The music scene is heating up this summer with a head-to-head battle between top agency girl groups! NMIXX from JYP Entertainment, LE SSERAFIM from HYBE Music Group’s Source Music, and aespa from SM Entertainment are all making their moves around the same time, creating an intense three-way showdown.
NMIXX was the first to fire the starting gun. On the 11th, they released their fifth mini album, ‘Heavy Serenade.’ The title track of the same name is in the ‘MIXX POP’ genre, blending electronic music elements with pop, continuing the unique musical color they’ve built since debut. This comeback has especially garnered attention for its collaboration with singer-songwriter Hanroro. Following the popular success of their previous work, ‘Blue Valentine,’ the new track has also claimed top spots on major domestic daily music charts.
aespa is also ready. They are set to showcase an even more solidified worldview with their second full-length album, ‘LEMONADE,’ releasing on the 29th. To build anticipation, they pre-released the double title track ‘WDA (Whole Different Animal)’ on the 11th. This hip-hop-based dance track features a grand synth bass and a heavy hook, with G-Dragon of BIGBANG participating in the featuring and rap making. The music video emphasizes their concept, depicting aespa breaking through cracks to prove their existence.
LE SSERAFIM is also joining the comeback war, taking their place in the May girl group competition. Ahead of the release of their second full-length album on the 22nd, they return with a new theme that twists the message they’ve shared since their debut song ‘FEARLESS’ and their group name’s meaning, ‘I’M FEARLESS.’ While they previously emphasized a fearless attitude, they show a more grown-up side in this album, stating, “We became stronger because we know fear.”
The title track ‘BOOMPALA’ delivers the message that fear can be nothing more than an illusion depending on one’s perspective and attitude. It features a rhythm sampling the 90s hit ‘Macarena,’ paired with an addictive, spell-like chorus. They’ve also teased a point choreography that’s easy to follow.
NMIXX has successfully found the middle ground between their unique ‘MIXX POP’ genre and mainstream appeal, while aespa has strengthened their identity through music tied to their worldview. Meanwhile, LE SSERAFIM presents a different direction by combining unpredictable transformations with public appeal. All eyes are on these three teams as they showcase their distinct colors in this comeback competition.
