The latest K-R&B and hip-hop sensations in the making, NOMAD is bringing an appealing freshness to the genres. NOMAD, an acronym for “Need Our Microphones And Dances,” consists of five multi-talented members, DOY, SANGHA, ONE, RIVR, and JUNHO. Through their talents, they aim to enjoy music, dancing, and being on stage freely.
Their new self-titled debut EP, NOMAD, introduces them to the masses, mixing modern, 90s, and early 2000s R&B and hip-hop to convey personal stories about love, future aspirations, and concerns. They worked with notable global producers to prepare this project, including DK, known for his work with K-Pop acts like EXO and NCT, and Cha Cha Malone, best recognized for his songs with Jay Park. Additionally, they worked with Jayrah Gibson, who has credits on tracks with acts including Usher, BTS, and DEAN, and Damon Sharpe, who has collaborated with Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, and Pitbull. Impressively, leader DOY played a major role in this project, writing and co-producing every song and choreographing a dance routine for “California love.”
The EP has two title tracks, starting strong with “No pressure.” This lively R&B song seamlessly incorporates hip-hop with smooth melodies to tell NOMAD’s story. “No pressure” touches on how the group felt during their pre-debut days, emphasizing their desire to persevere through hardships and attain great success.
A representation of their hopes becoming reality, the “No pressure” music video depicts the group basking in their accomplishments, performing for screaming fans, and living out their dreams.
Ruminating with smooth acoustic guitar and drums, NOMAD describes new love on their second title track, “California love.” The light instrumentation underneath melodic rap and strong vocals creates an easy listening experience, immersing listeners in the sweet, lovestruck lyrics.
Allowing each member to flaunt their sensational vocal abilities, “Oasis” takes enticing pop sounds and fuses them with futuristic production that incorporates aspects of electronic dance music. As a sign of gratitude, NOMAD confesses their appreciation for someone who uplifted them through difficult times.
Upon first listening, this next song has all the ingredients of an automatic hit, including an infectious chorus, multifaceted production, and enticing lyrics. Produced by Cha Cha Malone and DOY, the breezy R&B-pop track, “Automatic,” details a magnetic attraction that is unexplainable yet palpable.
A contemporary R&B song, “Let me love you” is filled with immaculate production, sincere lyrics, and passionate vocals from the NOMAD members. The members lay out all their cards, hoping to convince prospective lovers to accept their affection. Each member sounds phenomenal, especially JUNHO who utilizes his higher register and incorporates lovely falsetto notes in the pre-choruses.
In a singular track, NOMAD proves their impeccable ability to reinvent a classic sample and pay homage to artists who came before them. Their first pre-debut release was the early 2000s-influenced R&B song, “Lights on,” which received praise on social media for its innovative flip on the beat from Aaliyah’s “More Than A Woman,” which originally sampled Mayada El Hennawy’s “Alouli Ansa.” Even with its recognizable sample, NOMAD created a trendy song that uniquely showcases their confidence in maneuvering fame.
Their tenacity is not only present in the song but also in the performance video for “Lights on.” The members displayed their impressive synchronicity through powerful hip-hop choreography.
The EP’s stunning R&B finale, “Eye 2 eye,” captures the exhilarating feeling of profound, long-lasting love through beautiful melodies, soft beats, and sultry lyrics. The members become vulnerable when confessing their undying love for someone and expressing the intimacy of eye contact. “I will love your life forever / If you need my love, I’ll give you better / I’ll run to you wherever you are / So I need you to see me eye to eye,” NOMAD sings.
NOMAD performed many of their EP’s songs and met fans for the first time during their recent debut showcase, “NOMAD IS HERE,” held at Seongam Art Hall in Seoul. They exhibited precise dance skills during vibrant performances of title tracks “No pressure” and “California love” while making their voices the focal point during brilliant performances of “Oasis” and “Let me love you.” Also, viewers heard a short live acoustic rendition of “Eye 2 eye” during a question and answer segment. In addition to premiering live performances, NOMAD revealed their official fandom name, BASE. JUNHO revealed they chose this fandom name because they see their fans as a basecamp, a space of healing.
NOMAD has a seamless knack for crafting ear-catching R&B and hip-hop songs and bringing them to life through dance and live stages. Although they are only beginning their journey, NOMAD’s cohesive self-titled EP captures their confident essence as a collective and an impressive ability to highlight their individuality amongst an effortless blend of rap and vocals.