Almost a year after their debut, A'ST1 come back with Dynamite - although not dynamite, it isn't a write off either.
Six member boyband A'ST1 debuted in April 2008 with the single 1.2.3.4 Back, amidst plenty of controversy when they issued a challenge to Super Junior, generally considered to be one of the reigning boybands of the time. Although their debut was fairly well received, the controversy was soon forgotten and the band faded from the spotlight.
A year later, and A'ST1 made a comeback with the release of their mini-album Dynamite.
Dynamite starts with the title track, which sounds very retro-ish and faintly brings to mind the 70's, the 80's and early 90's - a resemblance that's strengthened when you see the music video for this song. The music is neither catchy nor inspiring, and although it may not make you wonder who the group singing it is, you have to give it props for making an attempt to fuse styles.
Things get a little better with Naega Anira and No More, which won't get you to get up and dance but are nevertheless kind of catchy tunes.
Track four, Binkan Chaeugi, is a more mellow song with a blues vibe added by the harmonica. This song may remind the listener of late-90's boy band 98 Degrees and their Stevie Wonder collaboration True to your Heart. Both tracks have a similar feeling, but unfortunately Binkan Chaeugi lacks a little of the flavor that the aforementioned song manages to capture.
Finally, the guys give their audience a little slow jamming with Why - songs like this are the ones that showcase voices the most. At least they should. But the production of the track seems a little off, as if the producer has tried to tone down the voices throughout, and because of it the song is not quite able to convey the full potential of the singers' voices. It carries with it the feel that it should be a grandeur pop vocal song, and it would definitely have been successful in that if something wasn't holding it back.
Overall, Dynamite was a mixed package. It will be well recieved by A'ST1 fans, but for everyone else it may take a little more. There is however no doubt that plenty more can be expected from A'ST1 in the future.
