EVAN takes his first solo steps with Ride or Die
Since earlier this year, Kpop fans, and especially ENGENEs, have been shocked by Heeseung’s decision to depart from ENHYPEN and follow his own musical vision. That announcement sparked plenty of speculation and mixed reactions, but in the end with, perhaps only, the curiosity of what comes next.
It is, of course, only natural that a first solo release after such a major career change invites comparisons and comes with high expectations. RIDE OR DIE, if nothing else, feels more like an attempt to introduce EVAN on his own terms. Like the beginning of an artist finding his own voice.
The title track, RIDE OR DIE, is definitely a pop song. And not only that. Even from the first listen of the track, there was something familiar. It reminded me of the pop music of the late '90s and early 2010s, while the synths and electric guitar add rock flavour. At the same time, it comes across as interesting and fresh. In my opinion, it is a combination that suits the song well and makes it easy to imagine the song playing during a late-night drive.
However, there is one other thing that stands out. That is the vocal production. The heavy use of autotune is likely to divide listeners. At times it complements the hazy, almost nostalgic atmosphere the song is aiming for, but there are moments where it softens the individuality of EVAN's voice a little too much, making it overly polished. Considering how strong a vocalist he is, it's only natural to wonder how parts of the track might have resonated better with a lighter touch.
At just over two minutes, RIDE OR DIE should fly by. Instead, it feels longer than it is, mostly because it stays in the same style for most of its runtime. By the time it ends, it feels like there's still one more chapter missing.
The music video adds an extra layer to the experience. While its story is open to interpretation, it's hard not to connect it to EVAN's recent journey. Scenes of him becoming invisible, standing alone while those around him move on, and returning repeatedly to an old car that keeps reappearing throughout the video, can easily be read as symbols of uncertainty, change, and the search for direction. Whether the car represents his music, his career, or simply the road ahead is left for viewers to decide. Even the crash can be interpreted as a turning point rather than an ending.
If RIDE OR DIE introduces a new direction, the b-side OVERFLOW reveals yet another side.
Rather than a traditional ballad, the song builds its emotional depth slowly but steadily. Its minimalistic production allows both the melody and the lyrics to take the centre stage, creating a quiet tension that continues to grow from beginning to end. It doesn’t rely on big vocal moments or dramatic instrumentation, but purely on EVAN’s voice, leaving a surprisingly lasting impression. There's a sincerity to OVERFLOW that feels effortless, making it one of the strongest moments on the single despite its understated approach. The same vibe reflects in the MV. Minimal setting, black and white, focusing on the artist and his expressive performance.
After more than three months of public discussion surrounding his departure, EVAN could have easily gone for something louder or more shocking in an attempt to separate himself completely from ENHYPEN. Instead, he delivers a project that feels like a a carefully considered personal narrative. There are still traces of the style listeners may associate with his previous work, particularly in the cinematic production and visual storytelling, but there are also clear signs of an artist beginning to shape his own identity. If anything, RIDE OR DIE feels like what it actually is. Just the first step.
In recent interviews, EVAN has spoken about wanting listeners to understand the kind of artist he hopes to become, describing these songs as the closest reflection of the music he wants to continue making. That intention comes across clearly throughout the single. While the release doesn't answer every question surrounding his artistic direction, it doesn't necessarily need to. A debut isn't meant to provide every answer from the get-go. It simply needs to make people curious about what comes next.
As a starting point, RIDE OR DIE succeeds. It may not be a fully realised project just yet, and there is certainly room for EVAN's sound to evolve, but that's precisely what makes this debut compelling.
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