EPEX Seals the Deal on Their Coming-of-Age Saga
The boys of EPEX are back—and they’re bringing the final chapter of their youth journey with them. On June 28, the rising K-pop group dropped their third full-length album, Shout Out of Youth: Chapter 3 – Romantic Youth, across major streaming platforms. It marks the conclusion of their ambitious ‘Youth Trilogy’ series that began in April last year.
From Growing Pains to Glowing Up
Much like your favorite coming-of-age film, EPEX’s ‘Youth Trilogy’ has been one emotional rollercoaster. Chapter 1 celebrated youthful memories, while Chapter 2 delved into emptiness and self-discovery. Now, with Chapter 3, the group embraces all those messy emotions—and turns them into something beautifully bittersweet.
“Thank You For the Tears”—A Poignant Title Track
The album’s lead single, “Thank You for the Tears”, is a melodic pop-rock ballad about maturely accepting heartbreak. Think acoustic guitar vibes with subtle rock undertones, all wrapped in EPEX’s gentle yet gripping vocals. “We wanted to show that sometimes, letting go is how you grow,” shared a member during a media showcase.
From the emotional highs and lows to the refreshing instrumentation, the track offers a rich listening experience that’s both soothing and addictive.
A Tracklist That Reads Like a Teen Diary
- “PICASSO” – Speaks to unfiltered passion and creative chaos
- “Nothing Happened” – About mental resilience and keeping calm
- “Romantic Explosion” and “Pluto” – Bold tracks that channel youthful impulsiveness
- “Dance with the Wolf” – A playful number with snappy rap and quirky lyrics
- “Counting Stars at Night” – A sincere harmony-heavy ballad
- “Whalefall” – A nostalgic closer that reflects on time and memory
Across these eight tracks, EPEX taps into a wide emotional arc that Gen-Z fans can instantly relate to—from angst and ambition to quiet moments of clarity.
EPEX: Building a Legacy, One Chapter at a Time
Since their debut in 2021, EPEX has released six mini albums and now three full studio albums—making them one of the busiest rookies in the game. Through their serialized concepts and evolving sound, the group has earned a rep for not just making music, but telling stories.
“We want listeners to grow with us,” one member said. And with this final chapter, it feels like they’re well on their way to becoming the soundtrack of youth for many fans worldwide.
Fan-Con and What’s Next
The romance doesn’t stop with the album. EPEX will be holding their third fan-con, “ROMANTIC YOUTH,” on August 23–24 in Seoul’s KBS Arena, followed by a Tokyo show on August 26. So whether you’re sobbing into your earbuds or screaming in the concert pit, EPEX has your summer feels covered.
This comeback isn’t just another album drop; it’s a love letter to youth itself—messy, magical, and one incredible ride.
