TRI.BE is back to deliver another winter release! After 2021’s “Santa For You,” TRI.BE has added a new winter single album with The Little Drummer Girls. This release focuses on the festive activities of the season, wanting to close out the year with a party. 

The two-track package wraps up two great songs: it includes a Christmas-themed title track and a twist on a B-side popular among fans and non-fans alike. The title track “Papa Noel” was released on November 27, with a new version of a previous B-side “LORO.” This new iteration features the rapping talents of EXID’s ELLY, who acts as one of TRI.BE’s producers. 

“Papa Noel” 

If someone were to ask, “what does a TRI.BE winter single sound like?” they might hear the mention of “Santa For You,” the group’s previous winter single released on November 25, 2021. Winter ballads provide warmth like warm blankets on cold, chilly night. This time, “Papa Noel” brings a much more distinct combination of TRI.BE’s sound with a festive feeling. It mashes reggaeton beats with Christmas bells. 

This single’s title comes from Papá Noel, meaning “Father Christmas” in Spanish. Spanish-origin names are nothing new for TRI.BE, whose catchphrases and songs often contain a Spanish flair. The track’s chorus gets everyone together to celebrate Christmas, saying to let the snow continue to fall while they party.* The music video mimics watching videos on platforms like TikTok. It contains a lot of lighthearted and comedic moments, such as Mire putting boots on her hands and filming a funny little dance with them.

“LORO (Feat. ELLY)” 

“LORO” originally appeared on TRI.BE’s second single album CONMIGO, which was released on May 18, 2021. It served as the promoted B-side to the title track “RUB-A-DUB.” Though two years have passed, the song recently went viral on TikTok this summer. “LORO,” the Spanish word for “parrot,” refers to the song’s encouragement for listeners to seek their own individuality, rather than imitating others.* 

ELLY, who helped write and compose for the song, now features on the song as a performer. ELLY joins Songsun, Kelly, Hyunbin, Jia, Soeun, and Mire by adding a new rap section. While not a Christmas song like “Papa Noel,” “LORO (Feat. ELLY)” is a gift for fans. It’s refreshing to hear an “old” favorite revived later into a group’s career. The Little Drummer Girls may not be the most conventional winter single album but it’s a nice present as the year ends.  

*Note: “Papa Noel” lyrics taken from the English captions in the official music video; “LORO” meaning taken from Simply K-Pop CON-TOUR Ep.469.