Yves' LOOP; a labor of love
by Sophia Madrid | May 29th, 2024
Photo by Nikolai Ahn | @nikolaiahn
After leaving her former company, BBC (Block Berry Creative), Yves from Loona spent significant time planning her next steps with newfound freedom. While most other members focused on new groups and projects throughout 2023, Yves dedicated this period to exploring her creative desires. She experimented with photography and fashion, seeking to understand her aspirations for herself and her music. Yves consistently updated fans about her decision-making process regarding her new company and her time in the studio. Despite what some might call a delay, the wait proved worth it.
As the last Loona member to re-debut, many fans were curious about Yves' sonic direction. Known for her alternative style and diverse music taste, fans speculated whether her music would reflect these influences. Yves communicated with fans on FROMM, revealing that her upcoming album would encompass genres like R&B, folk, and pop. This marked a significant departure from the K-pop style. Another exciting aspect of this album was Yves' extensive contribution. She worked closely with each producer, ensuring the project was deeply personal and reflected her artistic vision. Yves asked Orbits (Loona's fandom) to trust her, apologizing for the wait.
The anticipation built up when Yves announced her new company and released a teaser for her EP. The teaser, titled after her birth name, featured Yves candidly sharing her fears and insecurities. The video portrayed Yves' journey, highlighting who she is now and who she once was, even incorporating a location from her 2017 Loona solo. The long-awaited debut was finally approaching. When the company revealed the album's contents, it was clear that Yves had infused it with her personal touch. Including a love letter, lottery card, and dream unlocker showcased her conceptual strength and intention to convey a meaningful message.
On May 29, 2024, the highly anticipated album "LOOP" was released. This 4-song EP, though just 12 minutes long, made a significant impact. "Diorama" The opener, chosen by Yves, reflects her thoughts during the transitional period after the girls left their previous company. It captures their triumph and newfound freedom. The album opens with a blend of drums and a flute-like synth, evoking the nostalgia of classic R&B while still sounding refreshingly contemporary. Yves seamlessly transitions between English and Korean, singing about a complicated, dependent relationship. A seductive guitar line weaves in and out, perfectly complementing her breathy vocals.
Photo by Nikolai Ahn | @nikolaiahn
"Diorama" The opener, chosen by Yves, reflects her thoughts during the transitional period after the girls left their previous company. It captures their triumph and newfound freedom. The album opens with a blend of drums and a flute-like synth, evoking the nostalgia of classic R&B while still sounding refreshingly contemporary. Yves seamlessly transitions between English and Korean, singing about a complicated, dependent relationship. A seductive guitar line weaves in and out, perfectly complementing her breathy vocals. "Loop," the lead single from the EP, has garnered nearly two million streams on Spotify. The title track explores breaking free from expectations and reaching out to new possibilities. The track opens with house vocal chops before transitioning to Yves' vocals over a soft keyboard. Lil Cherry's feature is unexpected; her playful, nonsensical lyrics might distract from what could have been the perfect house track. However, her rap brings a fresh element to the song, appearing during the early breakdown and just before the pre-chorus. While "Loop" is an excellent song, the fusion of house and rap generates excitement for what else Yves has in store. "Afterglow" is A reflective and serene track that delves into the aftermath of change and the beauty of personal growth. Yves contributed to writing the third track, where the guitar takes center stage. Her soft, emotional voice, paired with the electric guitar, effectively conveys the feeling of heartbreak as she sings about the loss of love and the struggle of letting go. Seeing her perform it deepened my appreciation for the song. Yves is truly in her element. The album concludes with "Goldfish," a bittersweet song about the need to support someone else. It is a reflective song about memories, resilience, and the importance of holding onto one's dreams. Yves' voice shines most beautifully on this track, with a potent emotional depth that sets it apart from her previous work in Loona. Her deep tone captures the song's emotions remarkably, leaving listeners eager for more performances like this from her.
Overall, Yves successfully breaks free from the constraints of traditional K-pop, exploring various sounds and showcasing her individuality. The EP is raw yet bold, unpolished but honest, embodying Yves' thoughts and emotions. One of the songs is dedicated to her fans, expressing gratitude to those who believed in her and patiently waited. "LOOP" encapsulates the essence of Yves, who shines brightly in this project. Navigating a sea of emotions, her deep-rooted passion for music has strengthened her musically and personally. "LOOP" is a groundbreaking K-pop project that will be remembered for challenging norms and demonstrating what an artist can achieve when driven by love for their craft.
Listen to LOOP here: LOOP
