[Album Review] Fe3O4: STICK OUT (3rd Mini Album) – NMIXX

1 week ago 16

The next album to be reviewed is NMIXX’s Fe3O4: STICK OUT, the group’s third mini-album. This was released back in August last year, alongside the title track See That?. It features an additional five high-quality side tracks, which you can read more about, as well as my thoughts on them, below. Fe3O4: STICK OUT serves as the second instalment of their Fe3O4 series – the first being Fe3O4: Break from early 2024 and the third being Fe3O4: Forward from earlier this year (which I have yet to review – an album review for this mini-album is definitely on the cards).

1. See That? (별별별) (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for See That?. (7/10)

2. Sickuhh (ft. Kid Milli) – Building on the hip-hop vibe of the title track, Sickuhh takes it even further into the genre. NMIXX and Kid Milli team up through rap to deliver a super chic and sleek track that keeps that classic hip-hop bounce. Everyone’s flow was on point, and I really enjoyed the energy each member—and Kid Milli—brought to the song. The production was cool and solid, making Sickuhh a track that is hard to pass up whenever it comes on. (9/10)

3. Red Light Sign, But We Go – This next track sticks with a hip-hop vibe but leans more into electronic sounds. The instrumental is super bold and intense from start to finish, which makes Red Light Sun, But We Go feel really powerful. The rapping didn’t hit as hard as in the previous song, but the vocals in the pre-chorus definitely made up for it. I just wish the hook wasn’t so repetitive and chant-like, especially toward the end—it felt a bit too safe for such an otherwise daring track. (8/10)

4. BEAT BEAT – NMIXX leans into a more pop sound in BEAT BEAT. I really liked the energetic marching-style beat and the touch of edge in the choruses. Their vocals and rap parts were strong throughout, but what stood out most to me were the ad-libs at the end. Whilst the ad-libs were in play, I especially loved how the music kept driving forward while BAE and LILY kept the energy going with their powerful delivery. (9/10)

5. Moving On – Moving On has NMIXX trying out pop rock on the mini-album, and they really pull it off. It reminds me of the pop-rock from the 2000s that I grew up with. The band instrumentation sounds great and keeps the song engaging. The electric guitar in the chorus is a highlight—it adds a quick but powerful burst of energy. I also enjoyed the warm, bright vibe the members bring with their vocals. They sound refreshing, and this tone helps deliver the song’s uplifting message. A stronger hook could have made Moving On even better, though. (8/10)

6. Love Is Lonely – Wrapping up the mini-album is the EDM pop track Love Is Lonely. NMIXX’s beautiful vocals immediately pulled me in, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the song after my first listen. I loved the dreamy vibe they bring to the chorus, mixed with the subtle energy of the EDM pop beat. While the hooks and melodies feel a bit muddled at times, it doesn’t take away from how stunning the song is overall. (8/10)