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Brave Girls Take the Throne as Summer Queen(s)

Brave Girls, the summer queens of 2021, have made a legendary return with their brand new single “Chi Mat Ba Ram” from their fifth mini-album Summer Queen. It’s been ten months since the quartet released a single, and nearly four years since their last album, Rollin’. With the resurgent popularity of “Rollin’” in February 2021, Brave Girls were able to gain the confidence to return for an exciting comeback. 

Let’s Talk Music! 

Tracklist: 

  1. Chi Mat Ba Ram 

  2. Pool Party (feat. E-CHAN of DKB

  3. Summer by Myself 

  4. FEVER

  5. Chi Mat Ba Ram (English Ver.) 

“Chi Mat Ba Ram” 

The tropical house track “Chi Mat Ba Ram” is a bright and infectious summer anthem written by Brave Brothers, Chakun, and Red Cookie. The title appears to be combining the Korean words for “skirt” and “wind” together, however Brave Brothers stated that the meaning is rather “a ‘new wind’ that Brave Girls have created.” With Minyoung starting off the track with the line, “We’re gonna be summer queens,” the girls are ready to claim the throne for the summer. In the first verse of the track, we hear Yujeong drop a reference to Brave Girls’s iconic song “Rollin’.” The chorus and refrain have such an earworm quality, creating this addictive sound that you can’t get enough of, but the best part of this track has to be Minyoung’s high note full of passion and vigor in the bridge! Brave Girls could brighten anyone’s summer with their joyous vocals.

In the music video, we see the members waiting for something exciting to happen before beginning a dance party at the beach. The girls are enjoying their summer with activities like volleyball, shopping, dancing, and skating—soaking in the memories together. There are multiple signs in the background showcasing the group’s name and a window that has the words “Rollin’ in the deep” written on it. Their floral outfits with attached skirts give the girls a carefree glow that’s like no other. In the choreography, there’s two noticeable nods that you may have missed: a reference to their song “Rollin’” and a salute pose showing their gratitude to their Korean military fans. Incorporating their skirt into the choreography gives an elegant and attractive look to the dance. With all the energy that Brave Girls has brought, the video comes to an end with a nighttime beach party filled with sparklers and sheer happiness. This video is certain to encourage fans to have a vacation at the beach! 

B-Sides 

“Pool Party” features vocals from DKB’s rapper E-CHAN. The bubbly and retro sound to the track feels like an invitation to a summer pool party! With lyrics like “Hashtag chillax mood” and “Feel like I’m in paradise,” the girls just want to have a lively party together with friends. This is a perfect hype song to blast through your speakers while poolside, and E-CHAN’s rap adds a feel-good depth to the song that makes this a memorable B-side off the mini-album. 

With “Summer by myself,” there’s a more romantic sound, despite the name of the song. With a brassy sound to start off the track, it feels like a summer love song that reminds you it’s okay to enjoy the summer alone. This song would best be played at nighttime by the water. Even though there is no translation released for the song, it’s still worth giving your attention. 

“FEVER,” written by MABOOS and JS, slows down the mini-album with a softer and nostalgic sound. With lyrics like, “Shake it ‘til six in the morning...cause we’re still wild and free,” the track gives the impression of partying late into the night with someone special, like it’s a night that the girls don’t want to end. With the temperatures rising this season, it’s the perfect time to create long-lasting memories that won’t leave you with FOMO (fear of missing out). 

The Summer Queen mini-album ends with an English version of their title track “Chi Mat Ba Ram.” With this added to the mini-album, it’s a great way to show their singing talents in English. The bonus track is almost like a gift for their fans FEARLESS, the Korean military, and new supporters. 

With their highly anticipated return to the stage, fans are happy to see Brave Girls get another shot in the industry. The pressure is sure to have been a heavy burden, but they’ve proven that they’re a group that’s worth the wait. It’s been such a long and emotional journey to get to this very moment, and everybody is proud of Brave Girls for their perseverance. With the release of their summer party-inspired album, the quartet deserves to take home the title of “summer queens.” 

“Chi Mat Ba Ram” Title Score: 9/10 

“Chi Mat Ba Ram” MV Score: 10/10 

Summer Queen Album Score: 9/10 

TOTAL SCORE: 9.3/10