thankfully returns to the more ethereal, synth-driven sound that In Bloom began. It has more of a stop-and-start beat in its chorus than one that stays the same all the way through, but the combination of the strings in the hook and the powerful EDM help smooth it out. Something about Melting Point just doesn’t grab me, and I’m not entirely sure why that is. It doesn’t really have a show stopping moment or something along those lines, and though it’s nice, it’s not very memorable.

From the EP, also called Melting Point, I enjoyed the sprawling chorus of Take My Hand, the chanty, catchy hook of Kidz Zone (my hidden gem), and the excellent combination of strings and piano in Good Night.

EP #3: You Had Me At Hello

Sweat, coming right at the beginning of May, dives straight into summer, with a sun-drenched and breezy sound that, at its best moments, feels like it’s gliding along the instrumental with ease. My favorite parts would have to be the build-up in the more vocal-heavy pre-choruses, and the impressive camera work during the dance breaks. Overall, it certainly makes you excited for the season.

Feel The Pop had me excited from the title, which seems to promise a dance-heavy track. The song itself is more understated, and though it does have some more upbeat moments, it’s light on the strong driving beats. It’s not a bad song, but it’s not that unique either. But what a bizarre little music video, by the way, I kind of love it.

From the EP, You Had Me At Hello, I enjoyed the fast-paced piano backing of Sunday Ride and the warm, gentle Hello, which had some beautiful vocals.

EP #4: Cinema Paradise

Good So Bad starts with a darker, moodier vibe than ZB1’s releases thus far, and I was kind of anticipating an anti-drop and trap. But I was wrong; it soon shows itself to be irrepressibly bright, and instead of trap it’s led by this synthy, dance-floor ready beat, delivering where Feel The Pop falls down. It channels this hopeful, heart-in-the-throat sound that can only really be done by a young group, and the final minute, from the beginning of the bridge to the outro, is especially strong, letting hints of vulnerability through while still keeping the beat going. It’s definitely their best so far.

From the EP, I enjoyed the fritzy sound of Insomnia, but my hidden gem was the percussive Kill The Romeo, with its Latin Pop influences and injections of brass. While I did enjoy Good So Bad, I think that this should’ve been the title. It’s not only good but also more unique and at this point in their careers, that’s what ZB1 needs.

Single #2: Doctor Doctor

Doctor Doctor is a prerelease for ZB1’s upcoming EP, and I was intrigued by the concept photos, which promised a mix between creepy and cute that’s very Red Velvet esque. The premise is, predictably, incredibly dramatic, but I always appreciate the dedication. Unfortunately, that’s about all of my compliments. The chorus is mostly centered around the “Doctor, Doctor, help me!” hook, which I wish had gone further than it does; besides that, there isn’t much that distinguishes it from the verses. The rap breaks don’t flow very well, in my opinion, especially the outro, which just isn’t pleasant to listen to. I think this one is a skip for me, sorry.

EP #5: Blue Paradise

Blue starts with this almost orchestral arrangement and a lightfooted synthy sound that’s similar to In Bloom, before going right into its chorus, which I think is a good decision. It’s also the second part of their “Paradise” series, so it makes sense that it shares some similarities with Good So Bad too; though I have to say I definitely prefer Good So Bad, because I think it’s got more heft to it. I can see this one growing on me, though. The verses are understated, while the chorus shoots forward in a very satisfying way that took me by surprise, and has a lot of staying power. The MV brought a smile to my face, I’ll absolutely give it that, so let’s say I’m cautiously optimistic about the direction this takes us in.

From the EP, I enjoyed the hints of funk in Devil Game (my hidden gem), the chanty hook of Cruel and the full-to-bursting chorus of Out Of Love. I also much preferred Doctor Doctor as an easy listening b-side in an album, rather than as a pre-release single. In fact, I liked every b-side more than the singles, and all-together, they make quite a strong release. I just don’t know why one of them wasn’t chosen as the single instead, since they’re both stronger songs and, in my opinion, a better showcase of ZB1’s talents.

Album #1: Never Say Never

Slam Dunk actually came out as a prerelease over a month before the Never Say Never album, but I didn’t have time to cover it since I was on break at the time. As for my thoughts now, perhaps it’s because I’m a 2000s child, but my first thought was High School Musical and it never really left, but I full-on laughed at “Keep your head in the game”. Sorry, guys. I know, this is a very serious Haikyuu! parody; my apologies for making light. Seriously though, I liked that the song tried something different—interpolating a sports announcer was a nice touch—but I didn’t really like the direction they decided to take. Like in Crush, a too-serious anti-drop doesn’t feel right for ZB1, and it’s also just never been for me. So, it falls into the category of: “I see what you’re going for, but also…no.”

ICONIK is much more of your typical ZB1 title track: a light, twinkling beat that tiptoes along in the verses, a solid chorus that builds on the synths, and so on and so forth…but that’s about all I can say about it. There’s nothing about it that feels unique from their other singles. (Except maybe rhyming “iconic” with “electronic”, which sounds right out of 2012 SM Entertainment and, I admit it, did make me chuckle). Otherwise, it’s just one more on the list of “almosts”.

Never Say Never is ZeroBaseOne’s first full album, something that, no matter my thoughts on a group, always excites me. Having the skills to make a good EP and a good album aren’t always the same, and I like looking at the differences. In terms of this album, I enjoyed the excellent vocals in Long Way Back, the rockier edge in Extra, and the sparkling, orchestral Star Eyes. My hidden gem was definitely the Korean version of Now Or Never, which builds on what I liked so much in Good So Bad and Kill The Romeo, with a great sense of drive and a chant-along chorus that hits just right.

Verdict: TL;DR

I’m glad I did this. I feel like I got to learn a little about ZB1. I watched a couple interviews and some behind the scenes content, including them playing I Dare You, which was pretty funny. I also had extra time last weekend and finally watched Kissable Lips, which is Jiwoong’s other BL. It’s a bit dumb, but I had fun, though I’d recommend Roommates of Poongduck 304 over that.

My top 5 songs are Kill The Romeo, Devil Game, Sweat, Kidz Zone, Good So Bad, and In Bloom, with Star Eyes as an honorable mention. ZB1 gets an 8 out of 10 from me. For debuting so recently, they have a pretty strong discography that gives a youthful, lighthearted energy very much needed in a genre that sometimes takes itself too seriously. But most of their work, with a couple exceptions, doesn’t feel that unique or innovative, and though it’s good and catchy, it’s not as memorable as it could be. They still have time in their contracts, though, and I’d say that with their talents, the future looks pretty bright.

Next time, we finally finish our Seventeen deep dive. Tschüss!