I Think (G)I-DLE Is A Special Group But Tomboy Is Probably My Least Favorite From Them
I haven't been paying really close attention to kpop these past few months but I did hear that Tomboy has apparently been a big hit.
While I think it's a solid offering, I was less impressed with it than some of their earlier gems.
(G)I-DLE is in my estimation one of kpop's very best currently active groups, and they represent a kind of superstar sort of presence in their variability of concepts and execution that make them come across as more larger than life and in some sense more professional than your usual kpop group. This is spearheaded by their very strong collection of members that have very evocative performative personalities as well as a sense of authorship that is in no small part spearheaded by Soyeon's central involvement in their music.
But I think they've stumbled a bit with Tomboy.
First, I think Soojin's absence is very much felt, and this will relate to point 2 below. She brought a crucial assured sensual femininity to the group in their performances and MVs that contrasted well against the subtle masculine threads of Yuqi and Minnie's deep voices and Soyeon's aggression. Along with Miyeon and Shuhua's more delicate like femininity, she added that capstone to a well rounded balance that gave them a special and exciting feel.
Second, and related to the first. (G)I-DLE is most effective when that balance between the members was emphasized, with songs, MVs, and performances that give all the pieces (members) shared focus to add their individual charm and unique presence. Here I think Tomboy does misstep, as it is too heavily focused on Soyeon front and center and does not give the other elements enough focus to add their part to the whole. Soyeon is surely a defining and central force behind (G)I-DLE's appeal. But the magic is in the mix. She is complemented by the other pieces. And Tomboy de-emphasizes this dynamic to its detriment.
Coming off what I consider their magnum opus, Hwaa, I think while being a solid release, Tomboy is not of the same caliber for the above reasons.
I think Soojin's departure was a fundamental mistake on their company's part and I think they did damage to a perfect balance (G)I-DLE had with her inclusion. But hopefully they can at least once again emphasize the remaining elements they do have by giving a more balanced focus going forward.
I'll look forward to their next release in hopes we can get a return to the heights I know they can reach.
