Daydream (D-Crunch EP)

On December 28, 2020, Ai Grand Korea announced that vocalist Hyunwoo, who had halted promotions with D-Crunch due to an ongoing back injury three months earlier, would leave the group. He cited his health as the reason for his departure.[1] Conceptually, Daydream revolves around three themes: "Memory", signifying the longing to return to reminiscent happy moments; "Nightmare", denying the inescapable reality of being abandoned; and "Daydream", expressing the fulfillment of a desire which is only possible in a dream.[2] The album comprises dance music and balladry.[3] Its music conveys dreaming and a rising moon during the day. The dreams present fantasies, illusions, daydreams, and idle dreams, which the dreamer cannot be awoken from.[4]

Daydream opens with "My Name", a future bass-dance track. Its lyrics describe the rebirth of a person who has their named called out by a loved one.[3] "Time to Go to You" is a ballad in which the narrator yearns for the younger self. A pop track, the lyrics of "Childlike" search to recapture the innocence of youth. The mini-album closes with the ballad "Sandcastle", a farewell to a disintegrating sandcastle being swept away by the waves of the ocean.[5][6]

Rappers Hyunho and Dylan were cast in MBC Dramanet's web drama Time to Be Together 1:11, which began airing in March 2021.[7] Music from Daydream was played as background music throughout its ten episodes.[8] On March 22, Ai Grand Korea announced the release of Daydream and released a "Nightmare"-themed teaser image showcasing the group wearing black-and-white suits under crimson-colored lighting.[9] "Memory"-themed concept images for each group member donning casual wear were uploaded two days later.[4] Individual "Nightmare" photos of the members were published on March 26.[10] Respective photos of the members wearing white outfits showing the "Daydream" versions were unveiled on March 29.[11] Two days later, group portraits of all three concepts were posted by D-Crunch's agency.[2] Two music video teasers for the lead single "My Name" were uploaded on April 1 and 2.[12][13] A day ahead of the album's release, a Daydream highlight medley was shared across social networking services.[6]

Daydream and the music video for "My Name" were simultaneously released on April 6.[5] A performance version music video followed one week later.[14] D-Crunch began promoting the lead single on weekly music chart shows on the day of the album's release. They performed the song on SBS MTV's The Show,[15] MBC Every 1's Show Champion,[16] and Mnet's M Countdown.[17] Vocalist Hyunwook and rapper O.V experienced cold-like symptoms amidst promotions and were diagnosed with COVID-19 on April 24.[18] The pair were placed in quarantine; the remaining six members tested negative for the virus and D-Crunch immediately completed promotions for the album.[19]

Daydream received favorable reviews from both critics from TV Daily. Kim Ji-ha wrote that the tone of each member was charming, while Kim Han-kil expressed being able to feel the record's "powerful" energy.[20] On the chart dated April 4–10, 2021, Daydream debuted at number 74 on South Korea's national Gaon Album Chart.[21]

• Daydream highlight medley on YouTube