(Yonhap)

Red Velvet is kicking off its own kind of music festival with the new EP “The ReVe Festival: Day 1,” which has topped the iTunes albums chart in multiple countries as well as local daily streaming charts, less than a day after its release Wednesday.

The title track, “Zimzalabim,” embodies polished electropop with the help of a drastic turn in melody and the group’s signature playful lyrics. And the bandmates say the song is both addictive and multilayered.

Speaking to the press during a showcase event Wednesday, Irene said, “‘Zimzalabim’ is like ‘abracadabra’ in Europe. The song encourages people to follow their dreams from the bottom of their heart. It’s an instantly addictive song, which was written by the same songwriters behind ‘Red Flavor.’”



According to the group, the song was kept in the dark for some time until record executive and founder of S.M. Entertainment Lee Soo-man pushed for it as the lead track. He believed the group was finally ready to pull it off, the group said.

And Seulgi says though the members were a little taken aback by the randomness of the title, the song became a grower.

“The title track is versatile in terms of performance as well. It has EDM elements but also gets quiet at times. I think the song encapsulates many of our qualities. It’s more enjoyable when you listen and watch our live performance together,” she said.

When asked about the group’s hopes and dreams, Irene said she wanted to improve her stamina.

“I wish I could boost my stamina. The dance moves (for the new single) require a lot of energy, so I hope I get the strength to stay on form throughout the promos.”

(S.M. Entertainment)

The video for the lead track switches back and forth between a theme park and a colorful set while the bandmates work up a sweat, in line with the song’s general cheerful tone.

The new EP comes with a total of six tracks -- “Sunny Side Up,” a reggae pop tune that sees the group compare the delicate control of emotions that being in a relationship requires to making eggs sunny side up, the punk pop number “Milkshake” and synth-heavy electropop song “Parade,” to name a few.

“The ReVe Festival: Day 1” is out now, with the first broadcast performance of “Zimzalabim” set to take place on Red Velvet’s V Live channel at 10 p.m. on Thursday.

By Yim Hyun-su (hyunsu@heraldcorp.com)