‘[12:00]’ – LOONA

LOONA is, in my limited opinion and knowledge of them, the most unique K-pop girl group in the industry right now. Beginning in 2016, the 12 members were revealed one-at-a-time over a period of 18 months, wherein each girl released a solo single and accompanying music video. During this pre-debut period, three subunits—1/3, Odd Eye Circle and yyxy—were formed, and each subunit released music as a group of three or four girls. Finally, once all the girls and subunits had been revealed/formed, LOONA debuted as the full, 12-member group in Aug. of 2018. 

Aside from their uncommon beginning, there’s also the LOONAVERSE: a fictional story and timeline that is told through LOONA’s members, discography, music videos and live performances. Each comeback, the universe—which shares many parallels with and takes a modern twist on the Bible—is further explained and expanded, but that’s only scratching the surface of LOONA.

Their one-of-a-kind start and concept aren’t the only things that set LOONA apart from other K-pop groups. There’s also their incredible music, including the recently-released [12:00] (read as midnight). I’ll be honest, this is the first LOONA project I’ve checked out in full, and to summarize, I’m mad at myself for not giving a listen to their other work previously, because this is gold. 

Every single track on [12:00] is excellent. “Why Not?” isn’t LOONA’s best title track, but it’s still a splendid song; the revving bassline, expressive vocals and airy drum pad magnificently build up to a groovy drop with jubilant guitar riffs and catchy patterns (“Di da dam di dam di dam / dam dam dam di dam” and “Oh-la-la, a wae, a wae, a wae”) that will get stuck in your head. Additionally, the punchy choreography and dazzling styling—seriously, all the different sets of outfits were wonderfully sparkly—bring the already-great “Why Not?” to another level. 

Having said that, I do slightly prefer the styling and choreography for “Voice,” the currently being promoted (and best) b-side. This song is an absolute 80s-inspired, synth-pop earworm, from the snappy percussion and resolute bass to soft-but-shining keyboard that highlights the wishful vocals and magical vibe. Plus, the English version of this track, “Star,” is stellar; normally, English versions feel clustered or gimmicky, but I like the writing and vocal delivery on “Star” more than “Voice.”

In terms of the other b-sides, I’ve gone through phases of obsession with each of them, individually. “Fall Again” is a dreamy, jazz-influenced tune, and I could listen to the mesmerizing “Universe” for hours on end, especially the whimsical post-chorus. Driven by its energetic bass and dynamic breakdowns, “Hide & Seek” is fun and playful, and finally, though a bit more aggressive than its fellow tracks, “OOPS!” is a confident, rap-heavy banger that proudly shouts, “I love myself / However I want… I love myself / No matter what anyone says.” 

And I love [12:00], no matter what anyone says. My only complaint: the line distribution seriously needs to be fixed. Vivi, Gowon and Yeojin are members of LOONA, not backup singers or dancers. LOONA’s premise is that every single girl is talented enough in singing, rapping and dancing to stand on their own, so that, when they all come together, a supergroup is formed. Yes, a supergroup has been formed, but why do these three incredibly talented girls keep getting shoved to the back of the stage or given five seconds of lines when other members have over 25 seconds? The line distribution has been slightly improving over time, but there’s still a long way to go. 

Every other aspect on this EP, however? Perfection.

9 / 10