Tiffany Stanley 

This year has been nothing short of incredible for Vanner. After their debut in 2019, Vanner really struggled to gain momentum and garner attention. Even with their skills and talent, their company didn’t have enough money to promote them and gain favor for the group. This was especially hard after the COVID pandemic. With a loss of staff and money, Vanner took it upon themselves to work part-time jobs to support the group. Taehwan (leader) especially had the most jobs as he took it upon himself to be their manager, make-up artist, and managing the fancafe. Despite their efforts, the members were eventually met with the possibility of the group’s disbandment. However, they decided to take one more shot and audition for the hit survival show, Peak Time. After winning, they would win a large amount of money, funding for a comeback, and a tour. It was here, Vanner captured the hearts of many fans and would go on to win the program. Peak Time was a sign of a new beginning and many dreams to come true for them. This is what is prevalent in their first mini album, ‘VENI VIDI VICI.’​

“I came, I saw, I conquered,” is the overarching message on the album that spans 6 tracks. Every song on the album has a different side of Vanner. ‘VENI VIDI VICI’ opens strongly with the title track, ‘Performer.’ They definitely blow your expectations out of the water from the get-go. ‘Performer’ proclaims they are our performers and are here to bring the house down. It’s a fun, bubbly track with a crazy dance break perfect for the summer heat. Then there’s songs like ‘Diamonds’ and ‘TBH’ that are as catchy as they are groovy. They definitely showcase their vocals (performed by their vocal powerhouses Hyesung, Yeonggwang, and Taehwan) on these tracks and really get you singing along. ‘Want U Back’ is the sexy, stunner song of the album. Composed by Monsta X’s own, Hyungwon, it definitely has that sex appeal. It’s a song that is really owned by Vanner’s rap line, Gon and Sungkook. You feel hooked by their smooth raps and flow. ‘VENI VIDI VICI’ closes out fittingly with a ballad dedicated to the fans, ‘Savior,’ and then a 2023 rework of their hit song ‘Form.’ These songs really showcase how far they have come and where they have yet to go.

‘VENI VIDI VICI’ is a testament to not only Vanner’s talent but their willpower as well. After years of struggling to stay afloat, Vanner has finally found a place. This album showcases what has made them stay together through it all. Not only do their vocals, raps, and other skills mesh well together but the love they have endlessly received from fans made them push through it all. And now they have come out victorious and ready to dominate. ‘VENI VIDI VICI’ really is the album to celebrate this year. 

What is your favorite song off of ‘VENI VIDI VICI’?

Priyanka Jaisinghani

Tiffany Stanley

n.SSign has already had an eventful career despite just debuting on August 9th. Firstly was their win on the survival show, Stars Awakening where they were supposed to be a project group. From the get-go the boys of n.SSign showcased their strong vocal abilities and strong charisma. On their pre-debut mini album, ‘Salty’ (and later the repackage ‘Monologue’), n.SSign had shown to their world their lighthearted sound and how well they work well together. It was so good that on July 1, 2023 their company, n.CH Entertainment, decided to make them a permanent group and announced their official debut with their mini-album ‘BIRTH OF COSMO.’​

‘BIRTH OF COSMO’ spans 5 tracks with each of them showing a different sound than the last but they all give the audience a feel for what makes n.SSign so special. The album’s opener, “Higher,” promises to take you to a new planet and does just that. The guys reveal some theatrical vocals that build to a euphoric chorus. This builds into the title track “Wormhole” where they present a noisy instrumental that fits nicely behind their raps. This sound is something unheard of from them and they definitely pull it off. n.SSign shows they can embody any concept or sound they are given. While they take themselves seriously on the openers, there’s songs like “SPICE” and “Melody” that have the n.SSign boys having fun. The catchy choruses and bubbly instrumentals give the audience a chance to let go and have fun. All this ties nicely together into the closer “Home.” This is an emotional ballad that gives the boys a chance to display their softer, emotional side. It gives a chance for the group and their fans to look forward to their future together. 

n.SSign’s debut proved they can make any song their own. Their beautiful vocals mesh well together to create perfect harmonies that transport you into another world. Their powerful raps give intensity that builds up into the passionate choruses. n.SSign are a force to be reckoned with and and ‘BIRTH OF COSMO’ shows that their future together is vast and will only grow brighter. 

What’s your favorite song on ‘BIRTH OF COSMO’?