There are comeback albums, and then there are albums that feel like a statement. ZEROBASEONE’s brand-new return with ‘Ascend-’ definitely falls into the second category.
Since debuting through Mnet’s survival show ‘Boys Planet’ in 2023, ZEROBASEONE (often called ZB1) has built a reputation for combining emotional storytelling with polished pop production. From bright, youthful concepts to more sentimental releases, the group has evolved with every comeback. But with ‘Ascend-’, they feel different: sharper, more confident, and almost as if they have finally stepped fully into who they want to be as artists.
Released on May 18 as their sixth mini album, ‘Ascend-’ consists of seven tracks, marking a new chapter for ZEROBASEONE as they rebrand with a five-member lineup: Sung Hanbin, Kim Jiwoong, Seok Matthew, Kim Taerae, and Park Gunwook.
Describing the album, leader Sung Hanbin explained that the title carries layered meaning, stating, “The album’s title, ‘Ascend-’ signifies moving upward, while the hyphen at the end is also a key part of the album’s message. The hyphen represents how we are carrying on—now with the five of us.”
Let’s break down ‘Ascend‑’ track by track.
‘Intro.’
The opening track feels less like a traditional intro and more like stepping into a completely new era. The atmospheric production slowly builds tension before easing listeners into the rest of the album, almost like a doorway into the world of ‘Ascend-’. It immediately sets a cinematic, polished, and mature tone. The sound design does all the storytelling, creating a sense of anticipation, like something big is about to unfold. And it works perfectly.
A lot of times albums struggle to feel connected, but this intro makes the transition into the next track incredibly seamless. Even from the first minute, you can tell ZEROBASEONE wanted this project to feel intentional, not just like a random collection of songs.
‘TOP 5’
‘TOP 5’ does not rely on loud beat drops or overly aggressive hooks. Instead, the song thrives on groove, confidence, and style. Inspired by early 2000s dance-pop and hip-hop rhythms, it blends smooth vocals with playful charisma.
The members themselves shared that they looked to artists like Justin Timberlake, Usher, and Michael Jackson as key inspirations while shaping the sound and performance direction, aiming to pay homage to that era’s signature musical style while still keeping it distinctly ZEROBASEONE.
What makes the song especially clever is the title itself. ‘TOP 5’ could have easily felt too on the nose given the group’s current lineup, but instead, it comes across as self-aware and confident. The song never sounds defensive, it sounds assured.
Member Park Gunwook added that the group approached the album with the idea of creating a slick pop sound rooted in early 2000s influences. Among several title track candidates the group listened to, ‘TOP 5’ felt like the song that could express that idea the best.
Visually, the music video leans into a clean, performance-focused concept with futuristic styling and controlled, minimal set design rather than a heavy narrative storyline, highlighting choreography precision, sharp formations, and each member’s presence within a tightly unified group identity.
‘V for Vision’
‘V for Vision’ is an R&B track centered around electric guitar sounds that carries a dreamy yet determined energy, almost like the soundtrack to chasing something bigger than yourself. The track had already drawn attention from fans through the album sampler previews.
Vocally, this might be one of the strongest songs on the project. Member Kim Taerae especially shines here, bringing warmth and emotional depth that elevate the entire track.
There is also a strong sense of ambition running through the song. It feels hopeful without tipping into sentimentality, making it feel like the emotional backbone of the album.
‘Customize’
‘Customize’ marks Park Gunwook’s first self-produced and self-composed contribution to a ZEROBASEONE album since debut, which already makes the song feel incredibly personal. And that personal touch can be felt throughout the track.
The song carries a softer, more introspective atmosphere compared to the sleek confidence of ‘TOP 5’. Lyrically and emotionally, it feels like a reflection on identity, growth, and learning to become comfortable with your own individuality instead of trying to fit other people’s expectations.
‘Exotic’
‘Exotic’ is a house-based dance-pop track that blends repetitive beats with sophisticated synth sounds, leaning into a more stylish direction that adds a slightly mysterious edge to the album. The song expands its atmosphere through an uncompromisingly free-flowing structure, making ZEROBASEONE’s identity and presence stand out even more vividly.
Lyrically, ‘Exotic’ explores the feeling of discovering an unfamiliar side of yourself through attraction and desire. Lines such as “Inside out, I’m giving you that exotic, I came face to face with an unfamiliar version of myself, Inside out, I’m giving you that exotic, Wake up, baby, wake up more boldly” reflect confronting a strange or unfamiliar version of yourself while awakening a bolder side within.
‘Changes’
Of the entire album, this might actually be the most emotional track.
A smooth R&B-pop song that blends jazz-inspired piano melodies, soft synth textures, and groovy drum beats, ‘Changes’ carries a warm and reflective atmosphere from beginning to end. The instrumental feels understated yet incredibly rich, allowing the emotions of the song to slowly unfold rather than hit all at once.
Lyrically, the song feels like coming to terms with becoming a different person and learning to accept that growth is inevitable. Rather than treating change as something painful or frightening, ‘Changes’ frames it as something necessary and beautiful in its own way.
‘Zero to Hundred’
Ending the album with ‘Zero to Hundred’ feels incredibly fitting.
‘Zero to Hundred’ explodes with energy compared to the more controlled atmosphere of the earlier tracks, feeling almost like a final burst of confidence before the album closes. The song sounds youthful, fast-paced, emotional, and exciting all at once. More than anything, it feels like pure momentum.
The title itself perfectly captures the spirit of ‘Ascend-’ as a whole: growth, acceleration, and pushing forward without hesitation.
Overall Impression
What makes ‘Ascend-’ so impressive is not that it attempts to completely reinvent ZEROBASEONE, but rather how confidently it refines everything the group already does well.
The vocals feel stronger, the production is more polished, and the emotional storytelling carries a greater sense of maturity. Most importantly, the album showcases ZEROBASEONE’s growth with clarity and purpose.
For longtime ZEROSE, the album may resonate deeply as it captures the group’s evolution in real time. Meanwhile, for casual listeners, ‘Ascend-’ could easily become one of the most accessible ZEROBASEONE albums to immerse themselves in, thanks to its seamless flow and engaging sound, which make it surprisingly difficult to stop listening once the album begins.
Written by: Minha Shameer
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