The sheer maturation since the release of " (See that?)"
only six months before is impressiveand so far, slightly misunderstood.
NMIXX’s career has so far been marked by K-Pop fans' division over their founding concept.
Mixx pop refers toputting an emphasis on musical contrast.
NMIXX’s early releases were predicated on putting this concept to work.
For a whilebefore 2024, mostlythey were even considered anunderrated K-Pop groupby many of their fans.
One of NMIXX’s big problems has been their concept.
As a consequence, fans of this juxtaposition would criticize other releases for the different sections not being distinctenough.
NMIXX developed for their fans a rigid grid of how an NMIXX songshouldsound.
WithFe3O4: FORWARD, though, that’s clearly changing.
Certain hallmarks are there.
The first track, “High Horse,” has limiter-smashed drums recalling contemporary psych rock and not-so-contemporary trip-hop.
Such juxtaposition has always been NMIXX’s style, evident on the B-sides of other EPs.
Although their usual contrast is at work in the R&B-flavored slow groove, it goes down smooth.
New notes shine as a result.
They’ve been renowned for their talent and uniqueness, but not for their fun.
There are growing pains.
Some tracks let go better than others.
“Golden Recipe” is particularly tedious for all the reasons NMIXX’s previous tiresome tracks have been.
