t024 RELEASES NEW EP 'TRACE’
BY BRENESSA ROACH | FEBRUARY 7, 2025
Today at 12PM KST, t024 pronounced ‘totwentyfour,’ released their latest EP, TRACE. The Korean R&B duo—comprised of of singer-songwriter Senji and producer Nap!er—crafts music that resonates most deeply between the hours of 2 AM and 4 AM. Their sound blends Alt-Pop and R&B with influences from ‘70s and ‘80s New Wave, Synth Pop, and College Rock.
Beyond t024, Senji has composed NCT DREAM’s “잘 자 (Teddy Bear)”, LUCY’s “Blue Voyage”, and several and a few songs for OnlyOneOf tracks. Nap!er has also worked on multiple OnlyOneOf songs, as well as KB’s “be free”, Xydo’s “ootd (feat coogie),” and Haelil’s “lil time (feat. Audrey Nuna).”
t024 debuted on December 8, 2021, with their EP leftovers, which includes their most-streamed single, “fox”, currently with over 151K plays on Spotify.
Marking their first release of 2025, TRACE includes eight sonically diverse tracks that explores themes of self-discovery, self-reflections, and love. Beyond The Beat had the honour of hearing the EP ahead of its release—here are our honest thoughts:
Track 1: got my attention
“got my attention” is a standout track with its unique fusion of R&B, Synth Pop, and EDM. The song’s production is both infectious and dynamic, perfectly complementing the lyrics, which tell the story of someone who has completely captivated the narrator. The synthesizer used during the line “got my attention” is very ear-catching. Meanwhile, the duo’s vocals provide a calming contrast to the upbeat production, striking the perfect balance between danceable energy and chill, laid-back vibes.
Track 2: make the vibe
“make the vibe” is a standout track on the EP for us, offering a slower, more laid-back sound. Sonically, it evokes the feel of NCT DREAM’s B-side tracks, but with entirely English lyrics. This track gives off a youthful and calming energy, leaning into the Synth Pop genre while incorporating elements from the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Track 3: why
“why” is a track that carries a youthful, pop-driven energy reminiscent ofWestern indie-pop tracks often featured in coming-of-age films. The guitar creates a soft rock influence, blending seamlessly with the song’s pop foundation. This fusion creates a warm, melodic sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshing.
Track 4: it’s because
“it’s because” opens with a beautiful, soft intro, featuring layered, muffled-like vocals. As the track progresses, a steady drum beat kicks in, accompanied by a synth-style piano melody every eight beats and a clean electric guitar, giving it a indie-rock feel. This track is by far our favourite on the EP, as it perfectly blends indie-rock and R&B—similarly to artist like wave to earth and PRYVT who we adore. If you’re a fan of that fusion, this track is a must-listen.
Track 5: cedarwood & tangerine
“cedarwood & tangerine” is a captivating track from, starting with its cute and unique title. This song definitely gives off cozy, comforting vibes while maintaining an uplifting energy due to its soft indie-rock introduction that gradually builds into a more dynamic garage rock style. The piano synth is so dreamy and really enhances the song’s warmth. Both the title and the song evoke imagery of a peaceful cottage setting, making it feel like a perfect escape into nature.
Track 6: reflection of you
“reflection of you” is a beautifully crafted acoustic guitar-driven track that falls within the alt-indie and pop genres. The lyrics are beautiful and deep, making it a song that many listeners will likely connect with on a personal level. As the calmest and softest track on the EP, it is another stand-out track for us. Its gentle melody and heartfelt storytelling make it a truly special moment on the project.
Track 7: complete me
“complete me” has an intro that is instantly captivating with its rich synth, heavy bass and electronic vocal effects. As the song builds, the duo’s soft, melancholic vocals create a beautifully immersive contrast, blending seamlessly with the production. This track is definitely our second favourite song on the EP, as it feels like the perfect fusion of Glass Animals, Joji, and Coldplay—who we really like. The orchestral string section at the end gives us chills, making for a stunning and unforgettable conclusion.
Track 8: bridging time zones
“bridging time zones” is another track that caught our attention with its unique title, sparking curiosity about its sound and meaning. The song features an organ-style piano melody layered with a distorted yet clear, radio-style vocal effect, creating an intriguing sonic atmosphere. While the experimental production stands out from the more cohesive flow of the EP, it highlights t024’s versatility and willingness to push creative boundaries. Though the distorted vocal style isn’t necessarily our personal preference, we appreciate how t024 effortlessly explores different genres and makes each sound uniquely their own.
Overall, TRACE is a beautifully crafted EP, showcasing t024’s versatility and unique sound. We’re grateful to have had the opportunity to support them with this release and can’t wait to see what they create next.
Check out t024 on socials:
Listen to t024’s EP TRACE:
Got an artist or song submission? Visit our Submit Music page.