"Our Identity Is 'ODYSSEY'"... RIIZE's Non-stop Growth Story Unveiled (Showcase)

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"With this one album, you can fully explain RIIZE." (Wonbin)

Comprising six members who can grow (Rise) together and realize (Realize) their dreams, they have completed preparations to leap higher and embark on a new journey.

RIIZE is making their comeback with their first full-length album, a new release 11 months after their first mini-album, 'Rising,' which was released in June last year. Their musicality has become more diverse, and their stage presence has deepened.

The album chronicles RIIZE's non-stop growth story. It challenges various genres including R&B, hip-hop, dance, and ballad. The lyrics encapsulate the myriad emotions felt by the members, further expanding their unique 'Emotional Pop' genre.

"'While preparing this album, I gained the courage to run towards my dreams. RIIZE's identity is precisely 'ODYSSEY'." (Anton)

RIIZE held a media showcase for their first full album, 'ODYSSEY,' at the Blue Square SOL Travel Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the 19th.

The new album features a total of 10 tracks: The title track "Fly Up," "ODYSSEY," "Bag Bad Back," "Ember to Solar," "Show Me Love," "Passage," "Midnight Mirage," "The End of the Day," "Inside My Love," and "Another Life."

This album further solidifies RIIZE's identity. It serves as an extension of their activity base, "Real Time Odyssey," and the lyrics artfully blend the various emotions experienced by the members.

Wonbin stated, "If someone were to ask about RIIZE, I could explain it with just this one album." Sohee also elaborated, "This album contains RIIZE's growth trajectory and story. You can clearly feel it throughout all the tracks."

The album encapsulates both the outward declaration towards growth and the underlying inward reflection. The tracks are thoughtfully arranged in order, allowing listeners to become further immersed in RIIZE's growth story.

RIIZE premiered the performance of their title track, "Fly Up," on this day. The song is a rock-and-roll style dance track, notable for the combination of an energetic rhythm and a grand, expansive choir. The members' captivating harmonies are added to the sophisticated melody.

All the members expressed satisfaction. Eunseok described it as "exciting music that makes your body move. It makes you dance involuntarily." Wonbin also expressed confidence, saying, "As soon as I heard it, I thought, 'Wow, this is it!' Everything from the melody to the choreography is truly excellent."

The performance style is akin to a musical. In particular, the pose of spreading both arms as if flying towards the sky was a noticeable highlight. Sungchan explained, "It's a stage that is enjoyable to watch, with plenty of visuals. Each member has a 'killing point' in their movements."

They have expanded their unique genre, 'Emotional Pop,' with the members' honest emotions fully reflected in the lyrics. Sohee emphasized, "The lyrics contain a message for everyone, regardless of age, nationality, or gender, to unite and soar together."

A special instrumental track for their fandom, BRIIZE, was also included. The b-side track, "Passage," encapsulates RIIZE's growth story. The 39-second track features an impressive orchestral arrangement utilizing the tremolo technique.

Member Anton's father, Yoon Sang, participated in the composition of the song. Anton introduced it by saying, "Since the new album has a diverse range of musical genres, we needed a song that could connect them in the middle. 'Passage' serves as an interlude that sets the mood."

The preceding tracks (1-5) represent the outward call for growth, while the latter tracks (7-10) depict the narrative of inward reflection. RIIZE strategically placed "Passage" at track number 6, in the middle section, to provide a change of pace.

Sweet fan songs were also prepared, including "The End of the Day" and "Inside My Love," totaling two tracks. The members took on the ballad genre for the first time with "The End of the Day."

Sohee smiled and said, "I wanted to convey my gratitude (to BRIIZE) through the fan songs. I hope our fans will always be with RIIZE from the beginning to the end."

RIIZE has now reached their second anniversary. The members stated, "(Compared to before) we have become more honest with our emotions. We feel that we have improved in various aspects, including stage presence, ments (speeches), and skills."

They focused on growth rather than chart performance. Sohee smiled and said, "The process of preparing was difficult because the genres were so diverse," but added, "(Thanks to that) we were able to grow. I feel like we have become a better RIIZE."

Their goal for this activity is to hold a place in the listeners' memories. Anton expressed his hope that, "When you look back on 2025 at the end of the year, 'ODYSSEY' is the first thing that comes to mind."

Meanwhile, RIIZE's 'ODYSSEY' was released on various music streaming sites at 6 PM on the 19th.