Since their 2022 debut, it’s been pretty clear that HYBE has been planting the seeds for Le Sserafim to become the next big thing in K-pop. With the heavy emphasis on the genres of dance and electronic as part of the core identity of their music, it distinctly set them apart from their contemporaries –– who focused on varying aspects of pop music, as well as some surprising breakbeat elements (as seen with NewJeans).
The group’s first two mini-albums, FEARLESS and ANTIFRAGILE, already established quite a loyal following for the group, yet it was the success of their debut full-length UNFORGIVEN and its follow-up single, “Perfect Night“, that earned them worldwide recognition that they very much deserved. With their newfound global appeal, it makes sense as to why the group decided to pivot creatively in terms of their sound. Their latest mini-album EASY showcases five tracks that demonstrate a new sound for them –– though it stands as an effort that feels somewhat undercooked in comparison to how polished their past releases are.
Courtesy of HYBE
The opener, “Good Bones“, starts the record off with a rocking guitar riff, paired with the group’s signature use of spoken-word-like lyrics in their introductory tracks for each of their projects. But, unlike the empowering nature of its predecessors, it ends up sounding disparate –– making it an odd pairing that doesn’t work quite as intended. The title track, “EASY“, doesn’t follow the momentum that the prior track left, choosing to begin its first few notes with the jarring sound of a recorder only kicking things up once the simple beat progression begins to kick in. Though it gradually finds its way into your head as the song goes on, the softer, underpowered vocals from the group do little to elevate this song to its full potential.
Following the preceding tracks, “Swan Song” serves as a relaxing cool-down, boasting enhanced sound and production. The vocals of the members stand out more (particularly in its bridge), though it still maintains a B-side feel, which is forgivable given its position on the tracklist. “Smart” is arguably the highlight of the project, serving as the catchiest track on the record with its dance-worthy beats. However, its overt inspiration and heavy similarities to tracks like Tyla’s “Water” — which many have regarded both in composition and choreography — definitely drown out the enjoyment of the track a bit. As a closer, “We got so much” suitably echoes the production style of their earlier works, and while solid, feels quite anticlimactic as the conclusion to the record.
Courtesy of HYBE
Though EASY is still a commendable effort from the group, it lacks the cohesive and refined aspects that made each of their prior releases standout projects in a genre that’s crowded with content. While it’s worth appreciating that Le Sserafim tried something new this time around (even finding great sources of influences for the project), they weren’t able to see it through in its best form.
At least in some form or manner, Le Sserafim was able to demonstrate a welcome display of their talents and versatility –– proving that they are definitely more than capable of achieving something different than other K-pop acts at this point of their career. In conclusion, EASY works as an effective demonstration of their capabilities but has the potential to be so much more. Nevertheless, in some form or manner, Le Sserafim was able to demonstrate a welcome display of their talents and versatility, proving that they are still more than capable of achieving something different than other K-pop acts at their level.
Listen to Le Sserafim’s EASY below: