Review: MONSTA X’s Shownu and Hyungwon’s newest album The Unseen is calm yet impactful

MONSTA X members Shownu and Hyungwon just debuted as a two-member subunit. This comes more than eight years after the band’s debut in 2015.

Notably, this is Shownu’s first comeback after completing his military duties in April.

The album, titled The Unseen (2023), has a total of five tracks. In particular, member Hyungwon self-produced the title number, Love Me A Little. The entire album is chic and subtle, which stands in stark contrast to MONSTA X’s powerful and fierce image which we’re usually familiar with.

Title track: Love Me A Little

Love Me A Little (2023) elaborates on the emotions that a person experiences with someone they love. And how their daily lives are being affected by the endless thoughts they have of this very person.

Though the track features slower beats with calmer and sensual vocals, it still manages to pack a pack with its subtle yet powerful choreography. The dark music video, restrained choreography and sophisticated outfits enhance the chicness of the track, highlighting the duo’s unique colour.

Love Therapy

Love Therapy (2023) talks about being a person saved by someone they love. And the strong emotions they have for that person.

If anything, this track is more aligned with MONSTA X’s usual musical style with a heavier, bass-heavy melody. However, Shownu’s and Hyungwon’s light and laid, presumably the highlight of their album, neutralises the melody.

Slow Dance

As for Slow Dance (2023), it tells a story of someone wanting to dance and enjoy time with the person they love. It does its job of sticking to the album’s calmer theme. But the track has a relatively upbeat melody with warm but quiet vocals.

Furthermore, what stands out are the backing sound effects — like those you’ll typically hear when you play Super Mario. To some extent, it added to the uniqueness and catchiness of the track.