"We enjoy limits"…Billlie, first regular album experimental (showcase)

[Dispatch=Yu Ha-neul Reporter] "Billie enjoys challenging limits." (Moon Soo-ah)

Billie has returned with their first full-length album five years after debut. They opened a new chapter of the "Billiverse" (Billie + Universe) with an unwavering attitude and intense confidence.

Each track flows like a piece of drama. Desert, concrete, and muddy backgrounds with shouting ad-libs and intentional dissonance. The album contains Billie's unique experiments that bend existing K-pop grammar.

Suhyun said, "We wanted to show that Billie is a team with a much wider musical spectrum than expected" and "We boldly attempted various genres through this album."

Billie held a media showcase on the afternoon of the 6th at SBS Prism Tower in Mapo-gu, Seoul to commemorate the release of their first full-length album "The Collective Soul and Unconscious: Chapter Two" (the collective soul and unconscious chapter two).

"The Collective Soul and Unconscious: Chapter Two" is Billie's first full-length album since debut. It is a continuation of Chapter 1, which was released in 2022.

They prepared as intensely as the long hiatus warranted. Moon Soo-ah said, "A full-length album holds great meaning for Billie" and "Rather than rushing to show ourselves according to our career length, we wanted to build more of our identity and present it properly."

The new album's keyword is 'self-awareness.' Siyun explained, "We included the message that the answer wasn't outside, but was within me all along." The album also reflects the meaning of no longer hiding the anxiety and fear that had been avoided, but accepting them as they are.

The album contains 12 tracks total. It includes the title track "Jab," "Walk," "Secret No More," "TBD," "Beyond Me," "Supasta," "Off-Air," "Domino ~ Butterfly Effect," and more.

Remix tracks have also been prepared. "Jab (Ultraviolet Remix)," "Walk (Anonymous Remix)," "Supasta (Unconscious Remix)," "Cloud Palace (Collective Soul Remix)" and others build an expanded Billie universe.

The title track "Jab" is post-hyperpop. The song title itself means a blinding shock. It captures in one word the determination to block out external noise and not waver at any gaze.

Over rough bass sits the members' bold vocals and distinctive rapping. It unfolds in a dry tone before dramatically bursting in the chorus, with an impressive vocal contrast.

Billie unveiled the title track stage for the first time that day. Members filled the stage with unwavering rapping amid synchronized choreography. Haruna's whisper-like Japanese narration that follows is also a kick.

The point choreography also drew attention. In the chorus, they presented a 'hook performance' that makes a hook shape with their hands. Sean introduced it saying, "We wanted to give a strong impact with a feeling like unlocking a lock."

As this is their first full-length album, member participation increased significantly. Moon Soo-ah participated in songwriting for "Walk." It conveys a message of accepting one's own shortcomings and moving forward.

Moon Soo-ah recalled, "The song itself was so good that the work was fun" and "Rather than forcing it, we wanted to capture a cool image of saying 'this is exactly who I am.'"

Siyun and Haram also contributed to songwriting for "TBD." Siyun said, "Since it's a message to the public, we wanted to express it in our own language" and "With the members' sincerity added, I think a better result came out."

Haram also said, "Because it's such an important album, we paid attention to every small detail" and "By participating in the work, my understanding of the song deepened. I've developed a desire to participate in other projects too."

Through this album, Billie proves their potential once again. Moon Soo-ah said, "We always think 'can we do this too?'" but emphasized, "Every time we prepare an album, we feel that we are a team with a wide spectrum."

Suhyun said, "We want to be evaluated as a team with strengths in both performance and singing" and "We hope to gain the descriptor 'Billie to trust and listen to.'"

Finally, Tsuki said with strength, "We are grateful to Billies (fandom name) who have waited for so long" and "With our current passion, we will work hard until the final activities."

Billie will release "The Collective Soul and Unconscious: Chapter Two" through various music sites at 6 p.m. on the 6th.