Summer Fun with fromis_9

Released on June 27, from our Memento Box marks fromis_9’s groovy return to summer. Headlined by the funky “Stay This Way” and four other tracks filled with summer fun, the group’s fifth mini-album is sure to be an addition to any poolside playlist.

“Stay This Way” follows similar formulas to some of fromis_9’s greatest hits like “Feel Good (SECRET CODE),” “WE GO,” and January’s “DM.” This is thanks in part to production from collapsedone and Justin Reinstein, who have nearly perfected the sound for fromis_9. The song has a similar retro pop-dance feel to its predecessors, with a bit more rap in its later verses that gives the track more edge. It’s an easy listen with a funk guitar line, anthemic lyrics in the chorus, a driving tempo, and even a key change at the end. While “Stay This Way” doesn’t offer anything new to fromis_9’s discography, it’s a song that capitalizes on a sound the group has mastered, and that’s sure to hook any new listener into the rest of the album.

The album opens with “Up And” which sounds like a toned-down version of “Stay This Way,” making it a perfect introduction to the following title track. After “Stay This Way,” “Blind Letter” is a slower song about new love with an unexpected heavy guitar that powers the chorus. “Cheese” picks up the tempo again in a playful song about taking photos, and ends up being one of the gems on the album in the way the instrumentation cuts back before each chorus. The EP rounds out with “Rewind,” a dance song with city pop elements that suitably makes you want to hit rewind to listen to the album again.

Our hearts were broken at The Kraze to learn of the recent car accident that involved members Hayoung, Jiwon, Seoyeon, Chaeyoung, and Jiheon, and we wish them a speedy recovery in their thankfully minor injuries. Be sure to show the entire group support by checking out the video for “Stay This Way” below and streaming from our Memento Box on music platforms.

Edited by Erin Rupprecht