YVES energetic comeback is on ‘LOOP’: LOOP EP Review

Courtesy of PAIX PER MIL

Early 2023, Yves became one of twelve recipients of a major lawsuit that would have realistically brought the idol’s career to a screeching halt. After spending 7 long years with South Korean K-pop company BlockBerry Creative or BBC, this lawsuit prevented Yves from engaging in activities to promote career development.

June 2023, little by little each member of LOONA was released from their contracts. Members of LOONA subunits emerged under their own companies, Chuu (ATRP), ARTMS(Modhaus) and LOOSSEMBLE (CTD E&M). 

It was for Yves to decide whether to stay with a traditional girl group or to leave the nest and grow into her unique sound. 

Yves kept her fans on their toes through Instagram and blog updates, teasing a new era for the idol. In March, Yves signed to PAIX PER MIL, the Korean hip hop label, a perfect fit for her vintage Y2K aesthetic.

The idol’s debut was highly anticipated by fans, finally in May 2024 it was confirmed that Yves will be releasing a new project later that month. 

Debuting as a soloist meant direct creative freedom in her new EP, ‘LOOP’. Yves explores a different side of her artistry that orbits have only had a small taste of. Yves tells ZAPZEE in an exclusive interview that this project gave her room to grow musically.

 “Since I had to express myself musically on my own, I saw many shortcomings, which sometimes made me angry at myself, but I think I have managed to overcome and grow from them,” Yves explained.

Yves solo debut EP ‘LOOP’ is 4 songs long, just shy of 12 minutes.The energy from DIORAMA kicks the EP off with a hype but melodic r&b beat. Her vocals sync up with the beat in such a diabolical manner. She sounds very pretty and effortless, Yves is commanding the listeners’ attention in a unique but familiar way for all of 2 minutes and 46 seconds. 

Yves is right at home on ‘DIORAMA’, her vocals lure listeners into the production of the track. Her vocal expertise is really shown here as it carries the song, and the production assists her vocals being the main focus. 

It is a seductive tone inviting you to “take a deep breath,” and see Yves as a mature woman. There is a super, sexy, feminine vibe to the lyricism, not in a raunchy way but in a mischievous, playful way. 

Casual and long time listeners of K-pop alike can appreciate the direction the ‘DIORAMA’ takes, it is an amazing way to ease into Yves’ EP. 

The experimental title track ‘LOOP’ produced by the CEO of PAIX PER MIL, Millic, features Lil Cherry alongside Yves. ‘LOOP’ did not disappoint, Yves on this track exudes confidence and composure in such a fun way. 

This track is an electronic pop beat that Yves explores the “loop” of what is constant in her daily life and the “desires to escape” them.

Lil Cherry's feature received a mixed reception from fans, some claiming that Yves would have performed the rap better than Lil Cherry. Others, while not completely supporting Lil Cherry, believe that the rapper does add flare to the track although her lyricism lacks luster.

‘Afterglow’ is the emo song of the EP, starting off with the lyrics “I don't wanna go back, but I can't help missing your love”. Yves expresses her desire to feel complete without codependency through this indie rock track.

Yves' vocal range is very beautiful through this EP but specifically on ‘Afterglow’, because of the delivery of the lyrics. Although B sides often get overlooked, ‘Afterglow Has captured attention through its movie soundtrack-esque vibe. 

‘Goldfish’ is the last song on ‘LOOP’ slowing completely down to take in the last track. The track allows you to listen to the emotion in Yves’ vocals. The production, once again does a great job in assisting the idol.

 Yves’ personal connection to the last song is an open letter to her fans and the relationship she’s built with them. Yves shows her appreciation for the encouragement and support of her fans and puts that emotion into this track.

‘LOOP’ by Yves is on loop for the summer, this EP has listeners in a chokehold a week into its release. Although ‘DIORAMA’ and ‘LOOP’ have most of the attention, 'Afterglow’ and ‘Goldfish’ are are timeless songs that boast Yves vocal talents.

Yves’ ‘LOOP’ has charted on iTunes worldwide upon its release, fans are receiving this project very well and Yves next comeback is looking highly anticipated.