KARD, known for their catchy tropical house bops, have already dropped another mini album much to their fans excitement! Their second EP, You and Me, was released on November 21 with a total of six tracks (nine on physical edition).
The following songs reviewed are those found in the digital edition of the mini album only.
Track List:
Into You
The mini album hits immediately hard with the first track, Into You. Building up from a slow piano melody, the beat drops into a beautiful progressive house chorus as members Somin and Jiwoo sing “I’m into you” at the top of their lungs. Probably this song is my favorite track of the mini album, as it gives off such a strong feeling.
Trust Me
I’ve decided to review these two under one track since they’re more-or-less the same, aside from backing track and vocals. This is definitely to attract the attention of some group “shippers” as the songs are duo performances by either Jiwoo and J.Seph, and BM & Somin! Jiwoo and J.Seph’s version of the song has a more upbeat backing track while the other is softer to the ears. BM’s rap in his version is also in English!
Push & Pull
With an instrumental, that is very too much a liking to Dua Lipa’s “New Rules” in terms of tempo, key, and overall production, “Push & Pull” sounds a little more like their previously released pre-debut singles, with the slight influence of electro-pop involved as well.
Jinikka
“Jinikka” starts out with J.Seph on raps, and the song pushes the girls mostly to backing vocals. They also try a duet format, with the girls singing together, or with another rapper. It’s definitely an awesome standout song.
You In Me
MV REVIEW
The MV tells the story of two different relationships, between J.seph/Jiwoo and BM/Somin. The girls are trying to take care of their boyfriends, but the boys themselves are zombies (a reference to a line in the song about being “half-dead”). For the most part, it’s just a change in skin tone, but there’s a rather jarring scene where BM “turns.”The dancing is classic KARD. They’ve had killer choreo in every MV, and this one is no exception. They use their limbs to great effect, and not only that they bend and hunch their bodies when necessary. I always enjoy watching KARD dance as a unit.
The set design is really good, though it appears that Jiwoo and J.seph live a richer life. They dine together under a chandelier, and the room is richly-appointed with distinguished-looking books on gorgeous shelves. Somin and BM are slumped against the bed in what looks like a cheap hotel room, with a TV that doesn’t really show any stable picture, and BM in a wife-beater (a kind of sleeveless shirt) and ripped jeans. If a picture says a thousand words, the production design speaks volumes.
So you bet I enjoyed this one. KARD videos are usually pretty high quality, and they’ve gotten better and better. And as for the zombie thing, all I know is that were I a colleague, they would slay me with their looks and talent. Indeed, they already have.
Score
MV Relevance
MV Production
MV Concep
MV SCORE: 9
Album Concept
Tracklisting
ALBUM SCORE: 9
OVERALL
9.0
KARD are an exciting group to keep a track of, with this mini album they’ve shown versatile potential. The mini-album is an absolute must for those wanting to experience KARD without the typical tropical house that we were used to with their first EP.
What are your thoughts on this output by KARD?
