Evidently, Summer ’26 is bringing all the lemons. Following their label big sisters aespa’s LEMONADE, Hearts2Hearts have just made their case with Lemon Tang. As sweet as advertised, Lemon Tang brings all the sunny vibes Hearts2Hearts have been consistently known for. The six-track mini album is the girls’ second ever, including beloved megahit “RUDE!” and five brand new songs guaranteed to brighten the Summer.
The comeback was teased with photos that very appropriately capture the concept; lemons, bubbles, and delightfully bright and generously saturated images set the visual mood perfectly. If you were looking for an album that feels anything calmer than a beach party, you’re in the wrong place.
Titular song “Lemon Tang” begins like a cheerleader anthem; a healthy amount of percussion sets the expectation for lots of energy. The pre-chorus has been debated by fans as the best slice of the song; a light instrumental is replaced with ’80s synths and groove that builds towards a sound that we don’t receive in the chorus. Instead, the cheerleaders return, and we understand that this is a song that doesn’t want to get too deep. It’s a sip of juice on a beach day: coming in pleasantly breezy, and was never intended to be anything heavier. The bridge speeds past in 15 seconds, but we do get to hear some soulful backing vocals to more chipper piano playing as hinted at the song’s opening.
Second track “15-LOVE” continues the joyful cheerleader vibes so heavily you might thing you’ve woken up on the set of High School Musical. “Baby Steps” features a tasteful amount of drum ‘n’ bass to rouse the excitement of the song, whilst the girls’ ever-mellifluous voices soften any hints of rough edges, resulting in the perfect level of fervour that doesn’t interrupt the vibes of the EP. Its up-tempo nature and usage of bright guitars and piano in the chorus are reminiscent of J-Pop – in short, the song would sit right at home on the soundtrack of an anime.
“heart emoji (♡)” is by far the best B-side of the record. It comes in as easily received as an emoji: the communication that transcends language, hidden undertones, and unconveyed emotions. The heart emoji does it all, as does Hearts2Hearts’ adorable song. An overly sweet melody is laid upon with light synths of different variations, encapsulating the burst of feelings that comes with a crush. It’s as danceable as it is listenable in the simple comfort of your room.
Like a toned-down version of their hit “STYLE”, “heart emoji (♡)” brings all the good vibes and innocence we love to see from Hearts2Hearts.
I hide the heart cookies I baked this morning
And keep just biting my lips all day
“Secret Recipe” closes off the run of new tunes, and similar to old Red Velvet songs, continues the cheerleader sound we’ve heard a lot of in this EP already. The occasional orchestral hit sells the rap verses we don’t hear too much of from Hearts2Hearts. I-an’s spoken-word line “This flavor was brought to you by Hearts2Hearts’ all-new cake mix” is the cherry on top to a cute little tune that few besides Hearts2Hearts could pull off in the K-Pop scene right now.
Hearts2Hearts are on Instagram and all major streaming platforms. You can listen to Lemon Tang here.
