LE SSERAFIM have been through more than their fair share of trials in the court of public opinion, the latest of which – sparked by ongoing controversies involving their label’s parent company – have subjected them to undue scrutiny from armchair critics over the past year. There’s a sick irony to it all, considering the group’s message of unflinching fearlessness and relentless resolve. Yet, it’s these moments that make it all the more convincing when the quintet sing of their tribulations.
On their latest mini-album ‘Hot’, the former stars of NME’s The Cover return with a far more subdued sound than before, choosing to smoulder rather than scorch. While the project remains true to LE SSERAFIM’s ethos of unfaltering courage, it also marks a shift in subject matter as they cast their sights on matters of the heart. After confronting self-doubt and internal struggles (‘Easy’) and thriving off chaos (‘Crazy’), they’re now learning how to devote themselves to the people and things they love.
Title track ‘Hot’ carries little of the fiery bombast of past singles like ‘Antifragile’ and ‘Unforgiven’. Surprisingly melodic, the disco-tinged ‘Hot’ is a smooth, funky pop number that echoes the breezy, ephemeral quality of 2023’s ‘Perfect Night’. Instead, the passion lies in its message, which sees them grab love by the horns: “Throwing my body into flames / No hesitation, no regrets / It’s all right, we’re ride or die”.
Fanning the sonic flames of passion on ‘Hot’ is the hypnotic, entrancing ‘Come Over’ – produced by J Llyod and Lydia Kitto of Jungle – which flaunts a seldom-seen version of LE SSERAFIM that’s flirty, carefree and a tad sultry as they tempt a love interest to shed their inhibitions and dance. There’s also the fluttery jersey club of ‘So Cynical (Badum)’, with its playful but sincere warning not to hesitate in the face of love, lest it slip right out of your hands.
But the standout of the project is ‘Ash’, which brings to life poignant yet hopeful images of life finding a way from the ashes of pain and destruction. Here, the group wholeheartedly surrender to the flames that would bring about their ruin, steadfast in the knowledge that they’ll return with renewed strength: “The more I hurt, the more I feel alive / Born anew from the ashes / Nothing lasts forever baby / I’ll bloom once again”. Ethereal and bewitching, ‘Ash’ is a masterclass in atmospheric, moody pop that’s sure to join the ranks of fan-favourites like ‘Impurities’ and ‘Blue Flame’.
On ‘Hot’, LE SSERAFIM bring fresh eyes to their ethos of courage and resilience. As one of the most thematically consistent K-pop acts, the girl group continue taking new and surprising turns with each release, all while defying expectations of genre at every turn. Love or hate them, it’s clear that LE SSERAFIM are an unstoppable, ever-evolving force.
