When a car accident in September of 2014 killed Ladies' Code members EunB and RiSe, some fans wondered if the band even could continue in the wake of such an unspeakable tragedy.
On Tuesday, surviving Ladies' Code members, Ashley, Sojung and Zuny, answered that question resoundingly in the affirmative with "Galaxy," the mesmerizingly genre-busting leadoff single from the K-pop girl group's new three-song EP "Myst3ry."
Gone is the youthful exuberance of former hits like "Pretty Pretty" or "Kiss Kiss" and in its place is a more experimental and emotionally evolved sound that is arresting in its restrained blend of sounds and styles.
As strings swell and the vocals echo into the distance, it is clear the music Ladies' Code and producer Mono Tree are making is frivolous kid stuff. Rather, these are artists not just looking to protect their legacy, but to honor their late bandmates the best way they can--by evolving as musicians and people and putting the struggle into the music.
That's not to say the music sounds morose or overburdened with expectation. It's quite the opposite; "Galaxy" is as light on its feet as a cat in pajamas. But it is impossible not to acknowledge that these three artists have grown up.
The exciting thing for any longtime fan is that this nightmare has seemed to make the group more musically adventurous than ever.
The way "Galaxy" begins as dreamy electronica, drops an old-school hip-hop hook before jumping into funk and then jazz, with even a jump between electric and upright bass, recalls cutting edge artist like D'Angelo, Kendrick Lamar or Flying Lotus, makes it clear this group is not playing it safe.
It's hard to think of a better way of honoring EunB and RiSe then to continue to take the band they worked so hard to take to the top of the South Korean music scene to new and exciting places.
In this and so many ways, "Galaxy" is a resounding success.
Watch the music video for "Galaxy" the latest single from K-pop girl group Ladies' Code RIGHT HERE
