Review: on 'Still', N.Flying prove there are still embers in K-pop rock — and that Lee Seung Hyub is the band's engine

In a market ruled by razor-sharp choreography and assembly-line producers, N.Flying remain a healthy anomaly: a real band, with guitar, bass and drums. 'Still', their ninth mini-album, released Thursday (Oct. 8), doubles down on that identity. It has seven tracks, all written and composed by Lee Seung Hyub (Yoo Hwe Seung shares credit on 'Wake Up'), built around what remains as time passes — an inevitable question for a group with more than a decade on the road.

The title track is the center of gravity. Born from a real conversation among the members, 'Still' leans on a heavy rhythm section and lyrical riffs, opening and closing with guitar solos — the last one, according to guitarist Cha Hun, meant as embers catching fire again. It's a simple image, but it gives the record a clear arc, from 'Our Ending', the wistful pre-release, to the rekindling the single proposes. The smartest move was taking 'Still' and 'Fading Away' onto the '&CON5 : into REM' tour stage before release: the songs reach streaming already sounding shaped by live performance.

The risk lies in the concentrated authorship. With a single songwriter on every track, the record gains cohesion but gives up the variety of voices that might freshen the set. Still, 'Still' delivers on its promise: it's an honest work by a band that knows itself, and a reminder that rock has a place in K-pop when it's made with conviction. Score: 7/10