Epik High
“We’ve Done Something Wonderful”
Genie Music

The thing to remember with hip-hop trio Epik High is that its music is not a “put your hands up” kind of party soundtrack. It’s an invitation to the group’s deepest and darkest thoughts, demolishing the wall between listeners and the introspective hip-hop band: a true musical connection.

Walking the line between vulnerability and defiance, Epik High’s latest and ninth full-length album, “We’ve Done Something Wonderful,” once again unleashes the most soulful sides of the rappers.

Opener “People Scare Me” sounds like the brainchild of Tablo, the creative force behind Epik High. While many years have passed since he was attacked by detractors who alleged he had forged his graduation certificate from Stanford University -- police later confirmed Tablo’s graduation from the prestigious school -- Tablo spits out lines “People scare me the most,” “I’m face-to-face with the devil” and “be with me God” in a reminder of the incident that tore up his life and which still influences his music.

Of course, as with the group’s previous “Love Love Love” and “Paris,” Epik High can thrill with its signature emotional slow tempo hip-hop tracks. “Love Story,” packed with the bittersweet emotions of a bygone romance with the support of IU’s mellow voice, and “Home Is Far Way,” featuring Oh Hyuk, will allow listeners a break from their daily struggles.

The real standout though is “No Thank You,” a jaw-dropping collaboration with Song Min-ho of Winner, Simon Dominic and the Quiett. The track is hard-core, awash with swear words that earn it an R rating. But it’s also the quintessential Epik High track -- not conforming to social norms and brushing off its longtime haters. While all the rappers rock, Simon Dominic’s fast-and-furious rapping may give you the goosebumps.

Considering the artists have entered a new chapter in life -- raising children and taking care of family -- it’s understandable that it has taken Epik High three years to return, and that the album sounds more toned down than before. But as Tablo emphasized from the first track, Epik High did something wonderful despite what it has been through.

(lotus@heraldcorp.com)