Returning in November last year was ENHYPEN with their 5th mini-album ORANGE BLOOD and the title track Sweet Venom (links to this below). The mini-album also features 4 side tracks and 2 addition versions of Sweet Venom (an English version and an English version featuring Bella Poarch). For this album review, I have left out the English version from the final rating, but have included a rating for the version which features Bella Poarch. Overall, ORANGE BLOOD is a consistent mini-album. This follows on from ENHYPEN’s BITE ME comeback from May 2023 and the mini-album DARK BLOOD.

1. Mortal – Mortal serves as the introductory track for the mini-album. But its 3.5-minute length makes it look like a full track. The track features a dreamy blend of R&B and pop for its instrumentation, some vocals courtesy of JAKE and SUNOO, and the usual narrations from each of the members in their primary language (Korean, English and Japanese). The narration itself speaks to the willingness to give up immortality to be with the one they love. It leads on from their vampire lore, where vampires are immortal. But in the case of ENHYPEN for ORANGE BLOOD, they are willing to give that power all up. (8/10)

2. Sweet Venom (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for Sweet Venom. (8/10)

3. Still Monster – Still Monster is a pop ballad. I find it to be an alright track. Everything in it, from the instrumentation to the vocals, was just fine and there isn’t anything wrong as far as I can see. I just cannot connect with the track in anyway. The post-chorus sequences, where the ‘Na Na Na’ comes in, is probably my most favourite parts of the track. (7/10)

4. Blind (멀어) – We re-enter retro territory with Blind, but it actually comes off as rather subtle in the final alternative R&B product. I really like the display of vocals from ENHYPEN throughout Blind, overall. But particular mention needs to go to the ‘Meoreo, Meoreo’ (‘Blind Blind’) and ‘Peodeo, Peodeo/Geodeo Geodeo’ is delivered in the choruses to finish the lines sung by the initialising vocalists. This is my favourite effect in the entirety of Blind, as it keeps the chorus quite grounded and feels quite clever. I do think the instrumentation could have used some sort of zest to it, just to give it more edge and unique colour. (8.5/10)

5. Orange Flower (You Complete Me) – To me, ENHYPEN is known for their dance tracks, which are either dark and/or intense. But occasionally, we get to hear a much lighter sound from the group, with the prime example of Polaroid Love coming to mind (featured on their DIMENSION: ANSWER studio album). Orange Flower is that equivalent on ORANGE BLOOD, where the members actually sound a lot sweeter and loving in their vocals. The upbeat instrumentation was enjoyable, allowing the entire track to exude a pleasant and feel-good vibe. (8/10)    

6. Sweet Venom (English Version) – Refer to my review for Sweet Venom above.

7. Sweet Venom (ft. Bella Poarch) – I just wanted to give my two cents on this version of Sweet Venom (which is only featured on the digital versions of the mini-album). The main difference is that it features social media star Bella Poarch. I would have expected that the track be extended to feature Bella Poarch, not completely remove half of the second verse to make way for her. Her sultry vocals do match well with the groovy and sleekness of Sweet Venom (and her airy ad-libs were a beautiful complement). I am all for her featuring – it is clear as day that she works wonderfully with the members and the song. But I am sure it should haven’t been at the expense of the parts of the members. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 7.9/10