After almost five years, Red Velvet’s subunit “IRENE & SEULGI” returns with their second mini album, TILT, bringing back the style, sophistication, and sexiness fans have always loved from the duo.

Ahead of the album’s release, Irene and Seulgi’s concept photos were definitely unexpected, with a very sexy and sultry side.

The album officially released with the title track “TILT,” which combines everything they teased in the concept photos: something sexy, sleek, and sophisticated. It starts with the bold opening bars, a dreamy instrumental, and a taste of members’ voices before the beat is brought in, accompanied by Seulgi’s deep and dulcet tone. By bringing in Irene’s voice later, the similar textures emphasize the song’s vibe, focusing on a strong concept similar to their track “Monster” and different from Red Velvet’s releases.

Keeping the music video focused on dark tones or monotone colors, with pops of colour, keeps the focus on the concept of the song and the messages told by Seulgi and Irene’s bodies with the choreography. Yet, a song this strong would benefit from a bolder dance to emphasize the members’ talents. However, the storytelling is the focus, creating a visual explosion.

The rest of the album is very varied, but at its core, it is set of songs that combin sexiness and sophistication to create a mature sound.

“What’s Your Problem” is much bolder than the title track, utilising a chanting chorus, but it creates many layers and a complex melody by moving to softer vocals from Seulgi’s in the first verse. It is an interesting take on an upbeat song with constant movement, which creates a more intricate and unique sound. In particular, it is a collaboration with KISS OF LIFE’s Julie and her harder tone, perfect for the rap verse, might seem out of place but surprisingly blends well with both Irene and Seulgi’s vocals.

It might seem impossible to categorise TILT into one genre, but many of the tracks have jazz influences.

“Irresistible” starts with a unique jazz opening and feels like something from a nightclub, continuing to push the sexiness through the idols using breathier voices and even effects like lips puckering and synth sounds. Yet, the jazziness isn’t one-dimensional, as “Girl Next Door” uses the same feel but with a rockier beat. The combination of vocals and an unexpected melody creates a darker track. It is the perfect showcase of the strong vocals with the constant changes in speed and tempo within the verses and even individual lines. Yet, along with jazz, this track also has soulful and tropical vibes, all aided by the textures of Irene and Seulgi’s voices.

One exception in the album to the trend of utilizing breathy tones and jazz influences to create something sexy was “Trampoline.” The track seems much lighter and almost fairytale-like at the start, and the traditional ballad genre shines a spotlight on Irene and Seugli’s vocals. Yet, the melody of the chorus is a juxtaposition of that, with a darker and “creepier” feeling by repeating the word “jump.” It feels like the perfect soundtrack to a horror film, but in a good way, and the layering of the two idols’ voices is perfect, putting together the low and high registers flawlessly.

Ending with “Heaven” is the perfect choice, bringing back the jazzy feel of the album with a heavier drum beat, just subtle enough to make an impact but not distract from the flawless vocals. The melody still sees Irene and Seulgi utilise a breathy vocal technique, but it has a 2000s R&B vibe that was built from the synth and sound effects.

TILT is a culmination of everything fans love about Irene and Seulgi. There are beautiful vocals, creative concepts, and a more sexy and mature sound for fans of all ages.

TILT is out now. Red Velvet can be found on Instagram here and on all streaming platforms.