Virtual boy group PLAVE is gearing up for a comeback with their fifth mini-album.
The K-pop sensation will drop their latest offering, HYPERDRIVE, on digital platforms at 6:00 p.m. (KST) on Monday. This marks their return to the music scene after a six-month hiatus following their fourth mini-album release in April. Fans can get their hands on the physical album starting from Tuesday.
The title track, “Star Trace,” which was teased during their recent world tour, represents PLAVE’s first foray into Electronic Dance Music (EDM)-infused dance pop. The song’s layered synths and pulsating beats create an expansive sonic landscape, while its lyrics explore cosmic love and devotion, symbolizing the deep connection between PLAVE and their fanbase.
The mini-album boasts a diverse tracklist, including the bossa nova-inspired “GGUN,” the rock anthem “Sweet Rain,” the uplifting pop number “The Answer Is Yes,” and “Rewind” – their first collaboration with an external songwriter. Industry buzz is building around “Rewind,” which features contributions from chart-topping producer Kenji.
PLAVE, who burst onto the scene as a virtual group in March 2023, has been steadily climbing the ranks with hits like “Wait for you,” “Why?,” “The 6th Summer,” and “Hide and Seek.” The group’s meteoric rise was evident when they sold out Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome last November. Now, barely ten months later, they’re set to conquer the larger Incheon Munhak Stadium, showcasing their rapidly growing popularity and ambitious trajectory in the K-pop landscape.