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Viini - ‘Dimension’ EP Review

A strong debut from the former 'Produce 101' Star.

By Nathan SartainPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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To call the route that Kwon Hyun-Bin has taken to get to where he is right now unconventional feels like an understatement. Originally beginning his career as a model back in 2015, the artist became well-known after appearing on Produce 101 Season 2, a show in which he placed 22nd. From there, he joined the six-member project group JBJ; and within seven months was a solo artist once again, due to the group’s disbandment.

And, now, under the name VIINI, the 22-year-old has released his debut solo EP, DIMENSION. A four-track offering, it’s one that shows a lot of progress, and earmarks the YGX signee as someone to look out for in the future.

Opening the release is “BITTERSWEET,” a mid-tempo offering that boasts impressive production and showcases VIINI’s versatile talents. The invigorating chorus carries a lot of the song’s quality, but the bending synths and overall sleekness allow for a consistent, enjoyable listen. It’s a perfect opener for a debut, and one that proves the artist’s quality without giving everything away.

Lead single “GENIE” follows with similar tropical, wonky synths, and displays the husky, deep voice of Hyun-Bin with phenomenal success. The softly-delivered pre-chorus contrasts perfectly with the lively chorus melody, and from a compositional perspective, everything remains tight throughout. It’s a style that isn’t exactly new to the charts, but VIINI manages to put a refreshing twist on each track so that the material on offer still feels original and unique.

However, it should be noted that both on the lead-single and across the EP, there is some needed refinement when it comes to the lyrics. Although it is honest, a lot of the subject matter comes across as confusing at times, and doesn’t mesh well with some of the easier, more palatable lyrical content. With that being said, it’s always a positive to see a debuting artist have such a strong input on the composition from both a production and lyrical perspective, and that will no doubt aid Hyun-Bin as he progresses through his career.

Returning to the release itself, “BAD” switches things up nicely, with the initial somber piano melody providing ample space for the eventual hard-hitting chorus to land with a lot more precision. It’s a brilliant track full of confidence; showing a rawer edge to the smoothly produced offerings preceding it. The chorus does tread into repetitive territory, though, but that feels like only a minor criticism when considering the overall quality of the song, particularly considering it really emphasises just how good VIINI’s vocals can be when truly forefronted.

And, to finish comes “AFFECTION.” A slow-burning offering that builds in intensity, it’s a climactic and finesse-filled finish to an EP that has set the benchmark high for anything the 22-year-old chooses to do next. The abrupt ending leaves the listener yearning for more, and allows for one to anticipate whatever it is that will come next. It’s a powerful and bold way to complete your debut, and one that will no doubt gain Kwon Hyun-Bin deserved credit.

In summary, after failing to find stability in his career for so long, YGX’s latest star can take comfort in knowing that he has both the potential and natural ability to push forward and develop as an artist, with no limit to his potential. With time on his side, there’s no telling where VIINI will end up, but if his current path is any indicator, it’s going to be an interesting ride to get there. And, although there is plenty of room for improvement, DIMENSION provides a fantastic indicator of Hyun-Bin’s raw talent, shows a vast development on his earlier work, and proves that the once sidelined artist is more than justified in going it alone. The production is superb, and if the vocals can continue to be honed alongside more refined, honest lyricism, then the world could be looking at a future star.

EP Rating - 8.5/10

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About the Creator

Nathan Sartain

A lifelong music fan with diverse taste.

Email - [email protected]

Twitter - @nathan_sartain

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