It has been almost a year and half since we last heard from LIGHTSUM on stage, with their last comeback being in May of last year with Alive (a comeback which I have not reviewed, as I pretty much forgot about its existence very quickly). Since then, LIGHTSUM reformed into a six-member female group (with the departure of Huiyeon and Jiah) and Sungah participated in recent Queendom Puzzle survival show (but was quickly eliminated). Today, the group ends their 1.5 year hiatus with their second mini-album and new title track, both of which are titled Honey or Spice.

I have decided to proceed with reviewing LIGHTSUM’s comeback for two reasons – so I don’t forget about the comeback entirely and I think LIGHTSUM deserves some attention from me (and in general). To me, they are practically the forgotten group of Cube Entertainment. And I hope Honey or Spice helps turns that around, especially since the song goes with a somewhat bombastic instrumentation. Some of the beats throughout Honey or Spice go for a more emphasised and bold touch, which I do find to be quite cool and it does potentially add some ‘spice’ to the song. But on the other hand, however, I do feel like it is quite overused in the chorus, and so the effect does become lost. The post-chorus “Honey Honey Honey Honey” and “Hurry, Hurry, Hurry, Hurry” sequence is probably my favourite part of the song. Its addictive and is a catchy hook. The “Follow me” start to the verses was also a likeable moment in the song. I like the atmospheric touch in the instrumentation to the beginning of the second verse. The rest of Honey or Spice does fall short however, with both the verses and choruses being practically unmemorable. The vocals and rapping don’t excite me in these parts, nor do the hooks and melodies have a similar hold on me as the post-chorus did. Overall, I welcome Honey and Spice‘s reintroduction of LIGHTSUM with a bolder sound, but the execution of the final product is just not there.

The group shows both a ‘honey’ (youthful, cutesy) and a ‘spice’ (mature) side to themselves in the music video. The video depicts a guy falling for the group, after he bumps into them and is given a taste of both sides of the group. It ends off with the guy humming to the LIGHTSUM’s new song, and I like that ending. It is a bit neutral, but it strikes a balance for the two sides of the group depicted in the video. I really liked how smooth and clever the way the song started in the video. The “Follow me” lines were definitely well utilised. Also, as a foodie myself, I really liked how they used food to depict the sweeter vs. fiercer side of the group. It is logical and makes complete sense.

The choreography for Honey or Spice was decent. I liked the chorus routine, but there really isn’t much for me to comment on in that part or the wider routine. The only thing I can say is that the choreography feels and looks like it suits the song, which you expect (or hope for, at the very least).

Song – 7/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 7/10
Overall Rating – 7.3/10