CRAVITY made their comeback 2 weeks ago with the single AWAKE from their ReDeFine mini-album, their 8th to date. It is their first Korean release since their Lemonade Fever and Dare to Crave: Epilogue repackaged album in November last year.

As it has been 2 weeks since its release, AWAKE has had the chance to build and grow on me. And this has allowed certain parts of AWAKE to proliferate and elements to stick out. Truthfully, I think the members’ delivery could have been stronger and more prominent. While I do appreciate their softer, calmer approach throughout the song, especially during the choruses when the synths really kick into gear, their delivery also feels held back from reaching its full potential in AWAKE. The same could be said about the rapping, particularly in the second verse. An edgy factor is definitely incorporated, but I think there was a missed opportunity to really amp it up and hit AWAKE out of the park. Anyhow, the melodies accompanying the English lines in both the pre-choruses and the choruses ended up being quite memorable aspects of AWAKE. The purity of the melodies in the case of the pre-choruses, and the plainer melodies in the case of the choruses, of this alternative pop song manages to stick out for me. As for the synths, I enjoyed their dark tones and cool textures. Quite a lot to like in AWAKE, but it could have been better if the members had a stronger presence.

Is this the first time a priest concept has been carried out in KPOP? I can’t remember if it has been done before, so points for uniqueness. Anyhow, AWAKE is about “the process of defining oneself again the moment an end becomes a new beginning” (taken from SOOMPI). The music video shows the members training to become priests in a world about to be attacked by dark forces. The members use their divine powers to protect themselves, but this sets off a series of events that bring about their end and derail their path. However, at the moment it all ends, we see the members again at the start of the video. The video uses a serpent creature on rail tracks to depict the constant path the members are on, which becomes ‘derailed’ and is ‘eaten’ by another snake in the midst of the video. But at the end of the video, it is revealed that the serpent continuously circles and enters the head of the other snake, suggesting that redefining oneself at the end will always create a new beginning.

I liked the intensity and the drive behind the performance. AWAKE showcases their dance skills, and the members made the stage a really worthwhile watch as a whole.

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