More than 1.5 years have passed since Billlie released music as a full group, but their fifth EP Of All We Have Lost shows they haven’t lost their charm. The sextet has made their long-awaited comeback after members Moon Sua and Suhyeon returned from lengthy health-related hiatuses. The group marks this occasion by heading Of All We Have Lost with the dual title tracks “trampoline” and “rememberence candy.” The latter features lyrics written by singer-songwriter IU, who filled the song with introspection. 

TRACKLIST: 

1. “remembrance candy” 

2. “trampoline”

3. “Bluerose” 

4. “BTTB (Back to the Basics)” 

5. “shame”

6. “dream diary ~ etching mémoires of midnight rêverie”

The First Title Track: “trampoline”

Of All We Have Lost begins a new album series as indicated by its full name, appendix: Of All We Have Lost. According to Suhyeon, the EP reflects on elements lost within one’s life. “trampoline” focuses on one of them: childhood innocence. Moon Sua starting off the track reminds everyone that she, alongside Suhyeon, is truly back in the group. The lyrics discuss carefree childhood memories of jumping on a trampoline, a time far removed from the stressors of adult life. “trampoline” comforts using a smooth, jazzy, and lax tempo composed by C’SA and ROYAL DIVE.* 

The “trampoline” music video is simple and fun. Of course, it shows the group having fun bouncing around on a trampoline. Instead of showing choreography or a deep storyline, this video zeroes in on joy. In short, I love “trampoline”: it’s a fantastic title track that reminds me of what initially attracted me to Billlie’s sound. While Billlie’s small discography as a five-member group still delivered quality songs, there’s nothing that quite matches the full group performing as one.  

The Second Title Track: “remembrance candy”

Billlie keeps on grooving in the EP’s second title track, “remembrance candy.” Set to a pop instrumental by INFX, the song navigates recollections of the past. The lyrics, written by IU, paint a story of moving forward after difficult experiences. Working through these painful memories creates a dizzying “but beautiful” aftertaste, depicted by the lyrics.* 

This process makes itself more apparent in the “remembrance candy” music video. Aside from the fun cameo of the SNOWY Man—a yeti-like character from previous Billlie music videos—most of the video carries an underlying somber tone. Billlie splits up in search of what feels missing: Suhyeon keeps bouncing on a trampoline to view beyond the horizon, Moon Sua and Tsuki plan a jewel heist, Haram and Sheon take an introspective road trip, and Siyoon and Haruna skip rocks in a river—each scene of a comforting hug tugs at my heart. The group reconvening, which leads to Moon Sua and Suhyeon’s embrace, ends the video with such emotion. 

The B-Sides: All the Love to Billlie

After its title tracks, Of All We Have Lost transitions into its B-sides. The addictive city pop song “Bluerose” sounds incredible. It makes grooving to the music so easy, and it features lyrics written by 3!, Moon Sua, and Siyoon. This instantly became one of my favorite Billlie B-sides. 

“BTTB (Back to the Basics)” somehow manages to make edgy instrumentals sound dreamy. In lyrics written by Le’mon, the song references many previous Billlie title tracks and B-sides like “EUNOIA,” “flipp!ng a coin,” and “B’rave ~ a song for Matilda.” Billlie also uses the dance track “shame” to embrace themselves: “I won’t hide my shame,” they sing. The tropical house song “dream diary ~ etching mémoires of midnight rêverie” closes out the EP with more musing about one’s real self. 

The Verdict: Billlie Plays to Their Strengths

In my opinion, Of All We Have Lost is one of Billlie’s best EPs. The group returned at full force and turned up with an incredibly strong collection of songs. I’ve missed Billlie as a full group, and this EP did not disappoint. “trampoline” had me jumping for joy, and “remembrance candy” has such a beautiful meaning. Together with an amazing lineup of B-sides, this EP really sells that Billlie is back. 

*Note: lyrics taken from English captions in the official music videos.

“trampoline” TITLE TRACK SCORE: 10/10 

“trampoline” MUSIC VIDEO SCORE: 9/10

“remembrance candy” TITLE TRACK SCORE: 8.5/10

“remembrance candy” MUSIC VIDEO SCORE: 8/10

Of All We Have Lost EP SCORE: 9/10 

Overall Score: 8.9/10

Edited by Joi Berry