Astro is back with its first album of the year after a 14-month break -- and it couldn’t be happier.

“Since we had a long hiatus for over a year, our new album really means something to us. We tried to fill every song with our efforts and we are very excited about it,” said MJ during the group’s media showcase for the album in Seoul on Wednesday.

The record is the act’s first full-length album and marks its first promotional activity since “Crazy Sexy Cool.” It is fronted by the lead track “All Night,” a song about a man who hopes to talk with his love interest over the phone all night.

Leaning toward groovy synth pop with a powerful chorus, the track shows a new side of the group, as it highlights a mature image compared to the act’s previous ebullient and youthful vibe.

“All Night” was produced by LDN Noise -- the British production duo that has crafted hits for the likes of SHINee, EXO and Red Velvet.

The music video for the song features the six bandmates as angelic gardeners taking care of flowers -- symbolizing love and hope -- in a fantastical garden full of light.

The 10-track album, spanning various genres like ballad, electronic pop and dance, also features songs “Bloom,” “Moonwalk,” “Treasure,” “1 in a Million,” “Role Play” and “Love Wheel.” JinJin and MJ lent a hand in crafting “Bloom.”

Asked what the group has learned during its break from the K-pop scene, Moonbin said, “I think we’ve learned how to work better as a team, such as paying more attention to details and finishing recording in a shorter period. We also focused on our individual growth.”




Cha Eun-woo, who has been juggling acting and music, expressed his excitement at being able to promote himself as a singer again.

“I am so ready to run with full force. I’d like to let people know more about our group, such as how good our teamwork is and how funny we are,” Cha said.

Since kicking off its career under Fantagio Corp. in 2016 with the single “Hide and Seek,” Astro has become one of the most prominent boy bands in the industry, with a sizable international following.

The band was mostly inactive last year, except for the release of the special single “Always You” and overseas promotions.

“Since this year is 2019, we hope our new song can enter the top 19 on local music charts. We also hope to promote a more elegant image of Astro to the public with the new album,” Rocky said.

By Hong Dam-young (lotus@heraldcorp.com)