TITLE: Hello Chapter 0: Hello, Strange Dream
ARTIST: CIX
LABEL: C9 Entertainment
RELEASED: February 02, 2021
I feel like Jungle was just released, but I’m not complaining about the new release from my favorites. It feels nice to have them back doing what they do best. I love it, my wallet does not. Damn me and my collecting mind. Anyway, lets get into it.
Cinema – Title Track
I am OBSESSED! The song was just released and I can’t stop listening to it. It’s a refreshing funky, pop track that really highlights our vocalists and even baby BX is singing it up in this. CIX debuted with Movie Star, so it feels fitting to have a song named Cinema. And it truly makes me want to be their leading lady, or the Noona in this rom-com in my head. I digress, the melody is simple but the hook is catchy and def has me singing over in my head all day.
Stairway To Heaven
We finally have gotten a ballad from CIX! On first listen, it reminds me of something Wanna One would have done or has done, but I ain’t mad at it. The soft orchestral pop fits with Seunghun and Jinyoung’s tones. The song really lulls me until BX comes in with his baritone rap. I swoon.
Round 2
This is a sound I didn’t really expect from the group. A Lo-Fi Hip-Hop R&B mix of a song. I don’t know why I didn’t because it actually really fits their sound esthetic. The falsettos of vocal line and the deep raps from BX really lend to this sound. But it’s the almost acapella bridge with beatboxing that makes this song really special.
Young
Another unexpected turn for CIX is this song. It’s a genre mashup that I don’t know where to start with it. On the surface, it shouldn’t work because you don’t know where the song is going but the constant rock elements really elevate this song and I will say it’s definitely a grower.
Everything
If I can pick a second favorite song, this would be it. Not to sound corny, but this song is EVERYTHING! It’s a little understated in its delivery but there are little moments that make it stand out. The pre-chorus in particular is addicting and catchy as hell. I’m in love.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I have been messing with CIX since their debut and I can say that they usually are consistent with their delivery. Hello Chapter 3 wasn’t my favorite even though it was decent and it really put them on people’s radar. However, this is probably my favorite EP from them and I would kill to have a full length album if the tracks are along these lines. And that’s me saying this when I’m a Numb enthusiast. This group is growing and experimenting with each release and I love that they aren’t putting out carbon copies of what all the other boy groups this gen are doing. Keep up the good work!
PRODUCTION : 4 / 5
VOCALS / RAPPING : 4 / 5
VISUALS / CONCEPT : 4.5 / 5
OVERALL: 4.5/ 5
Least Favorite Track(s): N/A
Favorite Track(s): Cinema, Everything
