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[neil-the-archive]

"Version up" The EP review

     

         "Version up" is an EP from the new girl group ARTMS. The group consists of 5 members Heejin, Hasuel, Kim Lip, Jinsoul, and, Choery. These five girls are former members of the girl group LOONA under Blockberry Creative. In early 2023 the group LOONA filed a lawsuit against their parent company (Blockberry Creative) and won. This resulted in a contract termination of the group. Five of the girls later sign a new contract from Modhaus a company under Jaden Jeong (The creator of loona). Now after a long wait, ARTMS is here with ODD EYE CIRCLE (the subunit) taking the world by storm.

         "Version Up" is comprised of 6 tracks. Let's review them one by one.

Did you wait? (The intro)

After the lawsuit has settled down the sub-unit ODD EYE CIRCLE (Formally named LOONA/ODD EYE CIRCLE) is back. In July the label Modhaus dropped this EP. This track is an intro to the EP. The track sampled various loona songs such as Sweet Crazy Love, Girl Front and Loonatic. But this time it features a new beat. Essentially, telling us that the new era for ODD EYE CIRCLE is beginning.

Air Force One (Title track)

The track Air Force One serves as a title track. It has a new impression and message. The meaning of the lyrics is about leaving your old self to embrace a new era. This is implied by the use of high heels and sneaker imagery. 

Je Ne Sais Quoi

This track encapsulates the essence of the word irresistible attraction and anticipation. It did quite a wonderful job telling the story by repeating the phrase Je Ne Sais Quoi meaning something enigmatic or unexplainable.

Lucid

As a track, Lucid explores the realm of anticipation much like Je Ne Sais Quoi but this time the track is more dreamy. As its title suggests, it is quite lucid. Personally, I think both Lucid and Je Ne Sais Quoi have a naughty almost lustful tone. Which makes me like them a little bit more as a concept.

Love me like

The track itself is a love song about the tingling sensation and warm feelings of love. However, it also portrays the sad side of love like the anxiety and the fearfulness. Given its subtle lyrics and relaxing beat, I couldn't help but get lost in its charming allure.

My Secret Playlist

As the ending track, My Secret Playlist takes us back to the LOONA date of ODD EYE CIRCLE. It serves as a tribute the the old group. But also the beginning of something new for the girls.

After listening to "Version Up" I am nothing short of excited for what the future holds for ARTMS or any other group from LOONA.

-Neil