Client: Dazed
But, a second Manifesto instalment wasn’t to be: “This is the start of our Blood series,” they announced in their recent press conference, and Dark Blood indeed circles back to the vampiric cues of their debut. In the hands of renowned advert director, Yu Kwang Goeng, their concept film is cinematic and adventurous, replete with fights, betrayal and loss.
Jungwon understands the expectation around a new Manifesto, they’re known for serialising their records, after all, but sees no conundrum in breaking the pattern. “‘Manifesto : Day 1’ was an album that incorporated the stories we wanted to tell at that time,” he reasons. “And this album contains the emotions we felt after the tour and the gratitude we felt towards our Engenes. But there’s also a lot of fantasy-like elements, so I think fans will consider elements of the album, such as the lyrics, to be more fun and dynamic.”
The new single, “Bite Me” (produced by Jason Evigan and Cirkut, the latter who produced Sam Smith’s “Unholy”), charts a destined love that’s bound by blood and almost destroyed by arrogance. It marks Ni-ki’s first major contribution to their choreography.
Taylor Glasby 