LISA delivers catchy melodies and danceable beats on “PRESS PLAY.”

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TOP 3

3. Cut U Off

“Cut U Off” is musically clever. Its sample of the iconic whistling from Kill Bill creates a connection to “Tarantino,” another song on the EP, making the two feel like companions.

The production choices stand out throughout. The panning of LISA’s vocals, the harmonies on select parts of the chorus, and the shifts in dynamics and effects give this takedown of a former friend an extra bite.

2. Sweat

“Sweat” lets LISA get a little freaky. It could be about dancing, she mentions yoga, or it could be about a third option. I’ll let you figure that one out.

A minor vocal line woven into the production adds an interesting texture, while the panning makes the sound feel like it’s coming from every direction. It’s an immersive listen.

I’ve seen people describe this EP as “cinematic,” and while I don’t quite agree, “Sweat” comes closest to earning that description.

1. Tarantino

“Tarantino” is the best song by far. The chorus features some of the best singing LISA has ever delivered. For a second, I genuinely thought I was hearing RAYE.

The action-movie-inspired track brings hints of rock into the EP’s pop and K-pop sound. I hate Quentin Tarantino’s movies, so I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this one so much. Thankfully, the references mostly revolve around Kill Bill similarities and his work as a director. I did laugh out loud at the line about her “feet hanging out the Camino.” Even on a song named after him, the man can’t escape a foot reference.

SONG-BY-SONG RATING

SaWaDiKa (4/5)

V12 (4/5)

Cobra (4/5)

Tarantino (4/5)

Cut U Off (4/5)

Sweat (4/5)

RGM RATING

I have mixed feelings about PRESS PLAY. I like the songs individually, but I don’t really understand why this EP exists. They don’t come together as a distinct body of work, and none meaningfully improve on what LISA has already done. Art doesn’t always have to push boundaries, but being surprised is more exciting than hearing familiar ideas again. The members of BLACKPINK have run into this issue before, and this feels like the clearest example.

LISA could’ve saved these songs for a larger album or spent more time refining them into something great. I wanted to be impressed, but my reaction was mostly, “Yep, LISA made another EP.”

She has a solid ear for melodies, but the lyrics don’t always give those melodies much support. When the hooks aren’t fully there, the production ends up doing a lot of the heavy lifting.

I do appreciate the broader subject matter. Only one song focuses on wealth, which feels like a positive response to criticism of her previous work.

LISA is talented, and “Born Again” with Doja Cat and RAYE remains one of my favorites. Knowing what she can deliver makes this EP more disappointing. These songs might grow on me, but right now, I’d rather revisit her earlier work.

Emma Platt