Leading the group's fifth EP 'Checkmate,' the release comes a few months shy of their first world tour
ITZY.
Fourth-generation hitmakers Itzy are back this summer with their latest single, “Sneakers.” It leads the group’s EP Checkmate and comes roughly 10 months after the release of their album, Crazy In Love.
Written and produced by Didrik Thott, Jessica Pierpoint, Sebastian Thott, Friday and Ogi (Galactika), “Sneakers” stays true to Itzy’s ethos as the group’s members sing about following their hearts, irrespective of what others have to say: “Told ya, I don’t care at all/ I’m going wherever I want/ I don’t need order, don’t need no guidance/ I’m making my way, I’m on my way up.”
High-spirited and inspirational, members Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong and Yuna position sneakers as a metaphorical device. Narrating that they’d prefer not to be tied down by the archaic ideologies that often equate womanhood to ‘perfect’ elegance, Itzy’s “Sneakers” undoubtedly serves as an additional chapter in the group’s growing discography, which shares stories of living life without being force-fitted into a mold. Sonically, the track’s overarching electro-pop soundscape doesn’t drastically divert from the group’s established sonic identity, yet the introduction of funk-pop elements serves as a pleasant surprise, making “Sneakers” the go-to summer anthem.
The music video sees the members dabble in various jobs, from running a monarchy to being in charge of a space control station. Irrespective of the job at hand, the members seamlessly take the project to its completion. And in signature Itzy fashion, the music video ends with the group strutting their iconic ‘crown’ pose.
According to JYP Entertainment, as of July 14, Checkmate had racked up a total of 720,665 stock pre-orders, making it Itzy’s personal best record. The EP is also the fourth girl group album in history to surpass 700,000 stock pre-orders, joining the likes of Aespa’s Girls, BlackPink’s The Album and Formula of Love: O+T=<3 by fellow labelmates Twice.
Accompanied by additional tracks titled “Racer,” “What I Want,” “Free Fall,” “365,” “Domino” and an English version of the title track, Checkmate will be promoted during the group’s forthcoming world tour later this year.
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