WAKER Marks 2nd Anniversary With “In Elixir : Spellbound” — The “LiKE THAT” Pivot, Explained

The Calculated Risk Behind WAKER's Sonic Shift

WAKER just made their “year three” move—right on time.

On January 8, 2026, the group dropped their 3rd mini album, In Elixir : Spellbound, on the same date as their debut anniversary (Jan. 8, 2024). That timing is not random. It turns a comeback into a milestone moment.

The title track, LiKE THAT, is the headline choice. Funky. High energy. And yes—more sensual than what they’ve led with before. The members described it as “challenging and fun.” That combo matters. It signals confidence, not a panic rebrand.

Nine Tracks: A Statement About Ambition

Here’s the loudest detail: nine tracks.

For a “mini album,” that’s basically full-album energy. And WAKER said the point is simple—more tracks means more to show on stage, and more genres to prove range.

This is strategy, not stuffing. In a crowded market, “one title track” isn’t a moat. A wider tracklist gives them more entry points: performance clips, fan favorites, playlist-friendly songs, and B-sides that can go viral without the whole GP buying in.

They also called out specific tracks for specific reasons. “Drop Out” because member Sebum created the choreography himself. “Lucid Dream” for the emotional pull. “Sugar Crush” for that easy, comforting replay value.

Not just a year with lots of activities—one that actually stays memorable.

The Solo Concert Dream: Why It Matters More Than You Think

They said the goal out loud: a solo concert under the WAKER name.

That’s not just a “someday” dream. It’s a business signal. Solo concerts don’t run on casual listeners. They run on loyalty—fans who will show up for you, not a stacked lineup.

When a group starts planning for that, it usually means they’re thinking in brand terms: identity, repeat attendance, and a catalog that can carry a full set.

The Visual Film's Hidden Message

The visual film uses a heart-rate meter that climbs to 124 BPM. Cute detail—until you realize what it’s doing.

It frames the concept as a physical reaction. Falling in love. Losing control. “Elixir.” That matches how they explained the album’s theme: emotions that seep in, then you can’t escape.

They even joked their real heart rates felt like 200 BPM on set. That line lands because it sounds human. Not “we were scared.” More like: we were locked in.

What This Moment Actually Signals

This comeback isn’t just “sexier.” It’s more specific than that.

WAKER is using their anniversary to reset expectations: bigger tracklist, broader genre flex, and more ownership (like member-made choreography). That’s how a group builds credibility fast—especially outside the core fandom.

And they’re moving quickly. Their first LiKE THAT stage is on Mnet’s M Countdown (Jan. 8, 6 p.m.), followed by Music Bank (Jan. 9), Show! Music Core (Jan. 10), and Inkigayo (Jan. 11). The rollout is tight. The message is tighter: WAKER is trying to be remembered, not just seen.