MCND is back with their 4TH MINI ALBUM [THE EARTH: SECRET MISSION Chapter. 2]. It’s the second chapter of their secret mission to reach out to their fans in person.
▶ Fully sold-out The Europe Tour, a post-pandemic first for a K-pop act
In April, MCND became the first K-pop group to embark on a post-pandemic tour of Europe, which included sold-out shows throughout 7 cities in 6 countries including the Netherlands, UK, Hungary, Germany, France, and Switzerland.
After delivering passionate and energy-packed live performances to global fans, MCND are making their return to Korea with their first new release in 11 months, a follow-up to their third mini-album, [THE EARTH: SECRET MISSION Chapter. 1].
Entering a new post-pandemic reality, MCND are looking to meet with GEMs in real life, with the release of a new concept album and plans to kick off domestic shows packed with ‘FUN & DYNAMIC’ energy.
▶ ALBUM: The second mission given to MCND – Steal the Hearts of the GEMs!
MCND’s fourth mini-album [THE EARTH: SECRET MISSION Chapter. 2] is a continuation of the group’s worldbuilding, where five boys from the Earth-like planet, Kepler1649c finally act on their yearning to meet with their fans on Earth.
The previous ‘Chapter.1’ album covers MCND’s first secret mission, where they make their way from Kepler1649c to Earth, the ‘Blue Planet’ to hold the first STAGE of their dreams. Having completed this, MCND now have a second mission: Steal the Hearts of the GEMs!
This album is all about MCND’s central motivation, which is to go wherever GEMs are and to give them heartfelt performances.
MCND is ready to become the leading performer in the globally-loved K-pop genre. Wherever GEMs are, they will visit with well-prepared shows and passionate live performances. After the release of the current fourth mini-album, MCND have plans to embark on The America Tour.
▶ TITLE: #MOOD, The spirit of ‘GENERATION MZ’, as expressed by MCND
The title track ‘#MOOD’ is a fun & dynamic Hip-Hop dance song, embodying the confident self-expression of Generation MZ.
#MOOD is a social media tag often used by Generation MZ to express how they feel.
In this track, MCND talks about the social lifestyles of Generation MZ, always on the lookout for new and exciting things and sharing their #MOOD.
MCND have longed to get on stage in front of their fans. In this song, their everyday lives are reflected in their song and dance. MCND will sing about their eagerness and express their #MOOD – “Make it fun, What’s your mood?“
MCND’s leader, Castle J wrote the lyrics (and co-wrote the music) of the title track ‘#MOOD’, aptly expressing the group’s groove and their desire to steal the hearts of GEMs.
▶ PHOTO: The five boys return, in ‘Hip’ style
MCND’s new album comes in two eye-catching versions: ‘BAG’ and ‘WHEEL’.
The BAG version shows how MCND hold on to their character even in a school setting. Sporting school looks but not in a standardized way, the members of MCND let their carefree and hip selves shine through.
In the WHEEL version, the group members showcase street fashion in vivid colors. By interacting with uniquely styled skateboards and bikes, this version shows off the natural and dynamic feel unique to MCND.
The album’s concept photo, which features the confident and easy-going expressions and poses of the MCND members give you an idea of the energy they bring in this album.
▶ MUSIC VIDEO: Free-flowing Performance, and Explosive ‘HIP & YOUNG ENERGY’
The music video to the title track ‘#MOOD’ starts off with the members waking up their leader, Castle J. The next scene is set in the street, where dance, flashing lights, and dynamic performances take place all day and night amid a free-flowing atmosphere, fully conveying the fun and dynamic feel of the title track.
Because every member of MCND is a main dancer in his own right, the free-flowing choreography they achieve with dozens of other dancers draws the viewer in, like they are dancing right alongside the members. For their new track, MCND aimed for a performance that fans could dance together, rather than a performance just for audience. The simple and playful moves can be followed easily by GEMs, so they can share their moves online.
▶ MCND 4TH MINI ALBUM [THE EARTH: SECRET MISSION Chapter. 2] TRACKLIST
This album has 6 songs, including the tracks co-written by Castle J, ‘#MOOD’ and ‘JUICE’, as well as ‘W.A.T.1’, where MCND showcased their perfect group choreography in a pre-released track video. There is also ‘Back to You’, the group’s sincere message to their fans. Each track is filled with MCND’s unique mood, with the group ready to steal the hearts of GEMs.
- W.A.T.1
‘W.A.T.1’ is about MCND overcoming all obstacles and pushing forward. The rough rhythms that begin at the intro blend together with the firm but gentle voices of the members.
The lyrics “Might get shaky so hold on / Eyes on the setting sun, we’re Running / Keep on Running” pictures the members running toward GEMs on the horizon. The song’s message is that MCND will keep running no matter what faces them – even in dark or lonely times, GEMs will be a shining beacon for the group that inspires them to never give up.
Lyrics by OSKAR(HIGHBRID), CHILLOVEN(HIGHBRID), SIROO(HIGHBRID), Mediumrarecookies(Cho Changdae), Z4VWM
Composed by OSKAR(HIGHBRID), CHILLOVEN(HIGHBRID), SIROO(HIGHBRID), Mediumrarecookies(Cho Changdae), Z4VWM
Arranged by OSKAR(HIGHBRID), CHILLOVEN(HIGHBRID), SIROO(HIGHBRID), Mediumrarecookies(Cho Changdae), Z4VWM
#MOOD
The title track ‘#MOOD’ is a ‘FUN & DYNAMIC’ HIP HOP DANCE track, all about the confident playfulness of the group. The track features a driving beat and a funky feel woven by intense electric guitar and brass sounds, which comes together with the witty lyrics filled with positive energy written by the group’s leader, Castle J, to create MCND’s own MOOD.
The track showcases MCND’s captivating energy as they lead the way of the Generation MZ lifestyle – sharing and enjoying their #MOOD day by day.
”I don’t care what you said / Whatever you want, just go for your MOOD”
Lyrics by Castle J
Composed by Castle J, Yoon Jong Sung(MonoTree), Inner Child(MonoTree)
Arranged by Yoon Jong Sung(MonoTree)
3. BLOW
This track’s message and lyrics are simple: ‘Blow away your stress and worries, let’s just be ourselves and have a good time!’ It features an energetic Hip-Hop sound that combines a powerful beat and explosive vocals.
Lyrics by Castle J, Lee Na Yoon(Jamfactory), Jang Jung Won(Jamfactory)
Composed by Ludwig Lindell
Arranged all instruments by Ludwig Lindell
- RED SUN
This track follows up ‘ICE AGE’ with a more mature take by MCND, as they fill the song with scorching energy. Showcasing the group’s mischievous side, this track is a Hip-Hop / Trap-inspired dance number with dynamic song structures that make room for each member to shine. Just listening to it will bring to mind how the performance might look like. The song’s message is carried in the title, where the words ‘RED SUN’ become a magic spell that will captivate the listener to MCND’s charms.
Lyrics by OSKAR(HIGHBRID), DINT(HIGHBRID), T-lack(HIGHBRID), SIROO(HIGHBRID)
Composed by OSKAR(HIGHBRID), DINT(HIGHBRID), T-lack(HIGHBRID), SIROO(HIGHBRID)
Arranged by OSKAR(HIGHBRID), DINT(HIGHBRID), T-lack(HIGHBRID), SIROO(HIGHBRID)
- JUICE
This track features a groovy, Hip-Hop-inspired beat that backs up majestic brass and intense synths, conveying a unique energy and mood through the use of various effects. Showcasing the members’ charm with confident, straight-talking lyrics, this track expresses MCND being their truest selves.
Lyrics by Castle J
Composed by Castle J, Han Jae Wook, Kim Won Ok
Arranged by Han Jae Wook
Back to you
‘Back to you’ is a ballad featuring mellow melodies flowing over warm piano lines, expressing a mood of longing. Through heartfelt and lyrical vocals, the members sing about how they long to always be with the ones they love.
The feelings MCND have for GEMs are expressed in the words, “I swear (Gem), If only you let me, I’ll be by your side always”
Lyrics by Castle J, SOOYOON
Composed by Moon Kim, KYUM LYK
Arranged by KYUM LYK