Globally celebrated K-pop group Le Sserafim released their second studio album, PUREFLOW pt.1 Friday, May 22. The 11-track album explores growth and connection, alongside themes of redefining power and facing fears. The album includes several genres, including electro-house, R&B, and pop-rock, pushing the limits of typical K-pop album structure.
Le Sserafim is an anagram for the phrase “I’m Fearless,” representing the group’s confident, bold image. Similarly, the album’s title, PUREFLOW pt. 1, is an anagram for “Powerful” symbolizing a shift in the group’s message. PUREFLOW pt.1 signifies a new chapter for the group, hinting that the album is a part of a larger era that will include additional releases.
Le Sserafim first debuted May 2, 2022, under South Korean entertainment company HYBE Co., with their EP Fearless, gaining significant buzz. However, the release of their second EP Antifragile launched the group into global fame. The group originally debuted with six members: Sakura, Kim Chaewon, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, Hong Eunchae, and Kim Garam. However, as they came into the public eye, accusations of bullying against Kim Garam surfaced, causing HYBE to terminate her contract in July 2022 and for the group to continue as five.
Track one, “Pureflow,” starts off with a spoken-word intro in a mix of English, Korean, and Japanese. The song is backed by a punk-inspired instrumental, breaking away from the group’s typical techno sound. The song introduces a new concept for the group: that there is power in fear, and that fearlessness itself is a myth, a seemingly paradoxical claim, given the group’s name. They sing, “For we are not fearless, and therefore powerful.”
Track three, “Celebration,” the album’s lead single, features high-energy techno sound, heavy house beats, and clean vocals. However, the song is highly repetitive, especially during the chorus, making it a less engaging listen. The song is an energetic celebration of the group’s new concept, singing, “Sing along, this is FEARLESS 2.0.”
Track five, “Iffy Iffy,” is the highlight of the album. Steering away from the club-ready title tracks, this song offers a smoother, electro-pop sound with a catchy chorus backing it. Singing “So I choose iffy, iffy, that’s me,” the group delves into self-acceptance and embracing the “iffy” things about yourself.
Track seven, “Sonder,” departs from the high-intensity anthems composing the album’s major hits for a more thoughtful and atmospheric vibe. “Sonder” has a dreamy, calm melody, with a soft and steady drumline, layered with smooth vocals. The song’s theme centers around “sonder,” the realization that every person is living a life as real and complex as your own. The group sings, “Each person’s own universe, wonder, wonder, hit me like thunder.”
Track eight, “Saki,” is an upbeat anthem, featuring Aliyah’s Interlude. The song’s confident, sassy vibe is carried by a punching bassline and a chant-focused vocal delivery. The song explores unapologetic confidence, projecting an untouchable vibe. The group sings, “Call me Saki, won’t call you back (Huh?) I’m the game and you’ve got no hacks.”
Track 11, “Liminal Space,” is an intimate spoken-word track featuring conversations between the members in Korean. The track has no musical backing until towards the end, when a minimalist, nostalgic synth melody pours in. The conversations feature the members discussing the album with each other and wondering what the fans will think. They also discuss their journey as a group and look into the future, asking “Where are we going?” and “There is a destination, right?” only to conclude, “There is; we are the destination ourselves.”
PUREFLOW pt. 1 is a genre-bending, high-energy album. The album consistently explores themes of facing fear and finding power within it, giving it a cohesive vibe despite the difference in energy from song to song. The title tracks seem to be more focused on producing a viral song than establishing actual depth, whereas the second half of the album unpacks more thoughtful themes. Although some of the songs have repetitive hooks and a predictable feel, PUREFLOW pt. 1 is fun and catchy, earning three out of five feathers.
