After releasing Fe3O4: BREAK in January, NMIXX sticks with the Fe3O4 series for their latest comeback. Released on August 19, Fe3O4: STICK OUT cranks up the unrestrained messages of its predecessor to another level. Where NMIXX narratively broke down barriers in “DASH,” they continue this magnetic momentum in “See that?” by calling the world's outsiders to unite. 

TRACKLIST: 

1. “See that?” 

2. “SICKUHH (Feat. Kid Milli)” 

3. “Red light sign, but we go” 

4. “BEAT BEAT” 

5. “Moving On”

6. “Love Is Lonely” 

The Story Film: OUTSIDER CLUB

Released on August 1, NMIXX’s “OUTSIDER CLUB” story film doubles down on the EP’s themes. This over-six-minute video chronicles Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo, and Kyujin’s quest to unite those considered as outsiders, and nonconformists. The imagery of a black sheep lies at the core of this installment, which seeks to give others “freedom and individuality.” Whether or not viewers find themselves eyeing the reappearance of the shipwrecked boat from “O.O,” gasping at Kyujin’s tough moves as she fends off her pursuers, or wondering why Lily stands glowing in a field of sheep, this cinematic clip creates both curiosity and amazement.   

The Pre-Release: “SICKUHH (Feat. Kid Milli)”

Though not officially labeled as a pre-release, “SICKUHH (Feat. Kid Milli)” functions as one. This collaboration with South Korean rapper Kid Milli produced a visualizer video on August 11. With all members receiving rap verses, this switches up expectations. NMIXX is known for their strong vocals across the board, but not for rap.

The video strangely omits another Kid Milli verse, another Jiwoo verse, and singing from Sullyoon and Lily, which appear in the full track. Listeners need to go to another platform to experience the remaining 26 seconds. Nonetheless, this direction treads new ground for NMIXX.   

The Title Track: “See that?”

NMIXX stays with hip-hop in their latest title track. “DASH” composers PUFF, Strong Dragon, and C’SA team up with 1Take, Add Blessed, Chase, CO8, and multiple other NEWTYPE Entertainment composers for “See that?” This song makes great use of silence when transitioning from the verses to the chorus. It strips the instrumental briefly to allow the members’ humming to take the lead before the beats hit once again.

This also creates a seamless transition between the new “change up” section (introduced with an “NMIXX, we get it on now”) that includes the country genre. When the snare reintroduces itself in the final chorus led by Haewon, the second hit happens after a longer pause than the others. This slight change personally created a greater impact, fitting the song’s grand conclusion.  

“See that?” utilizes talk-singing for the hook “별별별” (Byul Byul Byul), the song’s Korean name. The name carries dual meanings: an unpleasant eyesore (별꼴) and a shining star (별). According to Sullyoon, NMIXX turns the negative meaning into something positive. NMIXX acts unbothered by their unconventional personality, and asks other individuals to stick out just like them. Despite the video’s spooky and dark demeanor, NMIXX only wants to appear inviting. Adhering to the alluring properties of Fe3O4, the chemical makeup of the mineral magnetite, NMIXX hopes to draw in more people to their cause. 

The B-Sides: These get the Green Light 

The remaining tracks on the EP also come with their own interesting charms. “Red light sign, but we go” gets the green light from me. The only flaw lies in its run time of 2:17, a criminally short length to contain the harmonies from the overlapping rapping and singing. “BEAT BEAT” combines the sweetness of “Passionfruit” with the erratic beats of “BOOM,” two B-sides from Fe3O4: BREAK. It results in a very enjoyable, energy-filled listen. 

NMIXX first previewed the EP’s penultimate track, “Moving On,” at Milan’s I-Days Milano 2024 and London's Hyde Park Festival in July. As someone who didn’t see the fancams, waiting for this optimistic-sounding pop-rock ballad was worth it. Fe3O4: STICK OUT ends with a ballad of a different vibe, “Love Is Lonely.” Perhaps “Love Is Lonely” is a pre-acceptance stage before “Moving On,” but both showcase different ways to heal from heartbreak.

The Verdict: NMIXX Keeps Refining their Craft

Fe3O4: STICK OUT comes after Fe3O4: BREAK, an EP myself and many other fans called NMIXX’s best EP. All that considered, I think the latest B-sides beat it out by a hair. This selection certainly feels like NMIXX took their sound, saw what worked, and refined it. Though I prefer “DASH” over “See that?,” the performance and instrumental still rocks. I can’t wait to see future stages.   

“See that?” TITLE TRACK SCORE: 8.5/10 

“See that?” MUSIC VIDEO SCORE: 8/10 

Fe3O4: STICK OUT ALBUM SCORE: 9/10 

Overall Score: 8.5/10

Edited by Joi Berry