224

Album ∙ K-Pop ∙ 2025

KISS OF LIFE

Across its seven tracks, 224 leans into moments of disco (“Tell Me”), upbeat pop (“Slide”), and acoustic balladry (“Think Twice”), but never strays far from the sensual turn-of-the-millennium R&B that has defined the quartet’s sound since their 2023 debut. The first of KISS OF LIFE’s collections to be released without creative director Lee Hae-in, the group’s fourth EP builds on the combination of smooth production and lush, low-key vocals that worked so well on 2024 hits “Sticky” and “Igloo.” 224 opens with “Lips Hips Kiss,” a midtempo track with a sultry hook (“You can touch my lips-hips-hips-hips-hips/I’m free at six-six-six-six-six, oh”), before asking for more honesty in “Tell Me.” Thai member NATTY contributed lyrics to “Tell Me” and “Painting,” while American member Julie participated in the songwriting for “Heart of Gold.” American singer-songwriter UPSAHL composed bass-driven, viral-ready “k bye.”