ONE OR EIGHT have released their debut EP EN-GÏNE, alongside a music video for its lead track, 'TRANSLATE'.
Released on 16 September, the six-track project brings together 'V8', 'YANKEE SQUAT', 'TRANSLATE', 'I<3 IT', 'MONSTER', and 'INVINCIBLE'. The hip-hop EP centres on ideas of movement, identity, and connecting across borders and languages.
Lead track 'TRANSLATE' moves between English and Japanese, anchored by the phrase “No need to translate”. Sonically, the track pairs rage-inspired production with distorted 808s, expansive synths, and playful electronic textures.
Its accompanying music video takes ONE OR EIGHT to Vietnam. Directed by Phuong Vu and produced by ANTIANTIART, the visual imagines a Japanese yōkai escaping to Vietnam, with the group stepping into the roles of agents tasked with tracking it down.
Set against a retro-futuristic world inspired by ‘90s spy films, the video brings together Japanese folklore and Vietnamese streets, extending the track’s cross-cultural theme into its visuals. Choreography for the music video was created by Akanen.
Speaking about the EP, member SOUMA shared that the project “fully captures what makes ONE OR EIGHT unique” while reimagining Japanese culture through the group’s perspective.
He added that 'TRANSLATE' reflects their desire to “connect with people around the world through our music and performances, breaking through the barriers of language and culture.”
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