ITZY’s latest releases, for higher or worse, have been polarising. Whether or not it’s mafia-inspired ‘Within the Morning’ or the bait-and-switch launch of ‘Sneakers’, the woman group – comprising Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong and Yuna – seem like managing a little bit of an identification disaster after leaving their consolation zone of fiery self-love bangers like ‘Dalla Dalla’ and ‘Wannabe’. Flitting indecisively between sounds and ideas over the previous yr, they’ve launched a few of their most sensible, inventive B-sides throughout this time – although their title tracks have bore the brunt of criticism and competition.
With ‘Cheshire’ nevertheless, it appears the woman group have lastly discovered their footing. The brand new document, for essentially the most half, is a mature replace to ITZY’s sound – one which faucets into the quintet’s extra lowkey however equally charming charms – as their youngest member approaches her twenties and the group enter their fourth yr collectively.
The stylish new title observe is a primary instance of this. Impressed by the mischievous Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, ITZY play the a part of the enigmatic, unreadable lover, with Lia and Yuna teasing in its pre-chorus: “I’ll offer you a touch if you need / However the remainder, simply let me be free / In your thoughts, let me roam”. With its darker, extra subdued instrumentation, ‘Cheshire’ is worlds aside from its predecessor ‘Sneakers’. The place that music overwhelmed with its peppy vibe and shouty supply, this one depends on a cool bassline and gritty digital beat to drive it alongside.
Given its extra subdued sound, ‘Cheshire’ takes a couple of extra listens than you’d count on of an ITZY title observe to actually stick. Even so, it doesn’t take lengthy earlier than the post-chorus of unsettling “la-la-la”s takes root in your thoughts. Its refrain might have benefited from going a key decrease although, as ITZY’s vocals – usually accompanied by busy instrumentation – come off strained and unsuitably loud at instances within the new single.
Lyrically, it’s additionally a departure from the easy takes on love of their previous music, just like the daring declarations of ‘Not Shy’ (“I really feel what I really feel, so I such as you / It’s my free will”) or admissions of how a romantic curiosity is making them “go half-crazy” in ‘Loco’. On ‘Cheshire’, ITZY change into energetic gamers within the sport of affection, pushing and pulling the topic of their affections to fulfil their each whim and fancy. They virtually veer right into a femme-fatale method to romance, although they’re motivated by mischief (therefore the Cheshire Cat inspiration) reasonably than extra nefarious intentions. It is sensible at this level of their profession; they’re nonetheless the playful, carefree ITZY we all know and adore, simply grown up and with a contact of self-indulgence – a theme that pervades a lot of the document.
It’s all of the extra baffling then, if you keep in mind that teen-pop album nearer ‘Boys Like You’ was the pre-release single for ‘Cheshire’. Sonically, this bubblegum observe does little to set the tone for the mini-album, which in any other case performs to ITZY’s extra mysterious, elegant sides. What is meant as an empowering kiss-off bursting with perspective as an alternative comes off painfully juvenile, particularly with lyrics like “Boy, wanna date me? / Boy, old-fashioned, yeah / Boy, wanna- (What? No!) / Boy, out of my method”.
Fortunately, the remaining tracks on ‘Cheshire’ fare a lot better, with the eerie however flirtatious ‘Snowy’ simply going toe-to-toe with legendary ITZY B-sides like ‘Shoot!’ and ‘Racer’. ITZY hops onto Okay-pop’s 2022 development of sampling classical items on this observe, which borrows from Beethoven’s ‘Für Elise’. The acquainted melody combines with a keyboard instrumental that emulates the sound of twinkling bells and nods to the upcoming vacation season, all whereas instilling a darkish, unsettling ambiance.
The clear standout of the mini-album, ‘Snowy’ takes the teasing tone of ‘Cheshire’ to the subsequent stage. “Come right into a dream you possibly can’t get up from / With each toes tied to me / Into the fantasy of dancing,” they croon invitingly, although it’s later revealed that their topic has no alternative within the matter, as they dismiss him as “a idiot boy who doesn’t know he’s trapped”. Wintry and fantastical but creepily charismatic, this B-side might properly be the theme music of a Nightmare Earlier than Christmas reboot.
In the meantime, principal vocalist Lia stands out on ‘Freaky’, her jazzy tone shining on the laid-back R&B-pop quantity. This breezy break-up observe strays from the darker soundscapes of ‘Cheshire’ and ‘Snowy’, although a way of moodiness lingers as they shake off a persistent ex-lover. “Pretending to be pitiful, shaky voice / Maintain on, no extra crossing the road / , until the final probability, [you] missed it,” Ryujin raps coolly, the straightforward, minimalist observe driving the purpose dwelling rather more successfully than the sassy makes an attempt of ‘Boys Like You’.
The weaknesses of ‘Cheshire’ are few however obtrusive, and troublesome to miss in a four-track mission. Regardless of these missteps, ‘Cheshire’ finds ITZY again on observe and able to set up a brand new sound and picture of their releases to return. With their focus shifting to issues of the guts, the quintet are able to enter the subsequent chapter of their profession, the place their core message of confidence and self-love empowers and informs their method to romance.
Particulars
- Launch date: November 30
- Document label: JYP Leisure
