KARD - Icky (era)

KARD's latest comeback, "Icky," has taken the K-pop world by storm with its catchy hooks and groovy beats. The co-ed group, known for their unique blend of vocals and rapping, has delivered a title track that showcases their musical evolution and charismatic performance style. "Icky" marks a significant milestone in KARD's journey, building on the success of their previous hits like "Oh Nana" and "Without You."

We'll break down the lyrics, explore the music video's visual elements, and examine the choreography that has fans buzzing. Additionally, we'll look at how "Icky" fits into KARD's broader musical development and its reception among fans and critics alike. By the end, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of this comeback's significance and KARD's position in the ever-changing K-pop landscape.

The Release of ICKY

KARD's sixth mini-album, "Icky," made its debut on June 12, 2023, after a brief delay due to manufacturing issues. The release marked a significant milestone for the co-ed group, showcasing their musical growth and cementing their position in the K-pop industry. "Icky" serves as KARD's first album in 11 months, following their previous EP "Re:" from June 2022.

Album Details

The "Icky" mini-album features a unique concept, with its title track drawing inspiration from the Korean word for "moss." This theme is reflected in the album's visual elements, incorporating earthy tones and textures that align with the "icky" concept. The album's packaging includes a sleeve case, an 88-page photobook, and an accordion-style lyrics book, providing fans with a comprehensive visual and tactile experience to complement the music.

Tracklist

This tracklist showcases KARD's ability to blend various musical styles, from their signature groovy beats to remixes of their previous hits. The inclusion of unit songs like "Fxxk You" by Somin and Jiwoo, and "Been That Boy" by BM and J.seph, allows each member to shine individually while contributing to the album's overall diversity.

Physical Versions

The physical albums also include additional content not available in the digital release, such as the CD-only remixes of "Oh NaNa" and "Ring The Alarm." These exclusive tracks provide an added incentive for fans to purchase the physical copies.

KARD's members have been actively involved in the album's creation, with J.seph and BM contributing to the songwriting process. This hands-on approach has resulted in an album that truly represents KARD's unique style and musical vision. The release of "Icky" has been met with enthusiasm from fans, who have praised the group's continued musical evolution and the catchy nature of the title track.

Breaking Down the Lyrics

KARD's "Icky" has lyrics that are both catchy and provocative, showcasing the group's mature approach to songwriting. The song delves into themes of attraction, desire, and physical intimacy, using clever wordplay and metaphors to convey its message.

Verse Analysis

The verses of "Icky" set the tone for the song's sensual narrative. Jiwoo starts strong in the first verse, expressing intense attraction with lines like "Getting attracted more and more" and "See my body speaking my mind". These lyrics highlight the growing tension between two people, setting the stage for the passionate encounter that unfolds throughout the song.

BM's verse takes the intensity up a notch with lines that have caught the attention of many listeners. He raps, "It's 'bout to get risky / Hands gettin' frisky / Threw it back, caught it like frisbee". This verse uses playful language to describe a physical encounter, with the frisbee metaphor adding a touch of humor to the otherwise steamy lyrics.

Chorus Breakdown

The chorus of "Icky" is where the song's title comes into play. The repetitive line "I'ma get icky, icky, icky" serves as the hook, creating an addictive and memorable refrain. This phrase is a clever way of describing the physical aspects of desire without being overly explicit. The chorus also includes lines like "I know what you know what you like" and "I'll get you come closer tonight," which emphasize the mutual understanding and anticipation between the two parties involved.

Hidden Meanings

While the surface-level interpretation of "Icky" is clear, there are hidden meanings and clever wordplay throughout the song. The line "Like a closed book Mystic. Do you wanna read between the lines?" suggests an element of mystery and intrigue in the relationship. This adds depth to the song, implying that there's more to the connection than just physical attraction.

The song also touches on themes of risk-taking and adventure. BM's line "Situation might get sticky icky icky" plays with the idea of getting into a potentially complicated situation but being willing to take that risk for the sake of desire.

It's worth noting that KARD has a history of incorporating mature themes and explicit content in their music. Songs like "Fxxk You" and "CAKE" from the same album also explore similar themes, with "CAKE" using dessert metaphors to describe physical attraction.

In conclusion, "Icky" by KARD is a song that doesn't shy away from expressing desire and passion. Through clever lyrics and catchy repetition, it creates a vivid picture of attraction and intimacy, solidifying KARD's position as a group unafraid to push boundaries in K-pop.

The Music Video

The music video for KARD's "Icky" is a visual feast that complements the song's groovy and provocative nature. It showcases the group's charismatic performance style while incorporating surrealist elements that create a captivating and slightly unsettling atmosphere.

Concept and Storyline

The video takes inspiration from "Alice in Wonderland," presenting a dark and twisted version of the classic tale. Jiwoo assumes the role of a Red Queen-like figure, attempting to capture and corrupt her fellow group members. This narrative unfolds in a bizarre, dreamlike world filled with unusual characters and settings, mirroring the song's themes of attraction and desire.

Visual Elements

The music video's visual style is striking and memorable. It features a distinctive color palette dominated by a sticky green hue, which ties into the "icky" concept and the Korean word for "moss." This color choice creates a unique aesthetic that sets "Icky" apart from typical K-pop videos.

The production value of the video is notably high, reflecting KARD's recent acquisition by RBW Entertainment. Fans have noticed an increase in the budget for visual aspects, including styling, set design, and overall production quality. This elevated production value has contributed to making "Icky" a standout release for KARD.

Symbolism

Symbolism plays a crucial role in the "Icky" music video, adding depth to its visual narrative. The video is replete with surrealist imagery, drawing from the unconscious mind to create a dreamlike atmosphere. Recurring motifs include:

The bright, even lighting and use of CGI contribute to an uncanny valley effect, creating a sense of discomfort that aligns with the song's provocative themes. This artificial world is designed to put viewers on edge, mirroring the intense emotions expressed in the lyrics.

Jiwoo's green ooze serves as a central symbol, representing the spread of desire and the transformation of the other members. While initially appearing villainous, Jiwoo's character can be seen as an "arcane heroine" offering liberation from the anxieties and frustrations represented by the surreal nightmares experienced by the other members.

The music video for "Icky" successfully translates the song's themes into a visually striking and symbolically rich experience. It showcases KARD's evolution as artists and their willingness to push boundaries in both their music and visual presentations.

KARD's Musical Evolution

KARD has consistently pushed boundaries in the K-pop industry since their debut in 2016. Their unique blend of Latin, urban, and hip-hop genres has garnered them a substantial international fan base, particularly in Latin America. The group's musical journey has been marked by a willingness to experiment and evolve, setting them apart in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Comparison to Previous Releases

KARD's discography showcases a diverse range of styles, with each release building upon their signature sound while introducing new elements. Their early work focused on contemporary house and dancehall vibes, which Billboard described as "pulled directly from Top 40 charts". This approach resonated strongly with international K-pop fans, allowing KARD to tour extensively in North and South America even before releasing their first mini-album.

The group's sonic palette expanded with the release of "Dumb Litty," which incorporated dancehall alongside synth, trap, and EDM elements. This shift marked a significant evolution in their musical style, demonstrating KARD's ability to adapt to changing trends while maintaining their core identity.

New Sound Direction

With their latest comeback "Icky," KARD has taken another bold step in their musical journey. The title track features a sexy and powerful Latin-pop sound, building on the foundation they've established since their debut. This evolution has allowed KARD to showcase different facets of their artistry while staying true to their roots.

BM, a key figure in KARD's music production, has dubbed moombahton as "a symbol of KARD". This genre, along with reggaeton, has become a cornerstone of their sound, helping them stand out in the K-pop landscape. The group's commitment to studying various genres has enabled them to continually present new sides of their musical style.

KARD's approach to music creation has also evolved. For their album "Where To Now?", the group focused on the concept of "less is more." BM explained, "Whether it comes to choreography and music, letting each instrument, each member and each aspect shine on its own, without too much decorations around it was something we tried to do". This shift towards simplicity and maturity in their music demonstrates KARD's growth as artists.

The group's musical evolution has been influenced by a diverse range of artists. BM cites American rappers Tupac and J.Cole as inspirations, while J.Seph looks up to Korean rapper Beenzino. Somin draws inspiration from Tinashe and Ariana Grande, and Jiwoo admires Beyonce and Rihanna. These varied influences contribute to KARD's unique sound and their ability to appeal to a wide audience.

Choreography and Performance

KARD's performance of "Icky" showcases their growth as artists and their ability to captivate audiences with their energetic stage presence. The choreography for this comeback has been carefully crafted to complement the song's groovy beats and provocative lyrics, resulting in a memorable and impactful performance.

Key Dance Moves

The choreography for "Icky" features a blend of powerful and sensual movements that perfectly match the song's tone. One of the standout elements is the stomping factor, which adds intensity to the routine. The hand motions incorporated throughout the dance give it an extra layer of complexity, making it visually engaging for viewers.

The dance routine includes a variety of movements that allow each member to shine. From fluid body rolls to sharp arm movements, the choreography has a good balance of softness and strength. The dance also incorporates some shuffling steps, adding a playful element to the performance.

Stage Presence

KARD's charisma on stage has always been a highlight of their performances, and "Icky" is no exception. The group has managed to maintain a uniform level of energy and intensity throughout the routine, which translates into a powerful stage presence. Their ability to convey the song's mood through their expressions and body language adds depth to the performance.

During their recent performance at Madison Square Garden, KARD demonstrated their ability to create a party-like atmosphere on stage. The members' energy was palpable, leaving them out of breath but exhilarated after the show. This level of commitment to their performance has been a consistent feature of KARD's stage presence.

Member Highlights

Each member of KARD brings their unique strengths to the "Icky" performance. Somin, known for her exceptional dancing skills, shines with her precise movements and captivating stage presence. Jiwoo's vocal consistency stands out, as she delivers her parts with clarity and power even during the most demanding dance sequences.

The male members, BM and J.seph, contribute significantly to the performance with their strong rap verses and commanding presence. Their deep voices and charismatic delivery add a powerful contrast to the female members' parts, creating a well-balanced performance.

While the choreography allows for individual moments to shine, it's the group's synchronization and teamwork that truly elevates the performance. The members move as one unit during key parts of the song, creating visually striking formations and transitions.

KARD's performance of "Icky" demonstrates their evolution as performers, combining their individual talents with a cohesive group dynamic. The result is a captivating stage presence that has fans and critics alike praising their latest comeback.

Fan and Critical Reception

KARD's "Icky" has generated significant buzz among fans and critics alike, showcasing the group's ability to captivate audiences with their unique sound and charismatic performances.

Social Media Reactions

The release of "Icky" sparked enthusiastic reactions across social media platforms. Fans praised the song's catchy chorus and groovy beats, with many describing it as an "earworm" that they couldn't stop listening to. The music video's trippy visuals and colorful backroom concept also received positive attention, with viewers noting its creative and bold approach.

Many fans expressed their support for KARD's musical evolution, appreciating the group's willingness to push boundaries and experiment with different genres. The Latin-inspired elements in "Icky" were particularly well-received, with fans noting KARD's consistent incorporation of Latin flavors in their music.

The group's performance style also garnered praise, with fans highlighting the members' individual strengths and their cohesive group dynamic. Comments on social media platforms emphasized the energy and fun that KARD brings to their performances, noting how noticeable their enjoyment is on stage.

Music Chart Performance

KARD's "Icky" has made a notable impact on various music charts, demonstrating the group's growing popularity and the song's commercial appeal. On the Circle Chart (formerly known as Gaon Chart), "Icky" debuted at a respectable position, showcasing its initial reception among Korean listeners.

In terms of physical album sales, KARD's 6th mini-album "ICKY" showed promising results. According to Hanteo Chart data, the album sold 7,644 copies in its first week of release. On the Circle Chart's Album Chart, "ICKY" ranked at #24 for the Regular version and #25 for the POCA version, with a total of 9,912 units counted in the first week.

While "Icky" didn't chart in the top 100 of major Korean streaming platforms like Melon TOP100, Genie, Flo 24H, or Bugs, it's worth noting that KARD has historically found more success in international markets. The group's unique position as a co-ed K-pop act with a strong Latin American fanbase often translates to stronger performance on global charts compared to domestic Korean charts.

Despite not achieving high rankings on Korean digital charts, the enthusiasm from international fans and the solid physical album sales indicate that "Icky" has been well-received by KARD's core fanbase. The group's ability to maintain a dedicated following and continue to experiment with their sound demonstrates their resilience in the competitive K-pop industry.

KARD's Position in K-pop

KARD has carved out a unique niche in the K-pop industry, standing out as one of the few successful co-ed groups in a landscape dominated by all-male or all-female acts. Their distinctive blend of genres, including moombahton, reggaeton, and EDM, has helped them gain a dedicated international fanbase, particularly in Latin America.

Unique Aspects of Co-ed Groups

Co-ed groups are relatively rare in K-pop, and KARD's success in this format is noteworthy. The mixed-gender lineup allows for diverse vocal ranges and tones, creating a sound that distinguishes them from other K-pop acts. This unique makeup also translates into their visual presentations, with choreography often featuring suggestive duets between male and female members.

The rarity of co-ed groups in K-pop can be attributed to several factors. Sociologist John Lie suggests that the "accentuation of gender archetypes" in K-pop has "solidified the practice of creating single-sex groups". Additionally, the commercial appeal of targeting specific male or female audiences has made mixed-gender groups less common in the industry.

Despite initial reservations about the co-ed concept, KARD has embraced their unique position. BM, one of the group's members, shared that while he was initially against the idea due to stigma, he became eager to show that a co-ed group can exist as a team without romantic implications.

KARD's Influence

KARD's impact on the K-pop scene extends beyond their co-ed status. Their music, which incorporates elements from various genres, has helped broaden the sonic palette of K-pop. The group's willingness to explore different musical styles, including trap, R&B, and even jazz, showcases their versatility and contributes to K-pop's global appeal.

The group's international focus has been both a strength and a challenge. While KARD has gained significant popularity overseas, particularly in Latin America, their domestic success in South Korea has been more limited. This international approach has allowed them to build a strong global fanbase but may have affected their visibility within the Korean market.

KARD's unique position in K-pop demonstrates the potential for diversity within the industry. As one of the few successful co-ed groups, they've shown that mixed-gender lineups can work in K-pop, potentially paving the way for more diverse group formations in the future. Their ability to blend various musical influences and their strong international appeal contribute to the ongoing evolution of K-pop as a global phenomenon.