ITZY “KILL MY DOUBT” EP Review

KILL MY DOUBT – EP

ITZY

• Genre: K-Pop
• Date: 31 Jul, 2023
• Content: Not-explicit
• Track(s): 6
• ℗ 2023 JYP Entertainment

Itzy, a South Korean girl group, released their seventh extended play (EP) called “Kill My Doubt” on 31 Jul 2023. The EP was released through JYP Entertainment, Republic Records, and Dreamus eight months after their previous EP, “Cheshire”, in 2022. The lyrics of “Kill My Doubt” were inspired by conversations shared by the members and their company about overcoming adversity and self-doubt. The EP features six tracks and is led by the single “Cake”. Before the release of the EP, music videos for B-side tracks “Bet on Me” and “None of My Business” were also released.

ITZY, a relatively new kpop group, has experienced successes and setbacks regarding their reception. Their debut single, “DALLA DALLA,” quickly propelled them to the forefront of the 4th generation in 2019. However, it’s unfortunate that they seem to have lost popularity in recent times. Their 3rd mini-album, “CHECKMATE,” received mixed reviews, particularly criticism of its lead single, “Sneakers.” Despite this, the quintet (consisting of Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna) is undeterred and has returned with their latest effort, “KILL MY DOUBT.”

Overall, KILL MY DOUBT displays an improvement in production quality. Most tracks are catchy, with some standing out for their unique character. The album offers a diverse range of styles, showcasing ITZY’s versatility. However, the marketing strategy for this comeback may have hindered its success, as pre-release tracks were only available on YouTube. Such puzzling decisions could have impacted the album’s overall impact.

Album Art

The Album Art features a group photo of the band huddled together, some wearing boxing gloves and attire, with game-face on, expressing their determination to silence the doubts of their critics and naysayers to anyone who will listen.

Tracks And Features

The opening track of the EP, “BET ON ME,” offers a fresh perspective on the group’s central self-love concept. It stands out rhythmically and lyrically, but its greatest strength lies in its core message. Departing from their usual powerful style, the song takes a vulnerable approach and explores anxiety, confidence, and empowerment themes. This contrasts with their previous releases as it begins with the singers at an emotional low before they learn to embrace the ups and downs of accepting themselves.

Although there was some confusion with the release strategy, pre-release singles “Bet On Me” and “None Of My Business” provided some assurance for the upcoming mini album. “Bet On Me” is a bold admission to their confidence being shaken but wanting to find it again. Driven by a groovy bassline, the track is more minimalistic and highlights the vocals. The storytelling aspect of the music is a risky choice given the group’s impressive choreography, but this effort is undoubtedly meaningful and showcases their maturity.

The song “None Of My Business” by ITZY is a catchy pop tune that touches on the hate the group has faced. While it sticks to their usual style, each member has a chance to shine, especially Ryujin, who impresses with her singing and rapping skills. Lia also surprises with her rap abilities. The track shows that ITZY is open to evolving and avoiding the stagnation that has recently affected the genre, as demonstrated by their album “KILL MY DOUBT.”

The lead single, “Cake”, had previews that relied on the trend of creating an annoying earworm with a hook. However, it was a relief to discover that the rest of the track offers a much-needed variation. Despite that, the word “cake” is still repeated excessively, which can feel oversaturated, similar to the sickening sweetness of too much cake. Apart from the constant confectionary mentions, the track is better than expected, and the music video is quite amusing. It references their previous music videos, Squid Game, and more, making it a fan favourite. As usual, their visuals are on point.

With its bubbly, hip-hop-infused beats, “Bratty” exudes a high-energy vibe. While the song’s sassy call-out of jealousy-induced criticism is reinforced by breathy declarations of “I’m bratty,” the track falls short regarding musical diversity. However, the fizzy instrumental accents layered over a faint, low hum create a bustling soundscape that may still appeal to some listeners.

ITZY’s next, “Psychic Lover,” is a breath of fresh air and a step forward for the group. While it starts similar to their previous tracks, it soon picks up the pace and transforms into an infectious and upbeat bubblegum pop chorus that harks back to their label seniors, TWICE’s early music. Yeji and Charyeong’s vocal performances shine in the choir, infusing the song with energy and power. Fans of ITZY will appreciate the simplicity and fun vibe of “Psychic Lover” and may anticipate more of this style from them in the future.

The final song on the album, “Kill Shot,” boasts an undeniably impressive bass-heavy and deep house sound. ITZY has shown their skill for delivering darker tones in the past, with “In the Morning” and “Kill Shot” successfully capturing that same essence. Yuna’s upbeat vocals contrast nicely with the track’s overall mood, leaving fans wanting more. It’s worth noting that every song on the album is memorable, making it an enjoyable and worthwhile listen.

Tracklist

NO	TITLE	TIME
1	BET ON ME	3:19
2	CAKE	3:18
3	None of My Business	3:22
4	Bratty	2:42
5	Psychic Lover	2:44
6	Kill Shot	2:16

Album Summary

It can be said that KILL MY DOUBT, the latest release from ITZY, can effectively address any doubts that fans may have about the group. While it may not be as flashy as some previous releases, this mini-album is a testament to the group’s unwavering determination to overcome their struggles. The album’s overall tone is one of poise and enthusiasm, which is a promising sign for their future endeavours. Through KILL MY DOUBT, ITZY showcases their growth as artists and newfound confidence, which is bound to propel them to even greater success. The mini-album features diverse musical styles, showcasing ITZY’s versatility and ability to experiment with different sounds. Additionally, the lyrics in KILL MY DOUBT delve into more profound and personal themes, allowing fans to connect with the group more intimately. Overall, this release solidifies ITZY’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the K-pop industry.

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