Red Velvet in a promotional photo for 'Velvet Summer.' Photo courtesy of SM Entertainment
More than two years after their previous musical release, K-pop girl group Red Velvet has returned with its latest extended play (EP) “Velvet Summer,” adding another title to its string of releases for the sunny season.
The five-track EP that dropped on Monday “explores a vibrant range of summer sounds and moods, drawing from bossa nova, reggae, dance-pop, classical and acoustic influences,” label SM Entertainment said in a press statement.
The EP is led by “Surfin’ Boy,” which blends elements of bossa nova and reggae against the quintet’s dreamy vocal harmonies.
Notably, member Joy contributed lyrics to “Surfin’ Boy” and album closer “Hawaii.”
“Velvet Summer” marks Red Velvet’s first release since 2024’s “Cosmic,” after which the girls largely focused on their solo careers.
READ: Red Velvet releases 'Midsommar'-inspired MV for 'Cosmic'
It also reaffirms the group’s status as one of K-pop’s “summer queens,” following a string of summer-themed singles including “Red Flavor,” “Power Up” and “Umpah Umpah.”
Debuting in 2014, Red Velvet is known for its dual musical identity, featuring the more pop-oriented “red” sound and the sophisticated, R&B-influenced “velvet” side.
READ: Red Velvet celebrates 10th year with ‘best’ Manila crowd