Album Review: (G)I-DLE - "I burn"

TL;DR / standouts to give a chance:

한 (Alone In Winter) (If you like anime theme song-like ballads).

화(火花) (Slightly edgy pop; moombahton genre)

MOON (Enchanting, with synths. Something you’d play during a night-drive)

I burn is three year old K-pop group (G)-IDLE’s (pronounced “Gee idol”) fourth EP. Consisting of six tracks, it explores the various emotions that follow after separating from loved ones by employing the elements and seasons as metaphors. This is another heavily self-produced release for the band, with multiple members participating in production for all if not most tracks. I generally do not enjoy their music much, but this time that story unexpectedly unfolded quite differently.

The first track of the album “한 (Alone In Winter)”, translated as “Han”, is a grand and hauntingly beautiful medium-tempo ballad, reminding me very much of a slower anime theme song. Also interesting is that the main melody is of another song of a very similar name, “Hann (Alone)” as these songs are supposedly connected. Anyways, this is quite the strong start for the album.

Next comes the lead single “화(火花)”, translated as “Hwaa” and meaning both “flower” or “flame”. It speaks of recovering from a lost love in the winter by using a flame to melt the ice and usher in the spring to bloom once more. The song and the music video are inspired by traditional Korean culture: this kind of concept inspired by Korean instruments and aesthetics doesn’t come around too often, but when it does it’s always so fascinating and beautiful. “Hwaa” is no exception here. The dark and mysterious aesthetic compliments the harmonizing chorus which sounds mournful yet determined at the same time, nicely. However the song is slightly disappointing towards the end. Most songs in this album ends off in the middle of a verse, giving it this mystifying atmosphere. This seemed to work perfectly for every other track, but with “Hwaa” I wish the melody repeated a few times before the song ended.

“MOON” and “LOST” sound pretty similar, creating a mood of reminiscing (both lean slightly towards an R&B route). “LOST” has its instrumental mostly composed of acoustic guitar, which is nice. With “MOON”, the track definitely delivers on the sad “moonlit car ride with wind flapping through your hair” concept. They add in something more all while keeping the album very cohesive without getting boring.

“Where Is Love” is probably the weakest song of the bunch. There’s nothing too noteworthy about this song except that the fact that it is EDM helps it stand out and justify its place in the album.

Finally comes “DAHLIA”, the last track of the album. It’s a regular, fun, dance song but with an interesting melancholy meaning. Speaking of which, I must note that the ending of the song is so fitting for this album. It maintains the very sorrowful atmosphere, acting as a satisfyingly accordant ending for the whole listen, something which I cannot stress enough is kind of rare in K-pop.

Overall, I burn was quite the release! I personally have never liked (G)I-DLE’s music much, but this album might be a game-changer in that matter: almost every song was so interesting and beautiful to listen to. The sets and the aesthetic overall were perfect, and the messages of the album were well explored to reveal various perspectives with a musically diverse yet consistent sound. Looks like 2021 is starting off strong with the music!