LE SSERAFIM has taken the K-pop world by storm following the release of their highly anticipated second studio album, ‘Pureflow’, Pt. 1. Combining important messages of fear and self-discovery with an explosion of color and excitement makes this another successful comeback for the group.
Consisting of five members — Hong Eunchae, Kazuha, Huh Yunjin, Kim Chaewon and Sakura, LE SSERAFIM began their musical journey back in 2022 following the release of their debut EP Fearless. This project kicked off the group’s career, earning them around 12 million streams in just the first week. Their fanbase grew quickly, the group’s message and stage presence resonating heavily amongst fans, earning the name FEARNOTs a few months after the groups official debut.
Fear (and overcoming it) has been a prevalent theme across LE SSERAFIM’s discography; the group’s name even stands as an anagram for the phrase “I’M FEARLESS.” This theme shows up again in ‘Pureflow’, Pt. 1, but with a new spin. Throughout the songs in the album, it tackles more embracing and accepting fear, rather than pushing it aside. This fresh new perspective makes the newest release stand out across their discography, cementing LE SSERAFIM and its members as fierce role models.
PUREFLOW
Like many of the group’s opening tracks, ‘Pureflow’, Pt. 1 begins with “Pureflow,” a conversational track overlaid on top of a funky bass riff. It follows the members’ negative thoughts, making them feel as if they are not good enough. As the song draws to a close, the message flips to a more positive one: “For we are not fearless / And therefore powerful.” This line, along with being spoken by all five members, is the group embracing the feeling of fear, stating that it does not make a person weak — but more powerful.
BOOMPALA
Sampling the widely loved ‘90s hit “Macarena,” “BOOMPALA” is the perfect summer tune, accompanied by a music video filled with bright colors and dancers of all walks of life. The instrumental flows in, transporting the listener to a warm sunny day on the beach. The term “BOOMPALA” — coined by the group’s members — represents self-love and letting go of negativity. The track is a tasteful balance of confidence and empowerment with themes of Buddhism — a philosophy that Yunjin has touched on before in LE SSERAFIM. These themes combined with the inclusion of Spanish and Indian language welcomes the idea that everyone is deserving of self-love and acceptance, no matter their background.
CELEBRATION
Released as the lead single, “Celebration” is the group’s love letter to their debut track “Fearless.” The hardstyle EDM track celebrates how much the group has grown over the past 10 years, and how they are always there for each other through difficult times. Nicknamed in the lyrics as “Fearless 2.0,” this track is LE SSERAFIM celebrating how much stronger they have become since their debut, honoring their fearlessness. Accompanied by a music video, it dives deeper into the storyline. Heavily inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, it showcases many different creatures with their own fears. Once the group comes along, the monsters release they all experience fear, and it doesn’t define them. It ends with the monsters dancing with the group, everyone coming together to celebrate their strength.
Creatures
Much like the “Celebration” music video, this track is all about celebrating the label of “monsters” — which in this instance, is in reference to those that run wild and break the rules. In the pre-chorus, Sakura references Madonna, a fearless woman who was known for being carefree and rebellious to society’s standards and labels.
iffy iffy
As the album flows into its middle section, track “iffy iffy” brings listeners back to a genre LE SSERAFIM is known and loved for — House. The electronic instrumental is a staple throughout the group’s discography, making this track a quick fan-favorite. Iffy, a word meaning uncertain, ties perfectly into the overarching theme of fear. The track is all about the group’s fear of the unknown, and how they choose to face it head-on.
Need Your Company
Written by Yunjin, this track is her love letter to the girls, especially member Chaewon. A tear-jerking ballad filled with pain and vulnerability, “Need Your Company” details the silent suffering the group had gone through throughout the years — letting them know that they had each other to lean on. The track also allows the group to showcase their vocal talents, each of them harmonizing beautifully.
Sonder
Maintaining the slow, melodic tone of the previous track, “Sonder” is the perfect gateway before the album picks back up in tempo. The group reflects on their own lives and think about others, wondering if they view their own in a negative light. This reflection allows them to put those thoughts in the past, choosing to reflect only on the future.
Saki (feat. Aliyah’s Interlude)
A complete 180 degree flip from the previous track, “Saki” is a powerhouse anthem that is sure to make you dance. Named after member Sakura, this track is a callback to the group’s “1-800-hot-n-fun” — a track that playfully mentions Sakura within the chorus. Opening up with another callback to “1-800,” this song is full of easter eggs for FEARNOTs. Apart from the callbacks and fast-paced dance instrumental, the track details the struggles that come with fame, and how random people they don’t know think they are entitled to their personal information and gossip. Making the track even more special, the group welcomed artist Aliyah’s Interlude to hop on, giving “Saki” a fun twist. Her powerful and striking vocals intertwine beautifully with the group’s, creating an unforgettable sound.
Irony
Glittered with influences of R&B stylings, “Irony” is a track that makes you want to get up and go. It’s quick pace makes you feel like you’re on a “hot girl walk,” completely untouchable. Ironic to the lyrics of the song, the group expresses letting go of negative feelings like jealousy and obsession — feeling free as those feelings leave the mind.
LE SSERAFIM’s second album, ‘PUREFLOW’, Pt. 1 out now.
Trust Exercise
Interpolating “Physical” by Olivia Newton-John and written by four out of five of LE SSERAFIM members, “Trust Exercise” is yet another track on this release that makes you want to dance. Its smooth melody and groovy instrumentals mesh perfectly with the vocals and message of opening up your heart.
Liminal Space
Similar to “Pureflow,” this closing track includes spoken word instead. “Liminal Space” follows a candid conversation of the group, expressing and poking lighthearted fun at each other’s fears. This banter brings the listener into a raw moment of the group, showcasing that everyone has their vulnerabilities and that there is no shame in confiding in those around you.
The message of overcoming one’s vulnerability is a reoccurring theme within LE SSERAFIM’s music, and it is an important one. ‘Pureflow’, Pt. 1 takes listeners into the lives of the members, showing that even the most confident people are not always fearless. This behind-the-curtain look makes the album so special, and FEARNOTs cannot wait for a potential ‘Pureflow’, Pt. 2.
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