3YE Completes Their TRIANGLE with First Mini-Album
Since their debut in May of 2019, 3YE released only three digital singles, leaving listeners craving more from this new trio. The group had a surprise in store at the end of June with the release of their first mini-album, complete with brand new tracks for the first time in their history.
The Title: “Yessir”
Say hello to the hardcore marching band motif! The opening of this track is slightly similar to debut “DMT (Do Ma Thing),” but with more intense rhythmic undertones. Fans of previous release “Queen” may not be as thrilled to hear the trio return to their hip-hop roots, but those who enjoyed “OOMM (Out of My Mind)” will immediately be enraptured by the track. The song definitely places more emphasis on the rapping verses than the vocals, and this composition choice adds to the power behind the track. The opening percussion and horns certainly capture the listener’s attention, but it’s hard to say if the rhythm is capable of maintaining that intrigue throughout the song. That same marching band sound returns at the final refrain to drive home the melodical concept and meld itself with the hip-hop beat.
Given the opening melody of the track, it’s no surprise that the video opens with an army of dancers moving in a marching formation. The three members are dressed in drum major-esque outfits for the dancing portions while the additional dancers are in simple attire to keep the focus on the idols. This is by far the biggest scale dancing routine the group has done and it’s a great indicator of their ability growing before our eyes. The choreography is a major portion of the video and it successfully keeps the viewer enraptured in its sharp and powerful movements. Fans of darker concepts will be delighted by the use of fierce symbols, such as shots of Haeun surrounded by swords and Yuji possessing a pistol, not to mention the shot of the trio along with their dancers lying on the floor as if they were confined in a coffin. The quality of the video has definitely improved since previous releases, with the composition of “Yessir” proving that the girls can finally play with the big boys.
The Album
With this being the first physical album from the group, the three original digital singles are the opening tracks for TRIANGLE. “DMT (Do Ma Thing)” opens up with a modern pop and hip-hop mixed beat, reminding listeners of the group’s original roots. The trio debuted with this hip-hop girl crush concept, though that may not be apparent in the audio of this track, which is much more of a blend than straight hip-hop. That being said, “OOMM (Out of My Mind)” follows this opener and very clearly states the heavier hip-hop influences the group intends. Since this track has already been covered, we can simply say this release kickstarted more widespread recognition for the group.
The third track “Queen” was released earlier this year and took the trio in a different musical direction. That proved to be fruitful, as the corresponding music video currently has over eight million views. The track provides a more mainstream EDM sound and removes virtually all of the hip-hop elements heard in earlier releases.
The newest tracks begin after the title, kicking off with “ON AIR.” This song is much less intense than those that precede it, with a lighter melody and airier vocals. It’s a very fresh song, perfect for the summer, which also successfully brings a new musical dimension to the group. “STAY WITH ME” continues along this path, but has more of a ballad influence and an acoustic rhythm accompanying the members’ surprisingly strong vocals. The group appeared to be more rap-focused when they began, so it’s rather surprising that the vocals are as good as they are. The album ends with a remix of “OOMM (Out of My Mind),” one that adds a summery tone to the otherwise intense track. If you’re a fan of the original then this probably won’t be your cup of tea, mostly because it switches up from such a hard-hitting track to a softer Caribbean feel. The B-sides are an unexpected turn from their titles, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
All in all, TRIANGLE has different musical dimensions that make it intriguing for the listener, but it’s also safe to say that it’s not an album that everyone is going to love. If you are a fan of 3YE’s hardcore girl crush concepts, you’ll likely be sticking to only their title tracks. But if you enjoy seeing a different side to the artists, the B-sides will be a refreshing change of pace. It all comes down to personal taste and may not have the power to sway every listener like some other stronger albums. Regardless, 3YE has shown they have the power to explore different musical genres and grow as musicians moving forward.