Release Date : February 17, 2018
TRACKLIST:
- 후유증 (Aftereffects) / Falling Blossoms
Total Runtime : 00:04:10
Recommended for : People who are interested in ballads, those who enjoyed Heechul and Kyunghoon’s previous release, 나비잠 (Sweet Dream)
NOT recommended for : Those who dislike ballads or have a general distaste for slower, more powerful songs
After their 2016 chart-topping single “나비잠” (Sweet Dream), Heechul and Kyunghoon are back as a duo (dubbed “Space Coward”) for yet another single release. This time around the two have come together for a track titled “후유증” (Aftereffects), or referred to as “Falling Blossoms” in English.
The song starts off with light guitar strings and a soft piano melody while it slowly builds into the impending verses. Heechul and Kyunghoon’s vocals take centre stage as their strong harmonies and impactful vocal runs give this track just the right amount of power that is needed to captivate the listener.
As the chorus hits I’m able to be fully encompassed with the sheer amount of emotion filled throughout, and the vocals are able to keep me on the edge of my seat whilst waiting for the buildup. The chorus of the song is easily memorable with the phrase “Oh goodbye, long goodbye” repeatedly lingering in the back of my head after listening to the song.
After a short instrumental break near the 2:48 mark, we are then met with the climax. Heartfelt, enthralling, and stunningly executed, this climax is clearly the focal point of the song and is really where Heechul and Kyunghoon are able to shine. Finally, the intense and immensely passionate vocals served by the duo continue on until Heechul’s final words at the end of the track.
This release is everything I expected from the duo, and more. I absolutely love the impassioned vocals displayed, and I have an even greater appreciation for Heechul and Kyunghoon’s singing after I was able to watch them perform this song live on Knowing Bros. However, if I had to nitpick one thing for improvement it would be the instrumental. While beautiful, it isn’t very experimental and can feel quite bare when listened to without the vocals. I would love to see Heechul and Kyunghoon tackle something a bit more unique in terms of instrumentals even if they don’t stray away from ballads. With that being said though, I am more than pleased with this track and I sincerely hope to see more from the duo in the future!
