Sandeul - 'One Fine Day' EP Review

Returning with his first EP since 2016 is Sandeul, a member of the K-Pop group B1A4. Titled One Fine Day, it’s a smooth, versatile offering that showcases the immense talent the 27-year-old has, and it's a release set to firmly establish him as a more than capable solo artist.

Starting the EP is the titular track “One Fine Day,” a cozy, warm ballad full of comforting melodies and sleek vocals. The soft string section and simplistic piano notes allow for the strong vocal performance to shine through, and the euphoric ending ensures that the song earns its stripes and more. All in all, it’s a bold opener that leaves nothing behind and sets the benchmark for the release at the highest level.

It’s a standard easily met by the acoustically-driven “This Love,” though, as the melancholic guitar riffs and bittersweet lyrics help aid the somber, soft vocals to build a layered, reflective track. Unlike the preceding offering, there’s no euphoric climax, but rather minimal shifts in tone, allowing for the meaning—waiting for a lover although the love has ended—to translate through to the listener much more smoothly. It’s a cleverly written number that oozes emotion, and shows the versatility of the B1A4 member.

The jazzy, minimalistic track “Oblique Line” follows with a sublime demonstration of masterful melodies, vocal range, and vibrancy. Everything from the raw, nostalgic vocals to the short, clever rapping hits with tremendous accuracy and shows off a new colour that Sandeul hadn’t utilised thus far. It’s a delicately perfect offering, and one that is a highlight of the release.

“Raindrop” returns to the ballad side of things, and delivers a poignant, beautiful song packed full of punch. The piano and strings remain secondary to the powerful, unwavering vocals, and everything stays tight and compact so that the eventual climax is so much stronger. “Raindrop” is an uncompromising offering, and something that shines a light on just how talented the 27-year-old is. It feels like potential being met, and a sign of what could come if Sandeul is given the space to shine.

Penultimately comes “Love, Always You,” a ballad with bandmate Gongchan. It’s more upbeat than the preceding tracks, but still retains the emotional gravitas needed for something of this ilk. The subtle instrumentation forefronts the vocals perfectly, and this natural, comfortable collaboration is perfect in layering the overall strength of the song. These are two men at their apex, and it’s clear that neither plan on slowing down anytime soon.

And to finish is the smooth R&B offering “I’m Fine.” It’s a relaxing, healing song that completes the record with finesse and style. A track that’s very much subtle in its beats and melodies, it’s something that feels like the perfect closer, and it contrasts perfectly with the powerful ballad opener, creating a diverse bookend for an EP that is full of differing colours. Lyrically tight, it’s another success in an offering full of triumphs, and is something that hammers home just how good One Fine Day is.

To conclude, this is a bold, star-making EP that is full of flawlessness. From the well-crafted lyricism to even the most subtle of melodies, everything serves a well thought-out purpose. And, thanks to the perfected, polished vocals, everything has so much more weight and vehemence to it, making this the perfect release for those who want a calm, soothing transition from Spring to Summer.

EP Rating - 9.5/10