Welcome Back to the ReVe Festival

Just when you thought the fun was over, Red Velvet is back with the latest installment of The ReVe Festival with their new EP and title track “Birthday.”

Known for their boundary-pushing concepts, “Birthday” is the next installment in Red Velvet’s quirky roster. The song sounds like a blend of 2014’s “Ice Cream Cake” and 2019’s “Parade” but with an added edge, and is about celebrating a special day. In a turn much like “Feel My Rhythm,” the song samples George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” giving an added classical touch to the modern-day track. The lyrics also offer some not-so-subtle nods to some of Red Velvet’s past hits while adding a new layer of creativity to the girls’ repertoire. The jarring contrast behind the styles of music is something that only Red Velvet could pull off as well as they do.

The music video for “Birthday” is reminiscent of the off-kilterness found in their 2018 Japanese track “#Cookie Jar.” It starts with the girls entering a hotel, only to end up with them facing off against supernaturally sweet enemies (like a sentient gingerbread man). If nothing else, the rewatch value in this video is strong—you’ll certainly notice something new each time you hit replay.

The ReVe Festival 2022 - Birthday also features an additional four tracks, starting with “BYE BYE.” The song is vocally driven, especially compared to “Birthday,” and allows Seulgi in particular the chance to shine in the second verse. “On A Ride” fits the festival theme of the mini-album perfectly, with candy-sweet vocals and eccentric sound effects. “ZOOM” is a fun take on a darker theme—unfaithfulness in a relationship—and features what’s sure to be a new staple in those “Best Bridges in K-Pop” compilations we’ve all seen, mostly thanks to Wendy’s high note. The release ends with the understated R&B ballad “Celebrate” as Red Velvet’s party winds down to a quiet close.

Earlier this year during press rounds for The ReVe Festival 2022 - Feel My Rhythm, Joy teased that the girls had plenty of releases up their sleeves. We can’t wait to see what 2023 brings them.

Edited by Omani