So far, 2022 has been a great year for five-member boy group CIX with them having released their first Japanese studio album Pinky Swear on March 30 followed by a trip to the UK to make their debut UK performance at HallyuPopFest London on July 4. Now, CIX is back with their fifth mini-album titled ‘OK’ Episode 1: OK Not, the next installment of their ‘OK’ series that follows the release of their debut studio album ‘OK’ Prologue: Be OK, in 2021. 

‘OK’ Episode 1: OK Not features four new tracks: “Without You,” “458” which also serves as the mini-album’s title track complete with a music video, “Bend the Rules,” and “Drown in Luv.” Now let’s get into the songs. 

First track “Without You” opens the mini-album, infusing a guitar-led tropical instrumentation with a soft-rock composition in the chorus with slight hints of EDM coming through toward the end of the song. The verse and pre-chorus implement a stripped-back feel that allows the vocal line to take charge and showcase both their high and low vocal abilities before delivering a powerful and impactful chorus. The song is calming and a beautifully emotional start to the mini-album. With its chill, slightly upbeat, tropical-rock notion, “Without You” is the perfect song for a summer night vibe. 

Following “Without You,” title track “458” takes listeners on a different journey, one that’s darker and grittier, with the music video teasers having already prepared us for an edgier side to CIX. Upon first listen, “458” didn’t captivate me as quickly as previous CIX songs did; it wasn’t bad, but something about the delivery and composition just wasn’t working for me. But after listening to the song for a second, third, and even fourth time, “458” stands out as another incredible song by CIX. It’s different, in a great way, even if it does take a few listens to appreciate and become obsessed with. 

“458” interestingly uses a piano instrumentation to drive the melody in the verses before entering a strong chorus that replaces the piano with a mix of EDM beats and a heavy bass, layered behind the members’ vocals. The use of a vocal effect to transition the song from the mellow pre-chorus to the powerful chorus is excellent, and along with the piano, adds a slight haunting vibe. The CIX members really know how to use their vocals, and “458” highlights their incredible range with them projecting falsettos and high and low registers, asserting real emotions into this intense love song. 

The music video for “458” is just as alluring as the song, with visuals that have you guessing where the ‘OK’ storyline is leading. Each member shines in solo scenes that showcase their unreal appearances, while a basic yet dark color scheme of black, white, and red with contrasting imagery comes to play. This imagery consists of chains and fire versus the images of butterflies and feathered angel wings, evidently exuding a deeper meaning around the song; perhaps showing two sides to love and relationships, one of purity and protection and the other of destruction and pain. The lyrics of the song coincide with this, with lines such as, “carve you painfully like a scar, love that is deeply stigmatized,” “my heart is deeply addicted to the pain of you,” and, “hold my hands, angel inside taboo [...] I will devote everything to you.” 

The third track on the mini-album, “Bend the Rules” carries a slight reggae feel to it in certain aspects of the instrumentation, particularly in the chorus. The song infuses EDM over piano, guitar, and drum beats, creating a groovy sound that is simultaneously upbeat and mellow. While the vocals are excellently displayed in this track (again showcasing CIX’s incredible vocal abilities), it’s BX’s rap verse that stands out as a highlight of the song. His rap flow against the beat is strong yet effortless. “Bend the Rules” really is a great B-side and worthy of repeated listens. 

Closing the mini-album is the fourth and final track “Drown in Luv.” “Drown in Luv” seems to infuse an interesting mixture of genres, giving off a rock-pop-ballad vibe. Others might disagree, but the composition of this track, with the orchestral accompaniments throughout the song, carries a major British feel to it. It’s a beautiful song to complete the mini-album with that, like the other tracks, perfectly highlights the members’ vocal abilities and vocal chemistry. The members really know how to sing with emotion and capture true feelings with their music and vocals. It must be an incredible experience to hear and witness “Drown in Luv” live, especially toward the end of the song where the members' vocals beautifully blend together, bringing the song to a close.

Since debuting in 2019, CIX have become known for their impressively solid discography, and while this reigns true for this mini-album, these songs carry less of an impactful punch compared to the previous tracks that I’ve heard from them, but ‘OK’ Episode 1: OK Not is still a great mini-album nonetheless. The members shine through each track, and it’s great to see them take on new sounds and an edgier concept. The more you listen to this mini-album, the better it becomes, and it will have you wanting it on repeat. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long for CIX to lead us into the next installment of their ‘OK’ series. 

Listen to ‘OK’ Episode 1: OK Not here and on other streaming platforms today.

Edited by Vivian N.