Also returning yesterday is TEMPEST, who makes their comeback with the single LIGHTHOUSE and TEMPEST Voyage mini-album. We last saw the group via their Vroom Vroom comeback in late 2023. The group also returns with one less member, as Hwarang is made to sit out of promotions by his company due to the recent “controversy” (where he was caught attending a club).

As mentioned in my Vroom Vroom review from last year, TEMPEST’s more likeable songs have been pop-leaning. And LIGHTHOUSE is both likeable and pop-leaning, adding more evidence to this trend in TEMPEST’s release. LIGHTHOUSE feels quite breezy and refreshing, with the chorus featuring synths within the background that reminds me of the tropical house era of KPOP. It isn’t as heavy handed as per that era. These tropical-house like elements are used lightly in the background. I wished we got a tad more, as I feel that could have made the central piece of LIGHTHOUSE pop out more. Other than that, LIGHTHOUSE focuses more on vocals and melodies, which makes the track feel pleasant and enjoyable. The group does employ some rapping, but it is mainly limited to the second verse due to the vocal focus of LIGHTHOUSE. And there is also some shouty delivery in the second half of the chorus, which does ultimately gives the chorus a more generic exterior. But I will acknowledge how it is controlled and doesn’t get away from the rest of the track. All in all, I like this comeback.

The song expresses the idea that the group is willing to be the guiding light (like a lighthouse) for those who need it. Throughout the music video, we see the lights around the members light up. But I like how the video isn’t just a one way street, with the members also finding their own guiding lights throughout the video (which I presume is a reference to their fans and loved ones). I also like how they had a sailor concept going on in the video, which makes sense given the song references the sea.

Nothing stands out specifically on the choreography front for this comeback. But the routine as a whole still looked good, and I wouldn’t mind returning to watch it.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 8/10