[Music Review] CIX make a retro return with 7th EP ‘THUNDER FEVER’
No matter what mood you’re in, CIX have got you covered with the five tracks on their new EP THUNDER FEVER.
CIX members (from left to right) YONGHEE, BX, SEUNGHUN, HYUSUK. Image: C9 Entertainment.
The four-member boy group CIX have returned with their 7th EP THUNDER FEVER. The group, made up of members BX, SEUNGHUN, YONGHEE, and HYUNSUK, first debuted in 2019 under C9 Entertainment. With huge hits like “Movie Star” and “Cinema,” CIX have been able to capture the hearts of their own fans and the attention of many non-fans.
Their last musical offering was a two-song single album released in January last year, meaning CIX’s fans, FIX, have had a long wait for new music from the boys. But now FIX are being rewarded for their dedication with three new tracks to enjoy and two songs that will already be familiar to long standing fans.
When speaking about the album, Leader of CIX, BX says: “Just like our albums so far, our seventh mini album, THUNDER FEVER, is filled with perfect music for CIX. As soon as you hear the songs in this album, you’ll notice that those are CIX’s songs.
“We are eager to share our music and perform for our fans, FIX, as soon as possible! We look forward to having another happy, healthy promotion with FIX for this album, and to continuing to present diverse sides of us in the future!”
Before the release of the EP, the group gave fans a taste of what to expect of their return with some epic teaser images. Matching the thunderous theme, the images see the group wearing intricate outfits with lightning dramatically striking in the background. Other photos focus on using a darker red and black colour scheme with CIX clad in leather jackets and posing with medieval swords. However, while these teaser images might have FIX thinking the EP is going to be hard-hitting, the mini album’s musical focus has much more of a relaxed retro feel.
Image: C9 Entertainment.
The opening track “Bad Moves” is a bright and poppy song. It starts with light clicking sounds reminiscent of a 90s boy band sound but it’s catchy enough to draw the listener in. The funky bassline alongside the members’ light vocals allows the audience to be fully immersed in the music within a matter of seconds. The repetition in the chorus of the lines: ‘I don’t like the way you movin’ / I don’t like the way you groovin’ / I don’t like it when you move like that’ makes “Bad Moves” easy to sing along to and gets stuck in your head for hours. A refreshing post-chorus tops the track off perfectly. “Bad Moves” is sure to be a fan-favourite track.
The title track “THUNDER” is up next and is definitely electric. The powerful acapella opening highlights the group’s impressive vocals, and soon bursts into a retro-focused sound with a heavy yet simple drumbeat and 80s synths scattered throughout. The descending vocals in the post-chorus set up the dancey chorus wonderfully. Leader and Main Rapper, BX, stands out in his simple but dynamic rap verse. As the track goes on, it takes on a more Daft Punk-esque sound that is exciting for the listener to explore.
“THUNDER” comes with a cinematic music video filmed across a range of locations. The video sees the boys surrounded by lightning and sparks that make them look infinitely cooler. Of course, there’s sleek and cool choreography to go along with the music that FIX are sure to keep rewatching. CIX’s upcoming music show stages will certainly be captivating thanks to these impressive dance moves.
“THUNDER” comes with a cinematic music video filmed across a range of locations. The video sees the boys surrounded by lightning and sparks that make them look infinitely cooler. Of course, there’s sleek and cool choreography to go along with the music that FIX are sure to keep rewatching. CIX’s upcoming music show stages will certainly be captivating thanks to these impressive dance moves.
“Lovers or Enemies” and “My name is shadow” give the audience a moment to breathe after the first two exciting tracks. As both of the songs were released last year as a part of CIX’s 1st single album 0 or 1, the tracks won’t be a surprise to devoted FIX. “Lovers or Enemies” explores a cat and mouse relationship where the boys are not sure where they stand with a lover. The lyrics: ‘Now, either embrace me or / Become my enemy / It’s either between these two so / It can’t be simpler, right? / My baby, you’re killing me / Or baby, you’re healing me’ highlight how torn the boys are.
“My name is shadow” is a slow ballad, with a light piano track faintly playing in the background throughout the song. The members are able to perfectly convey how they feel about their fans through their raw vocals and sweet lyrics. The lines in the chorus, ‘Always with you / Existing for you / You may not know / My name is shadow / A dream of my own / In a place untouched by gazes / I’m the one who resembles you the most / I’m here for you’, are a poignant reminder to FIX that CIX will always be with them.
Image: C9 Entertainment.
The EP ends with another piano ballad, “My Everlasting Sun.” This track’s verses are much more stripped back with the backing track filled mainly by the piano and strings of the instrumental. The boys’ vocals are encouraged to shine once again with some beautiful harmonies dotted throughout. The almost theatrical strings build up towards the end of the track before pulling back to allow the piano to see out the song and EP in a dramatic ending. “My Everlasting Sun” is a sweet yet memorable way to end a powerful EP.
Noting the long wait FIX has to endure prior to this album’s release, member HYUNSUK says: “You waited for a long time, FIX! We worked on this album by sharing many thoughts and opinions among members.
“From our title track, “THUNDER,” you’ll feel the vibe that only CIX can create. We also focused on creating the performance that can best embody who we are. We worked very hard on this album, so please look forward to it! Let’s create great memories together again with this album!”
CIX explore a more retro sound in their 7th EP THUNDER FEVER and it’s welcomed with open arms. If you are looking for songs to party to, “Bad Moves” and “THUNDER” are perfect for you. But if you are more into relaxing ballads, the group also has you covered with “My name is shadow” and “My Everlasting Sun”. No matter what mood you are in, CIX has got music for you to enjoy. THUNDER FEVER is definitely worth a listen whether you are a FIX or not.
Edited by Isabel Miller.
