The ninth EP by K-pop girl group
ITZY
, 2024's
Gold
features a mix of new songs and re-recorded tracks off the same year's
Born to Be
. Primarily, the set works as a reintroduction of singer
Lia
, who went on hiatus from the group due to health reasons in 2023. Here, she's brought back into the fold, joining bandmates
Yeji
,
Ryujin
Chaeryeong
, and
Yuna
as they offer updated versions of songs off
, including the title track, "Mr. Vampire," and "Dynamite." Also showcased on the EP are their newly minted quintet songs, including the swaggering, hip-hop-infused "Gold," the dusky electro-club anthem "Imaginary Friend," the shimmering, '90s R&B/dance number "Supernatural," and the particularly symbolic "Five." More than just a companion album,
is the sound of
reunited, celebrating their past and future. ~ Matt Collar