“FIRST IMPACT” is Kep1er’s first-ever release as a group. Their debut EP came out January 3, 2022. It has six tracks, with three new songs, and three re-recorded ones from Girls’ Planet 999.
“See The Light” is a perfect introduction song to the group. It’s so far the only song where they reference their group name. It’s a great pop track that’s an easy listen, and I think the line distribution is pretty fair too. I think it has more of a purpose for the album as a whole.
As other artists do with interlude tracks, it adds a deeper sense of creativity and passion to the album, by making it more of a piece of art that you would want to intentionally sit down and listen to it. But it does have enough substance to stand on its own. They’ve only ever done this one other time, the other being “Last Carnival” from their first full album “Kep1going On”. Although I do skip this track often, it’s a great track that serves as a perfect introduction for their concerts.
2. WA DA DA
“WA DA DA” is the title track of the album, starting off their career strong. With the outer space theme, the song plays a bit with the idea of “taking off” and feeling excited about starting something new. I don’t think the title has any significant meaning. Like “LIKE OOH AH” by TWICE, and “LATATA” by (G)I-DLE, it’s a classic bop with an onomatopoeia title.
The music video really sets the stage for their space theme the group continues to shine with. I believe in the hook of the chorus is making a reference to their song “O.O.O. (Over&Over&Over)” from Girls’ Planet 999, when they make the “O” symbol with their hands.
The way the camera moves as the girls seamlessly disappear and reappear is such good cinematography. I think the outfits, the aesthetic, and the plot are all so cool. The main outfits are preppy and edgy. There’s a lot of neutral colors and plaids, with some yellow and red touches.
This is the start of Huening Bahiyyih’s signature blonde hair, which I love. This still holds up as one of Kep1er’s best music videos. Many people have argued the group’s videos are more like performance videos, as there’s a lot of shots of the choreography and not that much plot or story. Regardless, I think the quality is top notch here.
3. MVSK
“MVSK” is one of the most beloved b-side tracks among Kep1ians. Pronounced “Mask”, it follows that quirk the group has by spelling the song titles differently. It’s really catchy, with more of a house and disco vibe. It has an anti-drop chorus, where the beat leads up to the chorus but it falls flat unexpectedly. It’s very musical in the way that they play with harmonies in the chorus.
The remaining three songs are not unique to Kep1er, but are from its parent show, “Girls’ Planet 999”. This was a k-pop survival show of 99 girls competing to the end to get a chance to debut. Across 12 episodes from August to October, the girls competed weekly in competitions on their singing and dancing. All the while a series of coaches and viewers across the world voted on which trainees they wanted to see make it to the end. The show had some group songs sprinkled throughout that all girls had to perform. Kep1er’s versions of these songs serve as the “final” version, continuing its legacy.
“Shine!” is a very cute song performed by the top 18 finalists in the Girls’ Planet 999 finale. A bit happier and more upbeat than O.O.O., it’s very poppy with a lot of good musicality. I think an emotional or powerful prechorus can make or break a song, and this prechorus definitely does that.
5. Another Dream (Kep1er Version)
Another Dream was a song performed in the final episode of Girls’ Planet 999. Also sung by the top 18 finalists, this is a slow emotional song. It’s about always being together with your friends no matter the distance. Whether you’re together or apart, you’ll always see each other in another dream. I do skip this song often but it’s perfect for when you’re in a sappy mood.
6. O.O.O. (Over&Over&Over) (Kep1er Version)
“O.O.O. (Over&Over&Over)” is the theme song for Girls’ Planet 999. It initially was performed by all 99 contestants in one group performance, followed by three separate performances of 33 members for each of the K, C, and J groups. The song was used as one of the last missions, where the 26 contestants split into three teams and performed it once more. This song serves as the debut version that Kep1er continues to perform.
It’s such a cute song. It has an emotional tinge to it that always brings me back to 2021. It’s about connecting with your dreams as well as your friends. You and your friends have the same dream but you can’t quite reach them or your dreams yet; it’s about trying “over and over and over” again. The show was filmed about a year and a half after the pandemic began, when people were feeling quite distant. I think the theme here has some undertones related to the isolation at the time
Although beautiful choreography, the song was originally performed and choreographed with all 99 contestants in mind. It’s the same for all, each girl staying by their mark and not moving across the stage. Everyone sang in unison except for 2-3 adlibs by select contestants. That’s why in Kep1er’s version, the song is split up so unusually, with Chaehyun singing the entire first verse; at nearly 30 seconds in row. Whoever is singing will move to the center, but besides that, the choreography is identital. I do love that Bahiyyih got to sing the first prechorus. From the beginning of the group, her lines were minimal and she took a backseat. Only as of the past year or two has she gotten more singing time.
All in all, “FIRST IMPACT” is a great first mini-album by Kep1er. It’s the perfect transition from the reality show to their existence as a group, transitioning away from their days on Girls’ Planet 999. Although it might be my most-skipped album, I still love what it has to offer.
More on Kep1er:
Girls’ Planet 999 Review
Kep1going On – Album Review
TIPI-TAP – Album Review