Returning with their first official comeback are JYP Entertainment’s Queens of Mixx-Pop, NMIXX! Seven months after their February debut, the septet returns with an extraordinary sophomore single album titled ENTWURF. In hopes of finding continued success with a change-up musical style, their latest single “DICE” offers an ambitious perspective into their adventurous journey. 

Prior to their latest comeback, NMIXX has made their mark with two song projects. In May, the septet made their original television soundtrack debut for DreamWorks’s Netflix original children series Gabby’s Dollhouse — singing “Sprinkle Party” and the show’s bubbly theme song, “Hey Gabby!” In August, NMIXX released a remake of former K-Pop girl group Rainbow’s 2009 single, “Kiss,” showcasing a refreshing summer visual that pairs well with the septet’s vocals. The JYP Entertainment rookie group also made their KCON LA debut in August, performing their own singles and a special stage. 

In ENTWURF, the single album includes the title track “DICE,” B-side “COOL (Your rainbow),” and their own respective instrumentals. “DICE” was written and composed by Dr. JO, Jam Factory, danke (lalala studio), Cha Leerin, Zaya, Park Jihyun, and Baek Saeim. Written by Hannah Robinson, Call Me Loop, Armadillo, Park Rang, HOJI, Cho Yuri (Jam Factory), and Nile Lee, the pop-ballad B-side “COOL (Your rainbow)” compares human emotions to varying weather conditions. 

“DICE” 

With a mixture of genres like jazz, dreamy trap, pop, and hip-hop, “DICE” aims to perplex listeners with a soundscape that drops you into NMIXX’s mystical world. The song conveys an ambitious and optimistic aura to keep moving forward despite adversaries the girls may encounter. With lyrics like “A world beyond imagination / Would you go with me? / Let’s roll the dice,” and, “Destiny’s in this hand, babe / In the world open before you, yeah / Get ready for us,” NMIXX wants you to join them on a whirlwind escapade with fate deciding the path. Despite an energizing charm, “DICE” unfortunately becomes challenging to enjoy at its full potential. While the eccentric and strange mixx-pop sound of their debut “O.O” fascinated fans after a first impression, “DICE” is not easily digestible and lacks a bit in comparison. While the brass-based chorus meshes well with undeniably rich vocals, the genre switches make the average listener disconnect halfway through. Although there is plenty of criticism towards “DICE,” we cannot deny NMIXX’s dedication to standing by their experimental musical style and unique concepts — it’s worth noting that these seven ladies will still find a way to leave a legacy with a sound that differentiates from the ordinary. I respect that. 

As NMIXX enters a world of their own called “MIXXTOPIA,” they face a number of adversaries as they advance through a dice game. Embarking on a carnival-like adventure that references Lewis Caroll’s Alice in Wonderland while creating their own spin on the classic, the septet performs in a board game setting with tons of vibrant props to give the impression of a whimsical world. It’s a thrilling universe that showcases NMIXX’s desire to play a game of chance. 

Despite an ambitious meaning and bewitching visual, “DICE” unfortunately falls short of grabbing the attention of listeners. It’s okay to not immediately gravitate to the song’s ambiance, but in time, it’s certain to grab our attention in another aspect. It is still very early to judge whether this song will hinder NMIXX’s musical styling of mixx-pop, so we cannot assume this will harm their presence in K-Pop. As a matter of fact, this only proves that NMIXX has the desire to stick out from the rest and take on musical risks that others fear. In a game of chance, whether they win or lose, NMIXX continues to shock the world and will be remembered for their brave and risky formulas. 

ENTWURF is available on multiple streaming platform services like Spotify, Tidal, YouTube Music, and Apple Music. For more information about NMIXX’s upcoming promotions, make sure to follow them on their social media channels: Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Watch the exciting music video for “DICE” below! 

Edited by Vivian N.