Rookie girl group Blackpink (stylised as BLACKPINK) pretty much solidified its status as K-pop’s Next Big Thing with this sophomore EP.
The breakout singles Boombayah and Whistle introduced the girls – Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa – as pop femme fatales capable of high-strung choreography and sultry melodies. And on Square Two, the girls are out to prove that they are no one (or two) trick ponies.
Playing With Fire checks all the right box in the EDM banger list. It’s a high-octane number that opens with forceful piano before launching into a frenetic electronic instrumentals with charismatic verses to boot.
The accompanying Stay might not go down as an instant classic like the group’s other releases thus far, but it works in showcasing Blackpink’s softer side.
Meanwhile, the acoustic rendition of Whistle showcases the strong vocals of the members. Square Two and its predecessor Square One are probably two of K-pop’s most exciting samplers in recent years. It would be interesting to see what the girls do with a full-fledged album.
The girls from rookie girl group Blackpink are out to run the K-pop world. Photo: YG Entertainment
Blackpink
Square Two
(YG Entertainment)
