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EVERGLOW are Intergalactic Queens in Return of The Girl

There’s no better way to start the final month of 2021 than with a comeback from the energetic girl group, EVERGLOW. Returning with their third mini-album titled Return of The Girl and a music video for their title track “Pirate,” these ladies are ruling the galaxy with their signature choreography and irresistible EDM sound.  

Prior to their comeback, EVERGLOW dropped their third single album Last Melody in May, featuring the title track “FIRST.” In August, the girls released a music video and fundraising challenge for the Promise Campaign for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). With this particular fundraising project, the collaboration with a humanitarian organization and a K-Pop girl group like EVERGLOW helped advocate for children all over the world facing hardships and obstacles. In mid-September, The Kraze had the opportunity to chat with EVERGLOW about their two-year anniversary together and more; you can check out the interview here

"PIRATE"

“Pirate” has this progressive house, EDM sound that is reminiscent of 2012 EDM, bringing back the nostalgia and serotonin of the last decade. It also gives off a sound that reminds you of K-Pop music from the second generation. Co-written by 72, Ollipop, Hong I Reum, Gavin Jones, & Hayley Aitken, the energetic single has a sound that changes dynamically throughout its progression, unlike anything we’ve heard before. Every time the pre-chorus comes on, you’ll feel goosebumps upon listening to Sihyeon’s spellbinding vocals. Plus, listening to the line, “Girls all over the world dance tonight, and we could be anything, anything now,” is certain to make you feel empowered as a woman because yes, we can be anything. The lyrics are just so much fun to sing along with, especially E:U’s part where she says, “Shiver me timbers.” With a message of self-empowerment as they rule the galaxy, EVERGLOW's signature performance and hard-hitting vocals will leave you to bow to these queens. 

The music video for “Pirate” will blow you away and leave you speechless for a number of reasons. To begin with, the intergalactic space pirate theme and glamorous fashion pieces already make this a high-quality video. Seeing Mia dressed in a modern and glamorous pirate style makes her look like she holds so much power. While on another planet in the galaxy, these ladies are showcasing their captivating visuals with weapons like bows and swords, protecting what belongs to them. After all, leader Sihyeon is waving a flag bearing their official logo, letting the world know that EVERGLOW was here. Their expressions give off a tough exterior that proves they rule the girl-crush concept with amazing stage presence. With bright fluorescent lighting adding to their flair, seeing the close-up shots of each member will make you fall in love with their vibrant confidence. In terms of the choreography, EVERGLOW doesn’t shy away from complex dance moves that look easy upon first impression. If you pay attention, you can catch glimpses of what appears to be voguing in the choreography, and boy, do they nail it! EVERGLOW has this dynamic visual element in their videos that only makes the listening experience more gratifying. By the end of this video, you’ll definitely want to join their battalion as intergalactic space pirates. 

B-Sides

With “Back Together” as the first track off the album, it gives a softer start with only a piano and EVERGLOW’s sweet vocals. Based on the lyrics, the single seems to detail the longing to reunite with a lover, thinking about them. Lines like “We are bound forever, I need you now,” and “You and I, we hope and hope that time never fades,” express a sweet sentiment of hope as they meet “Back Together.” Admittedly, it’s one of the most beautiful songs to please our ears at a first impression. The song would be perfect as an OST for a romance K-Drama, as it truly tickles the brain with its peaceful melody. 

You’ll easily gravitate towards the single “Don't Speak” for a refreshing love song. The pop song describes falling in love with a “bad boy,” telling him to listen to their pleas to not speak, and let this romantic moment happen. Lyrics like “Kiss me now, without any words to say,” and “I’m assured you’re the man I’m in love with (it’s you, yes you),” express the cheeky desire to be around this love. EVERGLOW is certain about this love as they say, “What my heart want, is you baby.” It’ll certainly become an instant favorite if you enjoy basking in the romantic lyrics in songs like “Don’t Speak.”

“Nighty Night” is a rap-heavy single that’ll take you into another dimension. It feels as if this connects with “Pirate” as the lyrics give off the impression that they are navigating through the night, especially with the line “Hop on a dimensional time travel.” Even if that’s a completely incorrect assumption, the single has the potential to grow on you if rap is your preference. Listening to the single almost feels like you’re about to prepare for battle and running towards the fight. FOREVERs online have left comments about the single saying it has the potential to have been the title track for the album because of its intriguing sound. 

Wrapping up the album is the adventurous single “Company.” Right off the bat, the song exudes this unspeakable energy of independence and confidence. Its upbeat tempo is so addictive, it’s unexplainable. The refrain, pre-chorus, and chorus feel like a match made in heaven as the transition keeps up with the momentum of the energy. One part of the song that’ll impress you is the bridge, as their soft vocals join together in harmony creating this heavenly sound. Personally, this was the B-side to capture the essence that EVERGLOW is known for: alluring confidence and inviting energy. 

Overall, the Return of The Girl album contains a good selection of tracks that touch on self-empowerment, love, and sheer confidence. This comeback will thoroughly impress and leave you speechless at the talents that EVERGLOW has to offer. Let it be known that no matter what EVERGLOW releases, these ladies will always shine like diamonds with their impressive vocals and highly-skilled performances. 

Return of The Girl is available on streaming services like Spotify, YouTube Music, and more! Make sure to stay up to date with EVERGLOW by following the girls on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.  

“Pirate” TITLE SCORE: 9.5/10

“Pirate” MV SCORE: 10/10 

Return of The Girl ALBUM SCORE: 8/10 

TOTAL SCORE: 9.2/10