After almost a year-long wait, BLACKPINK is back in our area with a new EP titled SQUARE UP. This marks the girl group’s first mini-album since their debut. Prior to this comeback, the girls had only released singles, so fans are much delighted to be treated to more songs despite their long hiatus.

”뚜두뚜두 (DDU-DU DDU-DU)”

BLACKPINK is back with a hard-hitting, fierce, and catchy song titled, “뚜두뚜두 (DDU-DU DDU-DU).” We all knew that these young ladies were looking to come back with a punch since they’ve been away from the music industry for some time. They’re not playing any games, and they’re here to remind us that they are a force to be reckoned with. “뚜두뚜두 (DDU-DU DDU-DU)” is a hip-hop/EDM-influenced track that will bring out your inner diva with a boost of self-confidence. Though it’s not a super fast-paced song, you’ll find yourself bobbing your head along to the rhythm or bringing out the body rolls like they do in the music video. Make sure to have this song playing at its highest volume setting for maximum slayage from the group.

“뚜두뚜두 (DDU-DU DDU-DU)” is the lovechild of BLACKPINK’s debut releases “Whistle” and “Boombayah,” following suit with a slow buildup before the chorus hits you with a bang. Rosé and Jisoo’s vocals will leave you absolutely enchanted, while Jennie and Lisa’s rap verses leave sharp, yet satisfying stings. The music video is sexy and full-on glam. Whether it’s the bedazzled military tank parading Jennie or the high fashion outfits, there is so much to take in that watching the music video once is simply not enough. In addition, the wide use of their namesake colors splashed throughout the music video give it an extra touch of something special. At the time this article is being written, the music video has garnered over 20 million views in less than 24 hours since its release.

“BLACKPINK is the Revolution”

BLACKPINK is most definitely in our area as they’ve released three additional tracks alongside “뚜두뚜두 (DDU-DU DDU-DU).” This girl group has so far presented a range of concepts from cute and fun to sassy and confident for their SQUARE UP EP. “Forever Young” is a fun summer track that will get everyone up and dancing along, which is quite fitting as the song is about staying youthful and enjoying time together. It’s a trendy EDM-based track and also one of the songs that was teased prior to the release of the album.

The album proceeds to switch things up with “Really,” a song about wanting to know if the person you’re interested in is really into you or not. It’s a song we can all relate to when “talking” to someone in hopes of becoming more than friends. The song even details the hardship associated with romantic relationships, such as having to decode mixed signals. “Really” is about confronting someone with the intention of finding out whether the relationship is going to work out or not.

Lastly, the album closes out with “See U Later,” a unique breakup song from the EP. While usual breakup songs are about missing someone or feeling sad, the members of BLACKPINK make it clear they’re moving on without regrets. They’re not holding back when it comes to cutting off ties as a result of being wronged, and “See U Later” is the goodbye song to end things once and for all. This is just another reminder that the members are strong, fierce girls that will not hesitate to tell it how it is.

BLACKPINK has certainly delivered an album that goes above and beyond expectations. The group’s return with SQUARE UP was well worth the wait, and we’re anticipating more from BLACKPINK in the second half of the year. Here’s to hoping these painfully long periods of inactivity in between comebacks are finally over!