BRAT | MYTHOS

since their debut in 2018, brat have skyrocketed up in the k-pop industry, garnering unprecedented success for themselves even by the standards of rnn entertainment, a label who are known for their artists' succes being a set certainty. with such a big impact, it's easy to forget that brat's career is still very young; something made much easier to forget by the constant development and evolution of their sound.

by now, brat are known for championing the 'girl crush' craze in k-pop, and while their title tracks often fall under the bombastic girl power umbrella, they've never been shy of a genre switch. brat have never been shy period; unafraid to shock, from boldly declaring themselves bitches on their debut song to getting themselves banned for 'fire,' an unapologetically unsubtle song about sex. 

on 'mythos,' brat's second mini album, brat are no less bold. title track 'aphrodite' carries heavy wlw-undertones; which become blatant overtones on the bonus english version. where it's sister track 'hera' plays into the group's strengths- fast paced, powerful declarations of independence and ferocity, aphrodite flips those on their head, telling a dark tale of forbidden love through religious metaphor and off-kilter melodies. continuing with the theme of greek mythology (although one must wonder if most of these songs were written long before they were tenuously related back to mythic women) 'cassandra' predicts the downfall of a relationship, it's lyrics drawled over a noiresque beat anchored by brat-favoured latin guitar loops. closing out the record major, 'persephone' longs for a distant lover, the sultry ambiant lounge inspired r&b track inviting it's subject to run away to a fantasy world. 

'mythos' is suffixed by two bonus tracks, the aforementioned english version of 'aphrodite' and 'woman's world,' which was initially released on international women's day. 'mythos' is a logical next step in brat's dynasty; expanding upon the vocal chops and sensibility shown on several of the tracks on last year's 'valley of the dolls' whilst experimenting and innovating what brat's place in the music industry is supposed to be. be it the prowess of the group's production or the selling power of their charisma, brat once more prove they have the ability to experiment and redefine whilst staying on brand, and without forgetting the ultimate mission statement of any pop group; to make good pop music. 

tracklist

aphrodite | line distribution

cassandra | line distribution

hera | line distribution

persephone | line distribution

bonus tracks:

woman’s world | line distribution

BRAT | APHRODITE - Official MV

following yesterday's single 'hera,' brat have already moved on from the wrathful goddess queen to the dety of love, sex and beauty on 'aphrodite.' 

aphrodite shows a darker side to the girl group; with a slower bpm than most of brat's energetic dance tracks. it is an urban hip hop track in which the stark differences in rhythm that correspond to the atmospheric changes within the song stand out. the fantasy-like mood and bold production are led by a vintage piano sound and strong 808 bass.the song is dark, with lyrics that riff on contrasts — light and dark, purity and sin — to communicate the idea that true divinity comes from knowing and trusting yourself. 

'aphrodite' has made headlines for it's use of female pronouns throughout. when asked about this decision, brat's leader carmen, who wrote the track alongside a majority of the group's music, stated that 'however the lyrics resonate with you is how you should interpret the song. there doesn't need to be a definite meaning in art."

shortly after it's release, aphrodite has already usurped hera from the number one spot; and brat have once more proved that they're still resting comfortably at the top. 

BRAT | HERA - Official MV

we last heard from brat in october of 2019. though their halloween-themed ep 'final girls' topped charts, it wasn't promoted, and it's almost been a full year since the girl group, currently one of (if not the) top groups in the k-pop industry, gave their fans a full era. k-pop is ever changing, but brat have finally announced their comeback with ‘myhtos’, a greek mythology themed mini-album. the mini will drop tomorrow, and 'hera', the first of two title tracks, is an excellent defence of their throne.

brat are women scorned on hera, a warning shot of a song fired at an unfaithful lover. hera contains many of brat's staples, with soaring vocals, 00s-esque hooks, and an anthemic middle eight. however, brat manage to shake up their formula; backed by an experimental, glitchy, alien electro-pop beat, hera slowly builds to a fire of anger- "you better run," belts yoojin, and god save whoever played the role of zeus in brat's mythology.  

BRAT | MISS KOREA - Official MV

preluding their first full length album ‘valley of the dolls,’ chapel records’ flagship group brat have released their pre-single ‘miss korea,’ alongside an accompanying music video! compared to the group’s signature bombastic electronic sound, ‘miss korea’s jazz-infused acoustic production stands out as a new direction for the group (it’s not, however, the first time brat have thrown back to retro, given last year’s controversial ‘fire’)    

the theme of the track, however, is brat at their peak, calling into question the crippling beauty standards within k-pop. the music video compares the korean music industry to a beauty pageant- the five ladies of brat competing for the crown. making reference to plastic surgery, dangerous diets, and the general concept that girl groups should be pretty first and talented second, brat once more prove that they’re more daring and willing to make comment than most groups of their age would dream of being. 

the song, however, reaches out in comfort to the women looking up to brat. despite the sad irony in the song’s self-affirming chorus painting an image of a fading starlet, it ends on a soothing note. “come here, you’ll be okay’ the girls promise, ‘you’re miss korea.’ 

BRAT | DESPERADO - Official MV

hot off the tails of their recent mama win, brat keep the momentum up- hurtling forward with their third official comeback since their debut in june. rounding out their string of girl-power hits, the quintet bid farewell to the year with a song that displays a somewhat more vulnerable side to the girls- despite the upbeat synthpop track luring the listener into a false sense of security, ‘desperado’ the girls pining after a lover that wasn’t good for them, refusing to accept that he’s moved on. 

although the vocalists of the group shine on the track’s anthemic chorus, the song is a clear vehicle to show off just what brat’s rapline can do, as lauren and duri rap circles around the hypothetical ex-boyfriend subjected within the lyrics. not since ballad b-side ‘beautiful love’ (as found on their debut mini ‘bxtch’) have brat shown their sentimental side, but as they struggle to be alone in the accompanying music video, we’re finally allowed to see the human side of the ferocious ladies. 

brat will promote ‘desperado’ until the end of january- and chapel records have confirmed that we can look forward to their first full-length album in spring 2019!

BRAT TAKE HOME ‘BEST NEW FEMALE ARTIST’ AT THE MNET ASIAN MUSIC AWARDS.

it's indisputable that 2018 has been brat's year. with two comebacks (and a third in the process of being teased), five mvs, leader lauren's sub-unit battle royale (alongside soloist taeha) taking the underground hip-hop scene by storm and duri lending vocals to a track on instantly online-iconic 'two thousand and seikai' mixtape, it's all come to a perfect head as brat were honored with the 'best new female artist' award at the mnet asian music awards.

the five-member girl group tearfully accepted the award with a humble speech thanking their record label, chapel records, as well as their fanbase ‘rascals.’ as well as that, brat used their platform to reiterate their message; ‘we always want to be a group who women can look to when they need encouragement to be themselves,’ lauren said. ‘to all our fans, we want you to look inside and find your inner bratty side, and do whatever you want with no apologies. thank you.’ many think the speech may have been a snide reference to their song ‘fire’ being banned for explicit lyrics- but most thought it was just a heartfelt message to the group’s fans. 

brat also took to the stage at the award show to perform their tracks ‘bxtch’ and ‘selfish’, and will also be attending MAMA Fan’s Choice in Japan on the 12th for a collaborative stage with boy group 5ogue. it’s a triumphant day for the rookies and their fans- what do you think? were brat deserving of their award? 

BRAT | DESPERADO