ODD EYE CIRCLE - Version Up (2023)

Why Listen?

After nearly six years of silence, ODD EYE CIRCLE’s Version Up is more than just a comeback—it’s a phoenix rising from the ashes of uncertainty. With a new company but their old creative director at the helm, this trio—Kim Lip, Jinsoul, and Choerry—has delivered an album that feels like a love letter to their past while confidently stepping into the future.

Fans of their iconic Max & Match (#1 K-Pop album on rateyourmusic.com) might initially feel the urge to compare, but Version Up isn’t here to compete; it’s here to carve out its own space in the K-Pop landscape.

The album opens with "Did You Wait?", an instrumental track that feels like a time capsule of their greatest hits, sampling songs like "Uncover" and "Sweet Crazy Love". It’s a poignant nod to fans who’ve stuck by them through thick and thin, setting an emotional tone for what’s to come.

Then comes "Air Force One", the album’s high-energy centerpiece, drenched in Jersey/Baltimore club influences. Its pulsating beats and rapid-fire delivery are impossible to ignore, even if its chaotic mixing might leave some listeners adjusting their speakers. This track is ODD EYE CIRCLE at their most experimental—a bittersweet soundscape that captures both their maturity and their playful edge.

But the real standout here is "Je Ne Sais Quoi", a sultry R&B-infused gem that oozes sophistication in under three minutes. It’s the kind of song that leaves you wanting more, like catching a fleeting glimpse of a sunset. The trio’s harmonies are at their peak, weaving effortlessly through a seductive melody that lingers long after the track ends.

Tracks like "Love Me Like" and "My Secret Playlist" showcase ODD EYE CIRCLE’s ability to balance nostalgia with innovation. The former evokes '80s Japanese city pop vibes with its groovy disco elements, while the latter cleverly incorporates references to fan-favorite songs like Radiohead’s "High and Dry" and Lauv’s "Paris in the Rain". These tracks highlight the trio’s versatility, seamlessly blending genres while maintaining their signature charm.

Version Up isn’t trying to replicate the magic of Max & Match—and it doesn’t need to. This mini-album thrives on its own merits: infectious melodies, bold production choices, and heartfelt tributes to fans who’ve been along for the ride.

With this album one thing is clear: this trio still knows how to capture lightning in a bottle.

Curator's Note:

I love this album from front-to-back and wanted to share with EverAfters. When I first heard this, I had no idea who ODD EYE CIRCLE, LOONA, or ARTMS were. I was just blown away by what I heard and it stuck with me ever since. I hope you all like it!