With pomp and a good amount of surprise, JENNIE’s first solo EP “Fallen Angel” made its debut to streaming platforms on Aug. 28. With “Ruby (The Complete Collection)” released in celebration of JENNIE’s debut solo album a mere five months prior—the pivot was nearly unexpected. The only clues fans received were during the summer festival circuit, as Jennie Kim previewed unreleased tracks of all of the songs making the digital release. Over the span of one week—after the release was announced on Aug. 21—theorizing from fans began as to which songs would be included on the anticipatory EP.

This EP brings a completely new era to JENNIE’s music that can be described as dreamy with an edge, especially in comparison to older, high-energy hits like “Mantra” or “like JENNIE.” While there may not be a clear storyline in this tracklist—three songs spanning a tight eight minutes—there is a decent variety in musicality in the progression of the EP. So, hold on to your angel wings, and let us journey through these songs.

First on the tracklist is “FALLEN ANGEL,” our titular track, which made its debut at Lollapalooza on Aug. 1. The music video was teased the same day the EP was announced, with equally as many creepy couples as there was breathtaking scenery. The final video did not disappoint, creating that angelic atmosphere with a slightly sinister edge. It opens with a child in a surreal dreamscape, glowing eyes plastered on the shard-like structures all around her. We are taken through several starkly different scenes, unsettling undertones increasing through to the cult-like gathering of singing children at the very end. Perhaps there was a story to be told here, but the visuals and scenery were the crowning features of this short film.

“FALLEN ANGEL” as a song is an apt introduction to this softer era in JENNIE’s discography, with soft instrumentation and a lo-fi feel. The lyrics cling onto the dream that one day that a dying relationship could settle into something more permanent, despite how much it has fallen. “Wherever we land is where we turn into a home,” sings JENNIE with this hope of settling. The vulnerability comes through in this fear that the attachment was broken, that without the relationship “these wings are of no use.” This naive hope brings a light feel to the song despite the fears.

Next is “HEAVEN,” which debuted live at the Governor’s Ball Music Festival in June. It contrasts the most with the rest of the songs on this EP in tone and lyrics, with a darker chaos resonating throughout the song. There is significantly more base to create a more dramatic backing track, complete with a distorted electric guitar echoing the entropy of the song itself. For JENNIE, the “crash and burn” is her “favorite part” of her relationship, which she insists is a heaven to her even if the world refuses to agree. The theme of hope carries on, but there is the subconscious realization that placing hope in an otherwise toxic relationship is of no use.

The final track of the digital release is “Less than a Lover,” which is a single previously released on July 24 after being performed at the Governor’s Ball that epitomizes summer. The music video is slightly meta in its creation, as the main narrator (JENNIE) explains the story of the short film she wants to create, about a girl who “wants to avoid love, wants to avoid responsibilities.” What follows is a montage of a pair (not lovers, but not quite friends either) traveling through Spain during what looks to be summertime—a sip at a cafe, spending time in a villa and driving to the beach. From the lighting to the story, it is simple, warm and bright in the way that summer is. The story ends with the girl simply drifting out of frame, perhaps realizing she was too close for comfort, or perhaps it was just a statement about how ephemeral the summer could be with nothing to tie oneself down.

The song itself also conveys this light and airy feel, with a light base and electric guitar to frame JENNIE’s lyrics, as well as a light choral melody in support. The song begs that we “don’t think too much” to remain devoid of any attachments, which are necessary steps to fully enjoy each moment. This is why this singer wants “a little bit less than a lover,” a certain someone who “[gets] a little bit more than another.” In concept, the feeling is almost a dream, detached from anything tangible that could potentially get one stuck.

If nothing else, this EP is a testament to JENNIE’s versatility as a singer and songwriter, showcasing a much more raw and vulnerable tone that pivots from older songs. Even better, the experience doesn’t end there. With the physical release of the EP expected to arrive on Oct. 30 with three additional songs, there is plenty to look forward to in this new era of JENNIE’s music.