QWER’s Second EP Algorithm’s Blossom Forecasts More Success
After QWER’s “T.B.H” gained viral success, the band is back with their second EP Algorithm’s Blossom. Released on September 23, this eight-track EP continues to showcase Chodan, Magenta, Siyeon, and Hina’s growing artistry. The title track “My Name is Malguem” released five months after “T.B.H,” a hit that continues ranking high on the Melon Top 100 Chart.
TRACKLIST:
“INTRO”
“FAKE IDOL”
“My Name is Malguem”
“Let’s Love”
“run! run! run!”
“Goodbye My Sadness”
“REBOUND”
“OUTRO”
The Pre-Release: “FAKE IDOL”
On September 2, QWER released “FAKE IDOL,” a song responding to criticisms about the band’s talents. It draws on QWER’s origins as a group of internet influencers “born from the algorithm.” The lyrics state that, despite their unconventional journey, they will reach their own virality on stage: “Even if you tease us that we’re fake / We’ll tell you our true feelings / Watch us, we’re your idol.” Bassist Magenta and keyboardist/guitarist Hina were some of the many lyricists on the track.*
The music video plays on this concept by parodying a news broadcast. The members appear at a press conference to address these “fake” allegations, which eventually evolves into a rock concert. The end features a cameo by (G)I-DLE’s Soyeon acting as a weathercaster. This fun cameo foreshadows her involvement with the title track, “My Name is Malguem.”
The Title Track: “My Name is Malguem”
Soyeon’s forecast of sunshine turned out to be correct because “My Name is Malguem” (which translates to “My Name is Sunny”) comes full of upbeat energy. The lyrics, written by Soyeon, discuss keeping romantic feelings “bottled up” until they overflow like torrential rain. Soyeon previously said she loved the heart-fluttering lyrics of “T.B.H” which match her affinity for lyrics that touch people’s emotions.* The positive pop rock instrumental, composed by Soyeon, Pop Time, Daily, and Likey, draws upon that sunny theme. This mismash of feelings—meloncholy lyrics paired with a bright instrumental—come with a similar type of music video. It displays a beautiful summer aesthetic that also carries an air of unnerving mystery from the members’ actions.
Though the weeks ahead will show how popular Algorithm’s Blossom truly becomes, the early sales already indicate positive growth: the Hanteo Chart reported Algorithm’s Blossom sold 22,655 copies on its first day—eight times more than the first day sales of their previous EP MANITO (2,809). If this isn’t enough to pique your interest, Algorithm’s Blossom contains eight new tracks to help listeners form their own opinion. You may find yourself immersed into ones like the emotional four-and-a-half-minute ballad “Goodbye My Sadness” or the energetic and groovy “run! run! run!”
*Note: Lyrics taken from English captions in the official music videos.
Edited by Lacey Diluvio