[Review] P1Harmony Comes Back with a Heroes Return

Photo credit: Courtesy of FNC

Global K-Pop powerhouse P1Harmony unleashes their 8th mini album “DUH!”, a high-octane collection of explosive jams that still holds pieces of their unmistakable sound. The musical prowess of members JIUNG, INTAK, KEEHO, and JONGSEOB, who participated in writing, and composing, becomes even more clear in this new showcase of their talents. Evident throughout the album, THEO and his fellow members create a flawless blending of their vocals and focus in on some individualistic verses. In their pop-up performances pre-comeback, SOUL shows off iconic choreographies that fans can expect during promotions. With six tracks that radiate only a bravado and confidence that P1Harmony can produce, “DUH!” channels the punchy maximalism of early pop-rap and the agility of K-pop. Blending brassy horns, hooks, and hard-hitting drums into a sound that is as polished as it is unpredictable, "DUH!" is an on-repeat album.

"DUH!" kicks off with an earworm backbeat and rap verses that pull listeners right back to the 90s. The title track is an anthem fitting for busted car speakers and sold-out stadiums alike.

"DUH!" Music Video

Each song following "DUH!" creates a dance vibe of their own right. "Pretty Boy" features reggaeton beats that keep the dance rhythm going as P1ece (fandom name) and new listeners venture into the rest of the album. The choppy vocal production of the engaging lyrics helps send the message of self-determination. Hard-hitting anthem “Murmur,” is another track rooted in ‘90s-fusion of R&B and hip-hop, highlighted by its distinctive brass background. Lyrics like:

Hey! Got nothing better to do?

Just busy pulling others down

Yeah! Wearing masks in secret

Hobby is typing out your toxic sounds

Yeah! Cowardice so tragic

make "Murmur" an unabashed clap-back at toxicity anyone might face in life.

The album continues connecting various elements from throwback pop genres with the uniquely P1Harmony styles like "Flashy" using an EDM base to bring listeners back to an early 2010s dance-pop hype and the inclusion of a saxophone line for “Over And Over.” Both songs are a focus on the energy P1Harmony brings to their music and the latter adds a layer of declaration to stand up confidently in the face of hardship.

The album closes with “Work,” a groovy hyper-pop anthem, co-produced by group member JONGSEOB. Infused with electronic elements, where the members trade bars keeping it fresh with confident verses, and chants where P1ece can be sure to participate whether the concert is in the car or on a stage. "Work" closes out the irresistibly catchy, fast-paced tracklist of “DUH!” with a bang.