Out of all the artists I have become huge fans of during my head-first dive into the K-Pop world over the last few years, I think that (G)I-DLE has got to be my favorite. Do not get me wrong, groups like TWICE and NewJeans and BlackPink and XG are awesome as well, but there is something about (G)I-DLE that has always just captivated me. Since I discovered this group last year, I have been enthralled by what they do. I honestly wish I had discovered (G)I-DLE a bit earlier, as they have been having a lot of success for a long time and I was just sleeping. (G)I-DLE is a five-member group made up of Soyeon, Minnie, Miyeon, Yuqi, and Shuhua. They are the most successful K-Pop group of all time not signed to one of the “big four” music labels in Korea. One of the coolest things about (G)I-DLE is most of their music is self-written and self-produced. Unlike a lot of their peers, the members of (G)I-DLE directly create pretty much all of their own music. They have never been afraid to break boundaries with their music; sonically and lyrically, (G)I-DLE has always tried to push the envelope with what is popular or even acceptable in K-Pop. Since about mid-2023, (G)I-DLE has been on a hell of a run. Last year, they released two excellent EPs, I Feel(which spawned the number one hit ‘Queencard’) and the all-English EP HEAT. They have continued their momentum into 2024, as they released a very good album called 2 near the beginning of the year(go check out my review and video on this project after this if you have not yet), which produced the top ten single ‘Super Lady’ and number one track ‘Fate.’ In addition to this, Yuqi recently put out a high-quality solo EP called YUQ1 I thoroughly enjoyed as well. (G)I-DLE recently released their second project of the year, titled I SWAY. This project was released in anticipation of their third world tour, which starts later this year(which I would love to go see when it comes to the States). With that being said, here is how I feel about the new EP from (G)I-DLE, I SWAY. Please let me know in the comments below what your favorite tracks are from this EP, and also comment on how you feel about it as a whole.
I SWAY is kicked off by the lead single, ‘Klaxon,’ which is currently sweeping social media. To be honest, when I first heard this one, I was a bit thrown off because it is so different from what I would expect from (G)I-DLE. Maybe that is on me, though, because given (G)I-DLE’s proven variance, I should not have any expectations for them. I will say that this one has very quickly grown on me. ‘Klaxon’ has such a sweet energy that can induce good feelings. When I hear this one, I just want to dance and party the day away at the beach. This track has such a summery feeling. The melody for this one is so funky and fresh. This melody is driven by a groovy melody and bassline, and it is complemented by various synths that sound like wind instruments. The vocals on ‘Klaxon’ are solid, but nothing to write home about. I do really like the rap verse from Soyeon, as it gives the song texture. ‘Klaxon’ is not the most exciting lead single (G)I-DLE has put out, but it is pretty fun. ‘Last Forever’ has a sound that I have heard a couple of times from (G)I-DLE a couple of times in the past and enjoyed a lot. This one has an Alternative Pop-Rock sound that is particularly reminiscent of their song ‘Allergy’ from I Feel, which is one of my favorite songs by the group. I feel like they just kill it at this sound. The guitar-driven melody for ‘Last Forever’ is so bright and lovely; it has the kind of tone that reminds me of driving by the beach with the top down on a beautiful summer day. The beat for this song is upbeat and fresh, giving the song a Poppy feeling but not taking away from the Rock element of the melody. Once again, Soyeon’s rap verse on this track really pops. Her flow is so intriguing and quirky, which gives the song life. I also really enjoy the singing performances from Yuqi and Minnie on this one. Yuqi’s raspier tone gives the song texture, while Minnie’s delicate and high pitch fits perfectly on this melody. Considering this track feels somewhat similar to the music on Yuqi’s solo project, I would not be surprised if she had a heavy-handed creation of this track. On ‘Last Forever,’ (G)I-DLE goes back to a sound they have excelled at in the past and does their thing again.
‘Bloom’ leans into a trend that has become pretty big in Pop music over the last couple of years. This one has a distinctly Disco tone to it. ‘Bloom’ feels super retro. The bassline that drives this melody sounds like it could have come right now out of the 1970s. The synths and guitar riff that complement this melody are fresh and shimmering, once again giving the track such a summery feeling. Although the bassline and guitar riff do give the song a Disco feeling, there is something about the mix and drum pattern that also makes me think of late 1990s and early 2000s Pop-Rock music. This Disco/Pop-Rock fusion makes the song interesting and palatable for a lot of different kinds of music listeners. Vocally, Miyeon and Shuhua both stand out on this one. The power in Miyeon’s vocals gives the song emphasis, while the dainty tone that Shuhua has fits the charming feeling of the track so well. ‘Bloom’ is a gratifying track with a Disco/Pop-Rock sound that will get you moving when it comes on. (G)I-DLE closes out I SWAY on a softer and slower note with ‘Neverland.’ This song is meant as an ode to friendship and to (G)I-DLE’s fans, which they call “Neverland.” This song has an Adult Contemporary Alternative music sound that reminds me of the early 2000s. To be honest, it kind of makes me think of the Christian Rock bands from that time period like Switchfoot or The Fray, or even Pop-Rock bands like the Goo Goo Dolls. I am kind of conflicted with this track. Admittedly, I am not very into that kind of music. I think that the instrumentation is kind of boring. The melody is pleasant and the beat is alright, but this kind of music has never grabbed me as much as it does other people. I do really love the vocals on ‘Neverland,’ though. Every member of (G)I-DLE sounds great on this song. Yuqi, Minnie, Miyeon, and Shuhua all contribute great singing that complements one another so well; the passion is palpable in their voices, which helps with the impact of this track. Soyeon’s rap verse is a bit forceful and gives the song a level of texture that I appreciate a bunch as well. I also really like the message that ‘Neverland’ has. Even if its sound is not necessarily for me, I can appreciate the vocals and the song’s message for sure. (G)I-DLE does not necessarily close this EP out on an emphatic note, but the sentiment of the track is cool.
I was a bit surprised when I saw that (G)I-DLE was releasing this EP. The rollout for it was pretty abrupt and sudden; it seemingly came out of nowhere. I did not necessarily expect the group to put out more new music this year, at least not this quickly. Considering they released an album a few months ago and Yuqi released her solo project, it made sense that they would take a little more time before releasing new music. Apparently, (G)I-DLE never sleeps or rests, though. In my opinion, it does feel like I SWAY was a bit rushed. Besides ‘Neverland’(which is ironically my least favorite song of the record), it does feel like the passion is not as prevalent in these songs as some of their other music. One of the best things about (G)I-DLE is the spirit of their sound, and I do not get that as much on I SWAY. This EP does have very fun music, though. The first three songs have a sound that is great to listen to at the beach on a hot summer day; they really do make me want to party. ‘Last Forever’ is a cool track with a style that I hope they dive into more in the future because I do think they are very good at that Alternative Rock sound. Overall, I SWAY is not bad at all; it is enjoyable for what it is worth. I SWAY may not be the most impactful project they have ever put out, but it is a solid collection of songs with a lot of replay value, especially when the weather is nice.
EAST SIDE VIBES 