(G)I-DLE Conquers the World in I NEVER DIE
Returning with a jaw-dropping and edgy concept, the hot global girl group (G)I-DLE shows the world their fierce confidence and can-do attitude in their first full-length album I NEVER DIE and music video for their pop-rock title track “TOMBOY.” In an effort to break down their feelings about what is given to them and all prejudices in the world, the quintet conveys their straightforward and free-spirited personality throughout the album.
Tracklist
TOMBOY (title)
Never Stop Me
VILLAIN DIES
ALREADY
POLAROID
ESCAPE
LIAR
MY BAG
Showcase
On Monday, March 14 at 4 p.m. KST, (G)I-DLE premiered their music video and first live performance of their title track “TOMBOY” for their online media showcase. The girls were able to discuss how they feel returning after a year with their first full album and answered some questions for the showcase.
Donning faded black leather tops and baggy jeans, (G)I-DLE were in their element performing for the showcase. The choreography has this girl crush energy to it, leaving those who watch impressed by the girls’ driving confidence. Soyeon stated that she wanted the dance to be easy and freeing, so when coming up with the choreography, she focused on hand gestures. Minnie and Yuqi showcased the key point dance of the choreography that shows the rock symbol with both of their hands, revealing their edgy spirit for the concept.
Photo: REELS Corp & Cube Entertainment
During the showcase, Miyeon explained the three concepts that (G)I-DLE presents for their album: “We tried to show you our mature facial expressions and emotions using three visual concepts. ‘RiSKY’ is a very close noir concept, ‘CHiLL’ is a relaxed and cool revenge squad concept, and ‘SPOiLED’ expresses a protagonist who you can’t hate even though it’s arbitrary.” With these types of visual transformations for their album, it appears that the quintet is trying to keep their title as “concept masters” that can take on any style effortlessly.
When talking about the music video for “TOMBOY,” Minnie revealed which prop used in the video was her favorite: “We used a lot of props, but what I liked the most was the Barbie doll. There’s a Barbie doll made with characteristics of each member.” It’s an interesting moment in the music video for fans to look forward to. Before wrapping up the showcase, (G)I-DLE stated that if they win first place for their performance on music programs, they’ll shoot a special video with a concept that their fans, NEVERLAND, will choose and decide.
“TOMBOY”
Written and composed by Poptime, JENCI, and Soyeon, “TOMBOY” has an alternative rock and pop sound that’ll reel you in at first listen and give you a taste of (G)I-DLE’s confidence through their vocals. The group doesn’t shy away from straightforward lyrics like, “I’m not a doll,” and, “Just me I-DLE,” when it comes to displaying their bold auras. In the showcase, Soyeon stated that the message for the track is that, “No one can meet any standards and that I am just me.” (G)I-DLE are not your ordinary girls; they’ve got a tough exterior and do not like to be played with, noticeable in lines like, “Stuff like love can't make me drop a single teardrop, I'd rather not if I have to smile at your pointless words.” With an edgy track like “TOMBOY,” it’s clear that (G)I-DLE’s daring essence and charms are only becoming stronger with each single they drop; they’ll leave you wanting more.
The music video gives off a noir and retro film style, making it feel like you’re in a movie theater. With the color red bleeding into every scene of the video, be prepared for pop-punk-inspired visuals. Their attire is drop-dead gorgeous, with bold red outfits with AC/DC accent pieces attached to them, and both black and red leather outfits to match the red convertible. When discussing the music video’s storyline in the showcase, Miyeon stated, “It’s not about the heroine who shed tears of love, it’s about a rebellious and bold heroine,” especially with such bad ass and independent auras. Throughout the video, Barbie dolls that look exactly like the members of (G)I-DLE appear on the screen, adding stop-motion animation to their eccentric storyline. The edgy and alternative members of (G)I-DLE want you to know that they are not your standard cookie-cutter gals—only I-DLE the queens.
B-sides
Starting off the album with a rock sound, “Never Stop Me” expresses the feelings of a breakup according to Miyeon during the showcase. Written by Soyeon, Kako, and Poptime, this song has tons of descriptors in the lyrics after a heartbreak. In the line, “I feel like I'm drunk with drugs, spattered luxury bag, lips that ripped big, both of my eyes are spreading like smokey,” the descriptors used in the lyrics help to visualize a heartbroken girl who was crying. Even though she’s severely emotional and hurt by the breakup, she’ll eventually have to move on, as stated in the line, “You broke my heart, you locked my love, I can't believe I'm tearing up. No, I'm not okay at all, let me put on leather jacket.”
The intriguing intro for “VILLAIN DIES” will leave you curious about the unique sound. Witten by Soyeon and The Proof, the song is written from a villain’s point of view, seeking to give a happy ending for a villain. The ominous violin in the arrangement will really make you feel like you’re listening to someone’s villain arc begin, and the lyrics make it feel like you’re reading a folktale story like the line, “Once upon a time, there was a villain. Who is a villain?” Though it noticeably goes off script when you hear, “When will this crazy novel gonna end?” Even with its peculiar and spooky sound, it has admittedly become a favorite off of the album.
“ALREADY” has a softer R&B and pop quality to it that differs from the mysterious arrangements in the prior tracks. Written by Minnie, Houdini, and Soyeon, the song comes after a breakup, but with the ex-lover having regrets after it ended. It’s always when the relationship is over that an ex will return, trying to gain another chance; however, the lyrics express that the girl is already over it. The lines, “Why did you say sorry now? Even a second is too late,” and, “Already, already, already over, I erased you,” make it clear that the relationship is over as it’s the end of their story. Even though the former lovers have closed this chapter, it’s for the better to breathe and move on.
The mesmerizing and nostalgic R&B B-side “POLAROID” presents a heartwarming perspective of memories with (G)I-DLE. Written by Yuqi, BOYTOY, and PLZ (Blatinum), Yuqi writes down her feelings and thoughts of enjoying her youth with (G)I-DLE. Her focus for the song was to exhibit the same innocence she had when she was younger. There are plenty of touching lines throughout the song like, “Sometimes I think we can look back, 'cause we've been too busy, we've been too busy, let's take a break so that I can be happy and smile more,” and, “Don't be sad, let's forget everything with the flash.” One of the lyrics that will make you feel the emotion behind Yuqi’s words is the line, “Take out the polaroid, we shouldn't forget this, please remember in our picture that smile at that time, let's make a funny face.” It’s an underrated B-side that shouldn’t go unnoticed from the album.
One of the most beautiful and uplifting tracks is “ESCAPE.” Why is that? During the showcase, Minnie stated that this song was made for those who become tired of everything and feel like giving up, as this will provide warm consolation and care. Plus, it’s a light single that showcases the vocals of each member. Written by BreadBeat, Minnie, and Soyeon, the lyrics are so tranquil and can heal you during difficult days. The lines, “Don't endure it alone, just take my hand, I like the sound of laughter better than crying,” and, “When everything feels like a mess, always remember today, alright, I'll always be by your side,” are reminders from (G)I-DLE to keep going and smile today.
The electric guitar in “LIAR” will grab your attention. Written by Yuqi, Siixk Jun, Soyeon, and Kim Myung Kyu, this feisty track shows how we only see certain sides of ourselves, even some that make us change for the worse. When life becomes difficult, we begin to lie to ourselves, especially when it substantially changes our personality for the worse. The line, “There's nothing that I want, lies I didn't even mean to say. I'm losing myself so bad; like a doll without emotions, it's a forced smile,” only confirms that you can lie to yourself in certain moments. This could easily, however, have a different interpretation based on what’s absorbed through the lyrics.
When “MY BAG” plays on your speakers, this is the moment to have fun and enjoy the vibey hip-hop track that will be liked by many for its eccentric style. One of the appealing things about the track is how all the members are rapping throughout the entire song. This is the first time the quintet has done this, so don’t look past this refreshing and cool moment. When asked about the track during the showcase, Shuhua said she worked hard to be a cool rapper like Soyeon. But that’s not all: there’s also a track video for “MY BAG” to watch the members have their rapper moment together.
The final song on the album is an explicit version of “TOMBOY.” Unfortunately, this is an exclusive CD version, so if you’re interested in listening to it, you’ll have to purchase a physical copy.
Even though (G)I-DLE was gone for a little over a year, the release of I NEVER DIE is well worth the wait. Considering how difficult it must have been to self-produce and compose all nine tracks, (G)I-DLE has excelled in creating their own signature sound together. When you listen to their 24-minute long album, each track takes you on a journey with versatile concepts, showing that they don’t stick to one style and don’t follow any rules when it comes to music. By taking those risks, (G)I-DLE has proven they have a niche sound that remains untouchable and will continue to shatter records.
I NEVER DIE is available on various streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. Make sure to follow (G)I-DLE on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram for more about their comeback.
“TOMBOY” TITLE SCORE: 9/10
“TOMBOY” MV SCORE: 9/10
I NEVER DIE ALBUM SCORE: 10/10
TOTAL SCORE: 9.3/10
Edited by Kelly Sipko