Since their captivating debut, South Korean female group IVE has consistently pushed boundaries. The six-member group (Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo) under Starship Entertainment isn't just about flawless vocals and catchy tunes. They actively participate in songwriting, solidifying their position as well-rounded artists with a message. What truly sets IVE apart is their ability to breathe new life into familiar themes. Their latest EP, IVE SWITCH, released on April 29, 2024, exemplifies this perfectly. While staying true to their core message of self-love, the six tracks showcase a remarkable musical versatility.
This isn't just another bubblegum pop record. IVE confidently experiments with genres, keeping listeners engaged throughout the EP. Whether it's the powerful vocals in the lead single or the smooth hip-hop elements in other tracks, IVE SWITCH demonstrates the group's growth and artistic exploration. With their dedication to self-love anthems and their ability to reinvent familiar concepts, IVE is poised to remain a major force in K-Pop. IVE SWITCH is a testament to their talent and their promise of a bright future filled with musical surprises.
1. HEYA
IVE’s ‘HEYA’ is a good attempt at recreating the magic that the group is known for. This title track brings with it a stunning music video in a fantastical setting. The tiger imagery is ever present in the visuals, reflecting the danger-laced intentions of the lyrics - “Tiger eyes shining in the darkness / Approaching while in disguise / Mesmerizing you with crimson words / Claw the moment you let your guard down.” The blend of genres feels a little out of place, despite the anthem-like surround score.
One might even feel slightly underwhelmed with ‘HEYA’ especially since IVE has shown in the past that they can deliver stunning title tracks like ‘After Like’. This EP features a double title track, the second one being ‘Accendio’. Considering the overall tonality of the album, ‘Accendio’ might have served as a better fit for a solo title track for this EP.
2. ACCENDIO
‘Accendio’ is singular for the Latin word ‘accendium’ meaning ‘to set something on fire’. And girl, did IVE set fire with this track! The song serves as the second title track for this EP. The song speaks about a dangerous relationship that must be put to an end - “Oh beautiful but chilling/First impressions, the stronger the better/Oh affectionate but cold as ice / Gonna make you crazy.” With this track, we see a heavy influence of rap and hip hop showcasing the girls’ skills to dive into any genre seamlessly.
3. BLUE HEART
‘Blue Heart’ is a hauntingly beautiful track which emphasizes the group’s vocals. The reverb in the pre-chorus creates a spatial feel that transfers into the chorus, lending an outer-world charm to the song. Wonyoung participated in writing the lyrics for the song. While the song reflects the idea of a person devoid of emotion, it also suggests the idea that the hatred and negative critique will not phase the members – “Poppin' that reddish one then blooms blue heart / Blooming in blue / Give you that frozen smile with my blue heart / I'm being reborn.”
4. ICE QUEEN
With ‘Ice Queen’ IVE takes the narrative of ‘Blue Heart’ a step ahead. There is danger-laced confidence as the song progresses to, “I'm curious what you will say / From between those pure icy breaths / Try to let it out just once.” The chorus is cinematic, especially with the subdued whispered vocals. The song follows a rhythmic pattern of trap and synth beats with a touch of reverb which accentuate the warning issued in the lyrics.
5. WOW
The group walks down the romance lane with ‘WOW’. The song is peppy and upbeat from start to finish as the group expresses surprise and shock over their emotions towards a person they like – “It’s so strange / Oh, my God, I'm shocked / No explanation fits / Why does my heart beat so fast when I see you.”
6. RESET
IVE’s EP ‘IVE SWITCH’ concludes with ‘RESET’. After progressing from cold-hearted queens to bubbly ones in love, now the feelings have dissipated. Now, it is just sheer lack of interest and a zest to reset – “It's not me playing hard to get / This is our last/Even if I refresh, my feelings won't change.” The song employs quirky beats and childlike vocals to express the saturation point after being ill-treated for far too long.
IVE continues their reign of catchy self-love anthems with their latest EP. Three years in, the group demonstrates their ability to reinvent this theme with fresh sonic palettes. Their "IVE"-themed EPs build a narrative of love's progression, both romantic and personal. While the title track might not have met some fans' expectations, it remains a strong and meaningful offering. A welcome surprise is the extended length of three out of six tracks, exceeding the three-minute mark. This trend, hopefully, signals a shift towards longer, more memorable compositions within the K-Pop girl group scene.
What do you think about IVE’s latest comeback? Tell us in the comments below.
Watch the music video for IVE’s ‘HEYA’ here:
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