ARTMS is Reborn with Their First EP <CLUB ICARUS>
Photo: MODHAUS
After topping the charts with their album <Dall>, ARTMS delivers a darker twist with a new EP titled <Club Icarus> out June 13.
In April, the tone for the EP was set with “BURN,” a rhythmic tune highlighting their step into a new era. Dedicated fans may recognize “BURN” from the days of LOONA, a teased track seemingly lost in time. Yet much like ARTMS, it has been born again.
“BURN” not only emphasizes ARTMS’s shifting identity from their ethereal last album, but signifies their evolution as a part of LOONA. Just last month, ARTMS wrapped up their first world tour Lunar Theory in Warsaw, where they showcased their achievements as LOONA and their reemergence as ARTMS. The last song performed at each show was the prerelease, a true proclamation of burning everything down to start anew. <Club Icarus> marks the beginning of a new journey for ARTMS.
TRACKLIST:
“Club for the Broken”
“Icarus” (Title Track)
“Obsessed”
“Goddess”
“Verified Beauty”
“BURN”
“Icarus” is a stark contrast to their previous single “Virtual Angel” in terms of visuals and interpretation. The group released both a “Club ver.” and a “cinematic ver.” music video for their title track, the latter diving deeper into their unraveling lore. At 14 minutes, the theatrical piece blends the stories of each member and how they return to a world that has outcasted them. A notable scene from the music video includes member Jinsoul recreating an iconic depiction of the Greek goddess Artemis, of whom the group shares their name. The members of ARTMS filmed their respective scenes individually and didn’t come together until the ending minutes with a captivating performance of the title track.
Whereas “Virtual Angel” was inviting and serene, “Icarus” tests the boundaries of how high the wings you create can take you. The title track draws inspiration from the Greek myth of Icarus, a story of a boy who flew too close to the sun despite his father’s warnings. ARTMS delivers a stunning reinterpretation of this myth with the fallen being shot down as opposed to crashing down from their own mistakes and pride. The transitions in the choreography from member to member are stunning and seamless. “Icarus” is a breathtakingly rich song with velvety vocals to lift it to new heights.
It’s almost a crime how fast the 15-minute EP passes by. ARTMS whisks you away to their world immediately with “Club for the Broken.” The fast-paced intro creates an otherworldly ambiance to make way for tracks “Obsessed” and “Goddess.” The electronic and hyperpop B-sides accentuate the vibes. They’re catchy and upbeat, keeping you locked in and eagerly wanting more. “Verified Beauty” solidifies ARTMS’s celestial aesthetic, capping off what is a cohesive production.
The alluring vibes from <Dall> are transformed into a powerful piece, backed by mesmerizing imagery and hypnotic mantras. Through the accompanying tracks, ARTMS creates a pleasurably inescapable world between the realms of light and dark. Now that <Club Icarus> is officially open, are you willing to join?
Tune into the music video for “Icarus” below.
Edited by Bryn Claybourne