On Loossemble as a Group:
Loossemble has always had a special place in my heart, with most of my original bias line in Loona making up the core of the group. In addition, these 5 were often the most overlooked in the original group. So when I saw that these 5 in particular had signed a contract with CTD (much like other fans), I had mixed feelings. On one hand, I was excited to see what these members could accomplish together, but on the other side of things, it was worrying how this combination would function without any of the more popular members.
While “Sensitive” is by far my favorite re-debut from the post-Loona era, I always felt like based off the vibes of each of Loossemble’s 3 releases so far that they’ve struggled to find a particular post-Loona image. Their first EP was a very bright and cheery (thinking about “Real World” and “Strawberry Soda” in particular) direction for them, in line with the likes of “Perfect Love.”
“Girls’ Night”/“One of a Kind” lost me a bit. It felt like they dived a bit too hard into that very typical, mainstream sounding kpop energy. There’s nothing wrong with that, but with a legacy that is rooted in being experimental, it just did not feel like the right direction for the group. On top of all this, the promotions for this release just felt like a clear drop in quality in all aspects from music production to creative direction (namely, the concept photos). Whereas ARTMS were releasing their DALL concept photos around the same time, the natural comparison resulted in Loossemble’s release feeling more lackluster and worrisome.
I’m not saying these girls aren’t allowed to want to shed their original image/sound, but I will say that going for the most generic choice of a “street clothes” concept styling with an EP that literally could have been released by any group on @/nugupromoter was not at all beneficial for the Loossemble brand, regardless of prior status.
TTYL is their defining release thus far. This EP manages to reignite some of that original Loona pre-debut sound + imagery (also fan reception lol), mix it with the current trendy sounds/genres, while at the same time not generic that I could see just about any group buying these demos. Of course I am going to be biased to anything that reminds me of the “Jaden Jeong era of Loona,” so take my opinions for what they are: my opinion lol.
The Songs
“Fanaticism” is a great intro: it teases bits and pieces of the main title track, the intense opening is very reminiscent of #’s intro (which is often regarded as the best intro), and it also sets up the expectation of a darker sound for Loossemble that has yet to be fully done when looking at their first 2 releases. To end it all off, the wolf howl at the end is so good and a great choice thematically and sonically.
This is the nostalgic Orbit in me, but “TTYL” is Loona in its purest form. It combines the retro aspect of Loona 1/3, the energetic, hyper-percussive sounds of Loona OEC, and the pure pop perfection that was Loona yyxy in a way that excites me similarly to hearing [++]’s intro for the first time. My first thought is that Gowon’s voice is absolutely perfect for this current era we are in: that high pitch, soft, yet whiney (non-derogatory) voice. They need to stick with this sound for the future.
I love that Cotton Candy/Confessions are mirrors of each other, with different groupings of members to really showcase their unique vocal tones and styles. It also really highlights in my opinion how Yeojin really is the glue of this group. She is just so talented, I’m glad she’s getting to show it off more.
“Hocus Pocus” is probably my least favorite track on this EP, mostly because that 90’s instrumental has been done for years now (“Lady” by EXID and most recently, “Supernatural” by Newjeans come to mind). I don’t dislike the song by any means, but I do think there could have been a stronger approach to the retro-highlight track of the EP. Perhaps going for an 80s synth sound similar to “Look” by Red Velvet would have been more effective.
Lastly, “Secret Diary.” Wow. You have the opening strings then the trap + RNB beats that hit about 40 seconds in. It isn’t anything revolutionary in music, but it is done so well and will always hit for me. The contrast of it all is just too good. Definitely a great song to end this EP on.
Overall, I think this is the sound that Loossemble needs to continue with for the time being. As much as I love a good cutesy concept, I think it is time to lean more into the Charli XCX of it all (an even grungier, more hyperpop album next release would seal the deal for me honestly). I am praying every morning and night that this album gets the credit it deserves, because these girls seriously deserve it.