On January 18, the band KIK released their first mini album “LOW KIK.”
The EP [LOW KIK] is a work that not only defines KIK’s position as a band, but also elegantly showcases their current state. Since a constantly evolving entity cannot always handle emotions in the same way, this EP is completed in a manner that is uniquely “KIK-like” in its current form.
KIK’s first EP, [KIK], was a work that carefully layered raw impulses onto a refined texture. Some tracks revealed a rough edge, and overall, it felt like an attempt to explore their identity within a restrained power. That album was a starting point, showing the foundation upon which “KIK as a band” began.
While the first EP [KIK] carefully placed raw impulses on a polished texture, exploring the “foundation of the band,” this [LOW KIK] traces a much bolder and more flexible trajectory. The way they express emotions is less sharp, and that void is filled with a much more honest attitude. It can’t simply be described as bright or light, but the overall work is imbued with a more open attitude and a clearer consciousness than before.
The first track, ‘3333,’ immediately reaffirms the band’s wild identity with its hard riffs and strong rhythm. This intense opening further highlights the following track, ‘Sun.’
‘Sun’ builds emotions one by one over a mid-tempo beat, delicately unfolding feelings of moving forward while embracing loss and longing, rather than simply offering comfort. It’s also the track that most clearly shows how KIK views the world now.
‘piece of peace’ is a track that briefly softens the atmosphere of this EP. In collaboration with the Thai band Dept, the album seamlessly weaves together the textures of dream pop and the warm tones of pop-rock. The two bands, each with their own distinct sensibilities, center their message on “a small peace offered to each other,” conveying a sense of respite from the pace of reality, a moment to catch one’s breath, and offering gentle comfort that words cannot fully express.
‘DIAMOND’ is almost a declaration. The will to strengthen oneself is powerfully delivered through repeating phrases. It stands on the belief that one becomes stronger because of pain, and more resilient because of brokenness.
‘bella’ is a raw and unfiltered track that reveals feelings of confusion and conflict. The repeating chorus and sharp guitar loops capture the process of suppressed inner emotions finally erupting. Unreachable feelings, the cracks and desires that arise within them, overflow in their rawest form. Ultimately, it’s resolved with the words “I’m okay,” but a lingering tremor of unspoken vulnerability remains in the voice.
‘Close’ races forward with more buoyancy than ever before. From the intro, the bright, crisp guitar immediately propels the song forward. Even under a collapsing sky, the song declares, “I won’t crack,” reflecting a state of mind that no longer hesitates. Jung Min-hyuk’s guitar solo, cutting through the middle of the song, adds a sharp momentum to the flow, pushing the entire track towards a clearer sense of conviction. After passing through anxiety and resignation, it reveals an attitude that it’s okay not to believe and it’s okay to waver.
[LOW KIK] is more about a state of being than a direction. A midpoint on the journey, having left the starting line. Still incomplete, but clearly on a defined trajectory. One thing is certain: KIK is still forging its own path with its own conviction.
