Irene & Seulgi Tease Mysterious New EP TILT
Irene & Seulgi, Red Velvet’s powerhouse duo, are boldly returning after nearly five years with their second EP, TILT, slated for release on May 26.
The pair, known for pushing artistic boundaries in K-pop, are already teasing a dark and provocative aesthetic through stylized teasers and a cryptic promotional rollout. The brand film for TILT, shot in black and white with bold red accents, features uncanny imagery such as a burning plant against a bright red backdrop, squashing red lipstick, and a crimson martini.
Red Velvet’s official Instagram revealed the EP’s promotional schedule through crime-scene-style evidence images. Fans can expect a full spectrum of content leading up to the release, including concept photos, music video teasers, album details, and more brand films.
The Impact of Monster
As anticipation builds for TILT, it’s worth revisiting what makes Irene and Seulgi’s music so compelling. Their debut EP, Monster, set the tone for their sub-unit identity—dark, elegant, and conceptually rich. The title track, “Monster,” is a dark pop track featuring trap beats and a theatrical orchestration that portrays themes of duality, temptation, and feminine power.
Meanwhile, “Naughty” shifts toward a minimalistic groove combining crisp UK garage, house, and funk influences. It’s a track about mental games and unspoken tension in relationships, adding to the duo’s exploration of darker themes.
Irene & Seulgi’s Solo Projects
Since the release of Monster, Irene and Seulgi have released solo projects that expanded their artistry. Irene debuted her solo EP, Like a Flower, in November 2024.
The title track, a vibrant pop dance number with Afrobeat rhythms and dreamy piano, explores themes of inner strength and blooming in adversity. “Summer Rain,” a moody ballad, touches on resilience through companionship.
“Strawberry Silhouette” pairs mid-tempo R&B with dreamy textures to evoke sensuality and intimate connections. The EP as a whole reveals a softer, introspective side of Irene, anchored in warm and emotional nuance.
Meanwhile, Seulgi has delivered two solo EPs showcasing her versatility and conceptual ambition. The title track of her debut EP, 28 Reasons, delves into the complexities of good and evil, featuring a groovy, bass-heavy sound. “Anywhere but Home,” a disco-infused track, captures the longing for adventure and self-discovery.
Her second EP, Accidentally on Purpose, continued that evolution with “Baby, Not Baby,” a funky pop-dance song about rejecting social labels and embracing multifaceted identity. With sharp melodies, electric guitar, and playful bass, Seulgi assures herself as charismatic and self-assured.
What to Expect From TILT
Together, Irene & Seulgi balance elegance and edge, and TILT appears poised to deepen that duality. With a return to darker themes, striking visual symbolism, and a mysterious promotional concept, the upcoming EP promises to elevate their artistry even further.
Listen to Irene & Seulgi’s upcoming EP, TILT, on May 26 and watch the brand film below.
