SEE ALSO: Actor Song Jae Rim unexpectedly passes away at 39

Tracklist

1. Lorelei

2. The Rain

3. Jane Doe

"The Rain" is a mid-tempo jam that is soothing on the ears and has a very warp-like sound similar to "Gravity." It opens with a deep-toned piano melody, more rough than elegant, and suddenly shifts into a sharper synthetic sound accompanied by graceful violins. The sound seems more suitable for Sojung's vocals. Take a listen to the MV below! 

As the title suggests, the lyrics discuss a past love being like the rain. The rain mentioned in the song can be symbolic for two things: either their tears or a relationship crumbling to an end. This idea arises from lyrics like, "Even though a few days passed since the rain has stopped, I'm still drenched like this." A clear sign that although they stopped crying, their hearts still feel pain.

"The Rain" MV is quite visually appealing as the members are dolled up in a variety of wild print outfits and in numerous settings, such as a bathtub or an open field of greenery. The shattering effects of rain drops turning into hard metal balls breaking on the glass is a great portrayal of their tears beating down hard. The colors are sensual, moody, and give off a cold atmosphere throughout.

However, in regards to aesthetics, I have a love/hate moment in this MV. I absolutely love the unique umbrellas that sport flowers growing on the underside (despite making it nonfunctional once it is time to close it up), but I hate that viewers can't find that same quirky characteristic on the girls anywhere. 

From clothing to even the dance routine, nothing was as intriguing or stood out. Please refrain from spazzing about the "hand blender" dance - it's been done before.

The album opens with a trapped-in-a-tin-can sounding "oohing" ad lib for "Lorelei." If you don't know what it is, a Lorelei is referred to as a mermaid or siren, the harpy of the sea, that sing elegantly to lure in weary sailors.

Living up to its name "Lorelei" has a lot of echoing in a somewhat empty-space instrumental that gradually builds up in sound with raindrops, harps, a muffled but evident ad-libbing from Ashley, and sharp sounds surrounded by shimmering effects. This track is very mystical and attractive. It balances each member's vocals nicely and would be a great promotional track as well.

Soon after, "Jane Doe" takes over the album with its own unique sound. Taking you deeper into Ladies' Code's galaxy (as the album seems like a 2.0 of their previous sound), "Jane Doe" has a tough instrumental that showcases deeper tones with both warp-like sounds and synthetic horns. 

Also having an odd name, a "Jane Doe" is someone who is unidentifiable and anonymous. The song creates a warning like atmosphere that this "Jane Doe" is trouble. Although not as interesting as "Lorelei," this song keeps to the album's dark style.

Overall, Ladies' Code appears to have put a lot of thought put into the individual track's meanings. Just like the other songs from their last album,  the girls took a jump from retro to retro-future overnight as their sounds adapted more altered melodies with electric guitars, synthetic noises in the distant, jazzy tunes and more auto-tuned instrumentals. 

"The Rain" and new style will grow on you for sure after a few listens but seem to only scratch the surface of the potential the girls still have.

Score

MV Production.......7
MV Concept............6
MV Relevance........7

Album Production..6
Album Concept.......7
Tracklisting..............7

OVERALL SCORE: 6.7