Singer-songwriter Yangpa announced his musical return with his sixth full-length album Part.1 'Homecoming,' released after 18 years. Released on the 2nd, this album carries the message of returning to the essence of music and reconnecting with fans ahead of his 28th debut anniversary. Yangpa, who participated in writing and composing all tracks, redefined his musical world with accumulated musical expertise and upgraded sound.

The title track "Folds of Time" is an oriental ballad that modernizes Yangpa's signature traditional ballad style. The restrained emotional expression and delicate breathing highlight the beauty of emptiness, calmly depicting the traces left by relationships and emotions over time. Critics described this song as having "a sound and lyrics with a depth that transcends time."

The included track "Seoul (Acoustic Ver.)" expresses emotions where the loneliness and warmth of the city coexist, harmonizing orchestra and piano. "5:55" delivers comfort to youth by reflecting the inner self oscillating between reality and ideals through an experimental sound that crosses rock, jazz, and electronic genres. "Beautiful Boy (Not My Fault)" captures the emotions of a boy breaking taboos over a folk-based dreamy sound, leaving a deep impression with a shoegazing progression in the latter half.

"Homecoming," a duet featuring Hong Kong R&B diva Janice Vidal, encapsulates the album's sentiment. Yangpa translated Janice Vidal's real experience of reuniting with her Korean mother into lyrics, and the two artists completed a message of forgiveness and reconciliation in different languages. This song goes beyond a simple duet, conveying the trembling and warm embrace of facing a long-standing relationship again.

"Heart Beat Away (2023 Ver.)" is a remake and English adaptation of Yangpa's debut song "Young Lover's Love" after 28 years. It overlays a dream pop R&B sound on the original fresh emotion, and the sound connecting past and present smoothly along with Yangpa's vocals creates a resonance that transcends generations. This song holds special meaning for Yangpa's longtime fans.

The multilayered sound, involving producers Gureum, Urban Zakapa's Kwon Soonil, James Son, and Hong Kong maestro Alex Fung, stimulates emotions in harmony with the early winter season. The organic production by domestic and international collaborators has been praised as "a completion of sound beyond borders."

Comments on SNS and music streaming sites continue with responses such as "My memories from school days," "I've waited so long. Thank you for coming back," "From girl to queen," and "Yangpa's voice changes the winter air." Regarding Yangpa's musical resilience and sincerity shown through 'Homecoming,' critics added, "The power of a 28-year singer-songwriter."

Yangpa will hold the nationwide tour 'Homecoming,' starting with a concert in Seoul on the 8th. This tour is a project meticulously completed from the planning stage to stage production with Yangpa's direct involvement. The setlist covers his 28-year musical journey, encompassing timeless hits and new songs from the sixth full-length album. It promises to be a performance deeply imbued with early winter emotions.

Meanwhile, the music video for the title track "Folds of Time," featuring actor Yoo Tae-oh, who was nominated at multiple international film festivals for the movie 'Past Lives,' will be released later.

[Source=Provided by Milk & Honey]