[Album Review] Cabin Fever (5th Mini Album) – PURPLE KISS

Today’s album review post focuses on PURPLE KISS’ fifth mini-album, Cabin Fever, which was released back in February of this year. Alongside the title track Sweet Juice are five additional side tracks. PURPLE KISS hails from RBW, which is home to artists whom I have written albums reviews for constantly in the past such as MAMAMOO, ONEUS and ONEWE. And with two albums (memeM and Geekyland) already reviewed – both of which shows promise behind PURPLE KISS, it makes perfect sense for me to revisit PURPLE KISS under this segment of the blog and to review their latest mini-album.

And like in the previous album reviews, Cabin Fever is another indication of the talent and promise behind the female group. Unfortunately, the title track Sweet Juice happens to be the weakest song on the mini-album in my opinion. But the rest of the mini-album is very strong, so do check out the other tracks below!

1. Intro: Save Me – Save Me is a spine-tingling introduction to the mini-album, and is probably their best introductory track to date. I really liked the mysterious and eerie atmosphere that both the music and vocals contribute to. Save Me is also all in English and also has a performance video associated to it. Just like the track, it is worth a watch, as well. (8/10)

2. Sweet Juice (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for Sweet Juice. (7.5/10)

3. T4ke – T4ke changes the atmosphere of the mini-album, diverting the release down a more sinister route. It is still eerie listen just like the above tracks. But to me, it feels more driven by a main character than just imposing that feeling on the listener. The instrumentation does a really good job of bringing that all of time and is also feels textural loaded. Yuki’s rapping is very gripping, while the harmonies at the end between Goeun and Chaein were amazing. (9/10)

4. Autopilot – Retro synths open and stay a constant in Autopilot. It reminds me of EVERGLOW’s music and easily could have rivalled the likes of LA DI DA (which to me is still their best song to date). Autopilot is more refined and less punchy, but still has that similar tinge. Back to PURPLE KISS, their vocals in Autopilot were so crisp and clear, and this is one of the best elements of the song. They just brought such a vibrant feel to the retro number. The acoustic finish (courtesy of Swan) was a very nice yet unexpected twist to the song. As much as the change is a complete 180° from the rest of Autopilot, it is such a well-executed moment that it is hard to dislike. (10/10)

5. agit (아지트) – I think the biggest problem is that agit wasn’t released closer to the summer season. It is just a bright and upbeat pop number, perfect for the summery season. The instrumentation felt refreshing and super fun. If anything, the vocals could have been a little chirpier and buoyant, but the group still pulled off a solid effort nonetheless. Yuki’s rapping was just perfection and just gave such a nice pop vibe to the song. (9/10)

6. So Far So Good – So Far So Good is a pop ballad that highlights the group’s sweet and pleasant vocals. Once again, the crisp and clear vocals just make this song. The instrumentation is pretty basic and simple, but yet it provides a nice backing to this melodic number. Together, the song has this calming and comforting presence, ending the mini-album on a more loveable and brighter note than the dark and eerie likes of the opening and title tracks of the mini-album. (8/10)