One of K-Pop’s most notable fourth gen groups on the rise is no other than the effervescent Billlie, a group who seem to get better and better as they continue to expand on their high-quality discography. Seven months after the release of rock-fueled smash hit “RING ma Bell (what a wonderful world),” Billlie officially made their comeback with a synth-filled mini-album on March 28, 2023. “EUNOIA” serves as the leading title of the Billage of perception: chapter three, the third installment in their ongoing the Billage of perception series and the group’s fourth EP overall.

It’s not hard to fall into the magical and magnificent world of Billlie: the septet manages to stick to their whimsical lore all while giving us something new to look forward to with every release. Although it’s too early to proclaim, there’s no doubt that their newest album already holds a strong position as one of the best and most well-rounded K-Pop releases of the year. The Billage of perception: chapter three consists of six tracks with synth-funk elements weaved throughout.

The opening track “enchanted night ~ white night” features a funky bassline while “lionheart (the real me)” emits a strong, thumping Latin beat. Lead single “EUNOIA” is described as an alternative funk-pop song with synth-wave and ‘90s hip-hop sound. The song title is derived from a Greek word meaning beautiful thoughts, with the message to recognize and embrace all of our sides in order to become our true selves. Catchy in both melody and lyrics, “EUNOIA” establishes itself as an earworm from the first listen. We’re already looking forward to a fluttering compilation of member Tsuki’s “heartbeat heartbeat” killing part when the promotion period is over!

All seven members also contributed lyrics for the heartwarming fan-dedicated song “various and precious (moment of inertia),” directly uttering sweet confessions to their fans. “Belllie’ve, you're so special / You make us various / ‘Cause you’re so special.” The last two tracks of the album, “extra-ordinary” and “nevertheless,” lean toward an R&B soul sound with changing rhythms and experimental chord progression. 

Billlie takes storytelling in K-Pop to another level: immersing people into the group’s own fictional universe since their debut in 2021 through the story of a girl named “Billlie Love” who goes missing. In the Billlieverse, edgy “RING ma Bell (what a wonderful world)” and bright “EUNOIA” coexist peacefully–both tracks contribute to a fundamental chapter in Billlie’s ongoing novel and manage to showcase the group in different musical lights, proving to the world that their potentials are endless and ever-changing.

the Billage of perception: chapter three is available on streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music. Check out the music video for “EUNOIA” below!

Edited by Deshalia Murray