| Written by Han Seong Hyun (Editor for the music webzine IZM)
It’s an open secret that the music industry goes quiet during major sporting events. While everyone’s attention is on the '2024 Paris Olympics' this year, some are preparing for a second summer invasion, just waiting for the closing ceremony. The lineup includes fromis_9 and NMIXX. Let's take a look at these stars who are set to light up what seems to be an endless, scorching summer, one that even typhoons hesitate to disrupt.
fromis_9’s ‘Supersonic’: A Refreshing Flight at Supersonic Speed
fromis_9 is back after a year and two months since their first full album [Unlock My World] released in June last year. Their new song 'Supersonic' follows the vibes of 'WE GO,' which alleviated the frustration of the COVID-19 pandemic, and 'Stay This Way,' which drenched us in a cool summer atmosphere. This new song adds a cute sound to the Miami bass dance genre—a style NewJeans borrowed in 'How Sweet'—sprinkling a summer scent. With the synthesizers popping up like water jets everywhere and the members' refreshing voices, it feels like we can endure the current hot and humid weather.
While the music video, showcasing their charisma from day to night, is great, their true essence shines on stage. The sharp point-arm choreography and runway-like stage layout highlight the unique characteristics of an eight-member group. The stage outfits, based on Y2K fashion and matched in metallic colors, perfectly blend the sharp atmosphere suggested by the title 'Supersonic' with current trends. With this comeback, fromis_9 has lifted their second trophy on ＜M COUNTDOWN＞, and it looks like the momentum with 'Supersonic' will continue.
NMIXX’s ‘See that?’: The Quirkiest Girl Group in K-pop
In the K-pop market, where many groups showcase their unique charms, NMIXX stands out with its particularly distinct concept. They continue to use the MIXX POP style, which splits a single song into several parts and mixes different genres. Following the 'Magnetite' series started with [Fe3O4: BREAK] earlier this year, the second installment, [Fe3O4: STICK OUT], has been released. The title track 'See that?' adds a hint of the country genre, which was attempted in the B-side track ‘Run For Roses,’ to the old-school hip-hop sound shown in their previous track 'DASH.' The vocal harmony of the members stands out, laid over a solid rhythm, as demonstrated in the a cappella version of the highlight medley.
As a group recognized for their solid skills, their performance in live settings is also impressive. On their ＜M COUNTDOWN＞ comeback stage, which seemed to transfer the music video scene directly to the stage, they showcased rhythmic dancing and stable vocals, revealing their image as a talented group. Simultaneously, with street fashion that fits the peak of the 1990s trend, they absorbed the persona of a hip-hop warrior. They possess various attractive elements that can draw in both retro enthusiasts and those sensitive to trends like a magnet. It’s a song that shines with NMIXX’s confident aspiration to become a star brighter than anyone else.
※ Manuscripts from outside writers may not reflect the editorial direction of this magazine.