NMIXX continue to embrace their unpredictable musical identity on Strange Muse, a six-track EP that moves between emotional pop, experimental production, intimate balladry and high-energy hip-hop. The release gives all six members opportunities to show different sides of their artistry while building on the group’s growing confidence in its signature MIXX Pop sound.
The project opens with “Birthday Wish,” a vibrant title track that immediately establishes its emotional direction. Driving rhythms, atmospheric synths and layered vocals create an uplifting arrangement, while the lyrics explore resilience, emotional renewal and the possibility of starting again after difficult experiences. NMIXX move between rhythmic rap passages and soaring harmonies with the kind of dynamic control that has become central to their identity.
“RudE TaLK” takes a more confrontational approach, building its appeal around contrasting musical ideas. Smooth melodies and gentler vocal passages collide with sharper production and aggressive delivery, creating the impression of two perspectives competing within the same track. Its message of self-confidence and indifference toward gossip fits the arrangement, giving the song a rebellious edge without sacrificing its melodic hooks. The result is one of the EP’s more adventurous moments, particularly when the shifts in tone become the main attraction rather than a transition between sections.
The remaining tracks expand the project’s scope through three distinct member combinations. LILY and HAEWON join forces on “Sing to the Moon,” a piano-led ballad that places their vocal abilities at the center of a warm, atmospheric arrangement. The song’s themes of companionship and reassurance offer a welcome change of pace, with harmonies that gradually build toward an emotionally satisfying finish. Both singers sound excellent, although the track’s gentle approach feels somewhat disconnected from the EP’s more rhythmically restless material.
SULLYOON and BAE bring a different energy to “Hot ‘n Unbothered,” leaning into a playful, groove-driven pop sound with sleek electronic production and a carefree attitude. Rather than relying on the dramatic contrasts heard elsewhere, the song prioritizes movement and personality, giving the duo room to establish its own chemistry.
JIWOO and KYUJIN close the EP with “WHIP,” accelerating into heavy bass, punchy percussion and rapid-fire rap cadences. The track’s hip-hop influence suits their performance styles, while its melodic hooks keep the arrangement accessible. Lyrically, its emphasis on individuality and ignoring outside opinions connects naturally with the confidence running through “RudE TaLK,” creating a fitting closing statement.
Taken together, the six songs reflect a group continuing to explore the possibilities of its sound without abandoning the vocal precision and unexpected transitions that make NMIXX distinctive. The EP follows the emotional focus of Heavy Serenade and builds on the foundation established by Blue Valentine, the group’s debut studio album, and its standout title track. That earlier project helped establish NMIXX as a major presence in K-pop, setting expectations that each subsequent release must now meet or exceed.
Scroll down to discover our full ranking of all six tracks on NMIXX’s Strange Muse.
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Score:
WHIP (JIWOO & KYUJIN)
Sing to the Moon (LILY & HAEWON)
Kerosene
Hot ‘n Unbothered (SULLYOON & BAE)
RudE TaLK
Birthday Wish
Photo: JYP Entertainment
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