Plus Magazine

| Written by Jang Jun Hwan (Editor for the music webzine IZM)

Time never stops for Red Velvet. It has already been 10 years since they made their debut with the fresh and vibrant "Happiness" in 2014, but they continue to showcase new and enchanting charms with their captivating colors and soft textures. It's been half a year since they demonstrated their strength with their 3rd full album [Chill Kill], and now the mysterious girls have returned once again. This time, the excitement is palpable. Immediately after its release, they proved their immense popularity by topping the iTunes Top Albums chart in 41 countries worldwide.

Red Velvet has always been known for their excellent quality, but their latest mini-album [Cosmic], created to celebrate their 10th anniversary, is filled with meticulous efforts and hidden elements. This album is a festival created to look back on their relentless journey and to express gratitude to ReVeluvs who have constantly supported them. Before diving into the diverse tracks, let’s go over a few tips that will deepen and enhance your listening experience.
 

Tip 1: Prepare Yourself Before Venturing into the Vast Universe

The first keyword you will notice is "universe." Not only is it the title of the song "Cosmic," but the lyrics also depict a dramatic encounter with an alien stranded on a distant star, followed by a journey to find a hidden star. This theme extends to other tracks as well. For example, "Sunflower" likens unrequited love to a sunflower constantly looking at the sun, and "Last Drop" uses the metaphor of a white dwarf star, symbolizing the group's enduring brilliance for their fans. "Night Drive" mentions how memories fall like shooting stars as you drive and gaze at the sky. But why did Red Velvet suddenly dive into the vast darkness of space?

Red Velvet's world is essentially a collision between reality and fairy tales. Whatever we imagine can happen in their world and is often taken as a given. Whether it's turning into vampires like in "Ice Cream Cake" or interviewing fruits as in "Red Flavor," they create unfamiliar sensations through inexplicable phenomena. This uniqueness and allure make them stand out.

The vibrant fantasy of [The Red], featuring Sleeping Beauty, the Wizard of Oz, and Alice in Wonderland, opened up limitless growth potential. The dark and dreamy [Perfect Velvet] added layers with its enchanting and irresistible charm, highlighting a multidimensional aspect by blending bright, mysterious themes with contrasting images. Combining their "Red" and "Velvet" concepts, they created a dramatic intersection in their narrative. This moment marked the creation of a complex and unique brand that no one could follow.

The choice of space in [Cosmic] is a concept of expansion. Just as they have continuously broken barriers and broadened their spectrum with groundbreaking themes, they have now brought a larger backdrop, greatly expanding the range of subjects and words they can encompass. Love set against the backdrop of space feels more overwhelming and significant, symbolizing their journey beyond the Earth's atmosphere towards a vast and radiant destination. Take a deep breath and imagine the members freely swimming through the sparkling cosmos with happy smiles.

Tip 2: Close Your Eyes and Fully Immerse Yourself in the Sound

Their ability to create astonishingly excellent sound and embody concepts stands out. "Cosmic" is different from the start. The track's groovy bass guitar progression recalls the sly and solemn developments of "Campfire" and "Bad Boy." As Wendy’s voice enters, the dreamy mist that adorned "Chill Kill" begins to spread, with a synth line that rises and falls continuously like a meteor shower. The key here is the sense of space, created by hollowed and inflated sound effects, giving a sensation of floating.

The other tracks are no exception. Like viewing the universe from different perspectives, playful interpretations burst forth. The bouncy dance pop "Sunflower" features a rich array of sounds exploding like fireworks. In contrast, "Last Drop" has a faint, undulating waveform that feels light-years away.

They traverse twisted space-time. "Love Arcade" brings back 8-bit game sources and arcade elements from "Power Up," reminiscent of playful flights. "Bubble," with its echoing keyboards and repetitive beats like a rocket's propulsion, leaves a deep impression. "Night Drive" calmly organizes the situation after a long journey back home, serving as an appropriate closing. If the various visual photos and music videos have delighted your eyes, now it’s time to relax, close your eyes, and just listen to the music. You will surely experience a different sensation.

Tip 3: Slowly Explore the Red Velvet Universe

With a 10-year history, Red Velvet holds an extensive discography and concept list unmatched by any other group. This was also a reason to venture out. There is no better place to convey all the accumulated emotions at once than this. The journey of [Cosmic], likened to space travel, encapsulates the beloved aspects of the group.

The music video paying homage to the thriller film ＜Midsommar＞ became a hot topic. The medieval-like flowers and trees and the scenery immersed in nature reflect the classical sampling in "Feel My Rhythm" and the subtly unsettling aspects reminiscent of "Psycho" and "Peek-A-Boo." This fan service brings an imagined collaboration to life. The trailer featuring all the props from their previous music videos, like Easter eggs, also created a significant buzz in the community. This detail is more appreciated the more you know.

Returning to "Cosmic," the tutting choreography seen in "Naughty" by Irene and Seulgi brings back memories. The choral segment in the chorus, layering the voices of all five members, is their signature weapon. Most of the tracks sing about meetings, precious memories, and promises of always being together, clearly sending a heartfelt message to their fandom, ReVeluv.

As the festival reaches its end beyond the event horizon, if you have listened to the entire album, it’s time to reflect on the path they have walked. Realize anew that the time and memories shared with Red Velvet were never a lie, and the emotions felt within are still vividly alive.
 

 ※ Manuscripts from outside writers may not reflect the editorial direction of this magazine.