sensitive; loossemble

sept 21 2023

After Loona's messy public break from BBC, the Loona members scattered to the wins. It was a race to see who would come back first, Modhaus won that battle. Odd Eye Circle released a solid EP on May 19th, serving up an evolution of OEC's signature sound and four respectable bsides. The one problem with the album is that, in the hurry to get it out as soon as possible, the creative direction was really rushed. The album cover art looked like it was made in Picsart, the music video was well shot but had nothing to do with the song, and the promotion and rollout for the album was extremely shoddy.

Overall, for a group that made their name off their complicated and extensive lore universe, it just felt lazy to me to not come back with a bang in that regard. Especially since the head of Modhaus is Jaden Jeong, Loona's former ousted creative director. You would think, since he never really got to finish the story he had set out for them, he would want to finally get back to that extensive lore he created! But instead, the "Air Force One" music video is a mishmash of old Loona references, half-hearted attempts at "lore," and a focus on "girls in suits being badass" (which is also The TripleS Special).

But this isn't a review of Odd Eye Circle and Version Up. This is a review of Loossemble's self-titled debut EP, which I think has probably won the war. After leaving BBC, Gowon, Hyeju, Yeojin, Hyunjin, and Vivi all went to CTD, a new company set up by former BBC executive Yoon Dayeon. They debuted on September 15th, 2023, with the self-titled album Loossemble.

Unlike Modhaus and OEC, it really feels like CTD took the time to sit down with the members and discuss their creative direction— which parts of Loona they wanted to keep and work with and which ones they wanted to leave behind. The result is a fun, well produced music video about a couple friends forming a dance team and watching the moon landing, sprinkled in with hints that something might be wrong, and with an extended outro that firmly takes Loossemble into hard scifi. This is something I've been wanting Loona to do for a long time, and it feels so good to be able to really theorize again!

Like mentioned earlier, "Air Force One" had "lore" in the way that the last couple Loona releases have had lore; they have a couple of visually interesting and mysterious scenes, and the thinnest string of a plot. But "Sensitive" genuinely a greater overarching plot that CTD can build on, which is what made Loona's early lore so great in the first place.

It also feels like CTD didn't skimp on the music side of the release, either. The title track is a bit weak, but it does its job. It's kind of like the cute version of Le Sserafim's "Fearless," which is a song I really hated. But whereas "Fearless" is just kind of... one note the entire song, I felt like "Sensitive" at least had enough variation between the verses and the chorus that it doesn't feel boring, even though I wish it developed the instrumental a bit more as the song went on. It's here where I also have to give the vocalists their flowers. I know some were "worried" about Loossemble's vocals, since they're made up of members BBC historically neglected and refused to give any kind of lines, but they all really shine here. Yeojin and Hyunjin really belt their asses off on this song!

"Real world" is notable for using the same sample that Red Velvet used in "Birthday," and this is another example of Loossemble taking something I didn't like originally and making it good. This song doesn't overplay the sample, simply using it to begin the song and then subtly infusing the song with its chords and some 1920's flavor piano. This song starts out a little rocky with the speak-singy rap, but it quickly gets back up on its feet and really stands out as having an amazingly catchy hook. Hyeju also shows off her vocals on this song, taking strong control of the chorus.

"Colouring" is one of my least played songs on the EP, but that doesn't mean I don't like it or think it's bad. I think the instrumental of this song is absolutely beautiful, and this is a vocal flex song that isn't actually boring— a rare treat. The hook of "you make me bloom bloom bloom bloom" is pretty catchy, too.

Another favorite of mine on the album is "Newtopia," which feels like "Star" and "Perfect Love" had a beautiful baby. It's a perfect mix of the catchy poppy chord progression of "Perfect Love" and the retro inspired sound that "Star" perfected the formula for. This song is ridiculously catchy and is an instant classic.

"Strawberry soda" is another song with a super strong and catchy hook, and this sweet song feels all the sweeter knowing Yves helped compose and produce it. This song is so upbeat, bubbly, fun, and perfect for summer. It's not overly saccharine, and the vaguely disco elements add a unique element to this song!

"Day by Day" is another song that isn't one of my favorites, but I think it works really well as an album closer. This song reminds me of an anime ending song, like something out of Love Live. The song has a kind of nostalgic sweetness that makes me reminisce about the good old days of Loona.

Overall, I really enjoyed this album. I would say I enjoyed "Air Force One" as a song more than I liked "Sensitive," but in every other aspect CTD is just blowing Modhaus out of the water. Also, it's genuinely so heartening to see an entire album showcasing these five members who have historically been paid dust. There's still ways to improve, of course, but so far I am really happy with Loosesemble.