We’re Ready and Set to LOVE Yerin’s Latest EP

Sixteen months after her debut EP ARIA, Yerin returns with her second EP [Ready, Set, LOVE]. The title track “BamBamBam” uses its synth pop sounds and arcade-filled music video to transport listeners back to the past. Though many GFRIEND fans likely hear the chorus of “Time for the Moon Night” when reading the song’s name, “Bambambam” taps into a different aspect of nostalgia. In the music video, Yerin navigates her thoughts towards a past lover, portrayed by labelmate actor Kang Wooyeon. [Ready, Set, LOVE] is Yerin’s first release since signing under Bill Entertainment in April. 

“Summer Charm” is my favorite off the EP. The ascending piano notes accompanied by the guitar instantly make me happy. It really suits Yerin’s bubbly image (as does the title track) and it’s the sort of song that goes on a road trip playlist. “THE DANCE” comes off more laidback, starting and ending with a hook in English: “I just wanna have fun, dance [with] my girls/ Turn around now and dance dance dance/ I just wanna have fun, dance [with] my boys/ Turn around now and dance dance dance.” “Summer Charm” and “THE DANCE” come off as relaxing in their own ways. Listeners can start their day with the high energy of  “Summer Charm”  and wind down at night with “THE DANCE.”  

Calling [Ready, Set, LOVE] an EP feels misleading. Though it technically contains four tracks, one of those is the title track’s instrumental. The track list of “Bambambam,” “Summer Charm,” and “THE DANCE”  leaves me wanting more. The songs sound good, but the package feels incomplete. Perhaps a ballad à la ARIA’s “Time” would help close off the EP. When the EP’s runtime spans less than ten minutes barring the instrumental, it’s hard not to be slightly disappointed. Regardless of the short length, [Ready, Set, LOVE] delivers some fine tracks for summer days and nights.