NMIXX Shatters Expectations in Fe3O4: BREAK
NMIXX have amazed audiences once again with their second EP Fe3O4: BREAK. Released on January 15, Fe3O4: BREAK contains highly-anticipated B-Sides and uplifting messages. “Fe3O4” refers to the chemical formula for magnetite, a black mineral with magnetic properties. Listeners will find themselves attracted to the addictive properties of this EP.
TRACKLIST:
“DASH”
“Soñar (Breaker)”
“Run For Roses”
“BOOM”
“Passionfruit”
“XOXO”
“Break The Wall”
The Title Track: “DASH”
Where do I start with the title track, “DASH”? “DASH” is incredible. I love the hip-hop and R&B combination. The song takes the MIXX POP formula, one many felt was lacking in “Party ‘O Clock,” and brings it back in full force. When Jiwoo took over the “DASH” chorus with a slower tempo, she broke my mind. Whether or not that people consider that a proper “NMIXX change up,” smaller adjustments like that make songs more unique. It personally felt more satisfying than the bridge’s switch to rock.
The music video chooses to present its message through a jailbreak. NMIXX are portrayed as fugitives, trying to live life outside enclosed walls. The title “DASH” represents sprinting fearlessly towards unconventional but equally exciting paths. “Towards the opposite of what the world wants, we ride / We go zero to an hunnid,” says the lines closing the pre chorus. The shocking ending visual of “HEY YOU BASTARDS, I’M STILL HERE,” shows a blunt form of resistance.*
The Pre-Release: “Soñar (Breaker)”
“Soñar (Breaker)” dropped on December 4, 2023, more than a month before the comeback. The song starts like an opening for a hero’s grand epic. Its instrumental, courtesy of THE HUB, builds up a mystical but powerful presence. Watching the opening formation unravel gives me chills. It adds to the imposing tone of “Soñar (Breaker).”
As a pre-release,“Soñar (Breaker)” previewed the narrative present within Fe3O4: BREAK. It gives an “us against the world” type of impression, which it echoes in its lyrics. The Spanish verb “Soñar” means “to dream,” and the “breaker” part refers to creating a new path—breaking a chain of events.*
The Fan Concert Songs: “Run For Roses” and “XOXO”
NMIXX originally revealed “Run For Roses” and “XOXO” for their 2023 fan concert, NMIXX CHANGE UP : MIXX UNIVERSITY. They released a preview of “Run for Roses” on September 24, 2023, two weeks before the fan concert—leaving fans eager to see the full version. NMIXX performed “Run For Roses” and the then unknown “XOXO” in full, but it would take three months for studio versions.
“Run For Roses” became my favorite NMIXX B-side to date. I could write a whole article on the song alone. In short, “Run For Roses” sports a fun choreography (I love Sullyoon and Jiwoo’s back-and-forth in the pre chorus in particular), a unique country rock aesthetic, and incredible vocals. The laid-back environment and soft vocals of “XOXO” feels like a warm hug. If “Run for Roses” plays as a theme during an adventure’s climax, “XOXO” plays as the soothing ending theme.
The Remaining B-Sides: “BOOM,” “Passionfruit,” and “Break The Wall”
Of the three remaining B-sides, “BOOM” ranks on top for me. The “ticking” countdown that NMIXX does is instantly addictive. “BOOM” contains industrial sounds, sirens, and a tempo change that lured me in.
“Passionfruit” is the cute song of the bunch. In an EP mostly filled with hard-hitting tracks, “Passionfruit” provides a palette cleanser. “Break The Wall” ends Fe3O4: BREAK on a hopeful note. “Break The Wall” unifies the EP under the message that “this gets better.”
The Final Verdict: It Broke Me
I want to re-experience Fe3O4: BREAK over and over again. This EP is one of the best showcases of NMIXX’s vocals and performance. Watching Haewon, Lily, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo, and Kyujin’s development as artists has been interesting. Despite knowing three of the EP’s seven tracks before release, there were still surprises. January just hit its midpoint, but I can see Fe3O4: BREAK in my playlist for the rest of 2024.
*Note: lyrics taken from English captions in the official music videos.