To our enjoyment, the three lovely women of Ladies' Code are back again in the music scene with their newest song "The Rain" off their latest mini-album 'STRANG3R.' They emphasize they came back as 3 again, like with their last album 'MYST3RY,' in a way that is unique.

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Tracklist

1. Lorelei

2. The Rain

3. Jane Doe

"The Rain" is a mid-tempo jam that is soothing on the ears and has a very warp-like sound similar to "Gravity." It opens with a deep-toned piano melody, more rough than elegant, and suddenly shifts into a sharper synthetic sound accompanied by graceful violins. The sound seems more suitable for Sojung's vocals. Take a listen to the MV below!�

As the title suggests, the lyrics discuss a past love being like the rain. The rain mentioned in the song can be symbolic for two things: either their tears or a relationship crumbling to an end. This idea arises from lyrics like, "Even though a few days passed since the rain has stopped, I'm still drenched like this." A clear sign that although they stopped crying, their hearts still feel pain.

"The Rain" MV is quite visually appealing as the members are dolled up in a variety of wild print outfits and in numerous settings, such as a bathtub or an open field of greenery. The shattering effects of rain drops turning into hard metal balls breaking on the glass is a great portrayal of their tears beating down hard. The colors are sensual, moody, and give off a cold atmosphere throughout.

However, in regards to aesthetics, I have a love/hate moment in this MV. I absolutely love the unique umbrellas that sport flowers growing on the underside (despite making it nonfunctional once it is time to close it up), but I hate that viewers can't find that same quirky characteristic on the girls anywhere.�

From clothing to even the dance routine, nothing was as intriguing or stood out. Please refrain from spazzing about the "hand blender" dance - it's been done before.

The album opens with a trapped-in-a-tin-can sounding "oohing" ad lib for "Lorelei." If you don't know what it is, a Lorelei is referred to as a mermaid or siren, the harpy of the sea, that sing elegantly to lure in weary sailors.

Living up to its name "Lorelei" has a lot of echoing in a somewhat empty-space instrumental that gradually builds up in sound with raindrops, harps, a muffled but evident ad-libbing from Ashley, and sharp sounds surrounded by shimmering effects. This track is very mystical and attractive. It balances each member's vocals nicely and would be a great promotional track as well.

Soon after, "Jane Doe" takes over the album with its own unique sound. Taking you deeper into Ladies' Code's galaxy (as the album seems like a 2.0 of their previous sound), "Jane Doe" has a tough instrumental that showcases deeper tones with both warp-like sounds and synthetic horns.�

Also having an odd name, a "Jane Doe" is someone who is unidentifiable and anonymous. The song creates a warning like atmosphere that this "Jane Doe" is trouble. Although not as interesting as "Lorelei," this song keeps to the album's dark style.

Overall, Ladies' Code appears to have put a lot of thought put into the individual track's meanings. Just like the other songs from their last album, �the girls took a jump from retro to retro-future overnight as their sounds adapted more altered melodies with electric guitars, synthetic noises in the distant, jazzy tunes and more auto-tuned instrumentals.�

"The Rain" and new style will grow on you for sure after a few listens but seem to only scratch the surface of the potential the girls still have.

Score

MV Production.......7
MV Concept............6
MV Relevance........7

Album Production..6
Album Concept.......7
Tracklisting..............7

OVERALL SCORE: 6.7