LOOP

After much anticipation, Yves has finally released her debut solo EP, "LOOP." With her presence in LOONA’s music and her interest in showing an alternative-sounding K-pop album, Yves had a lot of expectations to meet. Signed with the indie label PAIX PER MIL, Yves embarks on a new chapter in her career. With influences ranging from R&B to pop-house to indie pop-rock, "LOOP" showcases Yves' versatility and willingness to experiment, making it a significant step in her post-LOONA career. This debut is hopefully a promising beginning to Yves' potential to carve out a unique space in the K-pop and indie music landscapes.

DIORAMA - "DIORAMA" sets the tone for the EP with its sleek R&B sound. The track is characterized by dreamy chords and a pastel soundscape. The track’s mellow yet engaging atmosphere makes it a strong opener, and the R&B was a pleasant surprise. The guitar work is atmospheric and pretty. Although I wish it had built up more, the high note towards the end is a highlight. The lyrics, mainly in English, delve into the intense emotions of a new romantic relationship, with the speaker deeply infatuated and unwilling to let go of their partner or the feelings they bring. This is easily my favorite song on the album; it is so pretty and sets a high bar for the rest of the EP.

LOOP (feat. Lil Cherry) - The title track, "LOOP," is a pop-house song infused with 2-step/garage influences, with glittery pianos adding a sparkling touch to the track. While the anti-drop in the chorus is unexpected and adds a refreshing twist, the track overall feels somewhat repetitive and boring. The track's production is polished, but the repetitive house sections make it less captivating. The lyrics explore the idea of a relationship that is both consuming and liberating, which is a concept I love. However, the “ooh, ooh, ooh” post-chorus feels grating and detracts from the overall experience. Lil Cherry's feature starkly contrasts Yves' smooth vocals, bringing a dynamic shift that keeps the song engaging. However, Lil Cherry's feature, although dynamic, overshadows Yves' performance, raising questions about the decision to give such a significant part of the promotional single to another artist. As Yves's introduction to the K-pop scene as a soloist, "LOOP" could have showcased her abilities more effectively without feeling monotonous​ and not making her feel like filler.

Afterglow - "Afterglow" diverges from the EP's initial sound, embracing a more traditional indie pop-rock approach. The chorus feels empty and lacks the punch needed to make it memorable, with the "ah, ah, ah" parts feeling particularly out of place. The song suffers from a lack of personal touch that is crucial for an indie track. Yves' vocals, however, are the highlight of this track. Her fantastic vocal delivery adds warmth and depth, which somewhat compensates for the song's lackluster production and lack of personality. The lyrics, depicting a struggle between holding onto memories of love and the pain of letting go, add emotional depth but are not enough to save the track. This song could have been more impactful with stronger production choices. Despite its shortcomings, "Afterglow" provides a nice change of pace and adds variety to the EP, but it could have been left out.

Goldfish - "Goldfish" is a country-indie ballad that feels a bit boring to me, although it has its sweet moments. The song reminds me of sunshine and walks, offering a sense of warmth and nostalgia. This song being stripped down allows Yves' vocal talents to shine. The simple yet effective instrumentation, featuring an acoustic guitar and soft piano, creates an intimate and endearing atmosphere. The lyrics, entirely in Korean, convey a deep sense of empathy and the desire to offer unconditional support to someone struggling, providing a safe space for their emotions. While it's a nice song, I don't care much for ballads like this, and it disrupts the sound consistency of the album. Nonetheless, it’s a sweet track that others may appreciate more. It’s a safe and predictable ending that does little to elevate the overall quality of the EP.

"LOOP" is a debut that offers a glimpse into Yves' potential as a solo artist. Given her previous work with LOONA, Yves's choice not to involve herself in the production is slightly disappointing, especially going for an indie vibe. The EP could benefit from a stronger personal touch that more clearly reflects her unique artistic vision. Despite this, the professional production and Yves' impressive vocal performances make "LOOP" an enjoyable listen. Reflecting on its strengths and weaknesses, "LOOP" earns a score of 63 out of 100.

Favorite - DIORAMA
Least Favorite - Afterglow