Yves – ‘Soft Error’ Review: A Distinctive Artist You Shouldn’t Underestimate

Yves’ solo journey deepens with ‘Soft Error,’ an electronic-pop EP that explores fragile emotions through glitchy digital soundscapes.

From Loona to a Solo Star: Yves’ Bold New Path

When Yves, formerly of the K-pop girl group Loona, decided to step into the solo spotlight, she took a path that caught many by surprise. Instead of the typical glittering pop route, she aligned with Paix Per Mil, the label founded by producer Millic, whose reputation shines in Korean hip-hop and R&B circles. This choice wasn't just bold—it was brilliant. Through two EPs—2024's Loop and I Did—Yves has emerged as one of K-pop’s most compelling solo artists, crafting music that’s refreshingly unique and genuinely interesting.

Diving Deeper: The Glitchy Emotions of ‘Soft Error’

Seven months after I Did and following the unexpected viral hit “Dim,” Yves returns with Soft Error, an EP that confirms her first year as a soloist wasn’t just a flash in the pan. This record pushes further into glitchy, alternative-leaning electronic-pop territory, where Yves uses her music to process human emotions through a digital lens.

The EP’s title, Soft Error, perfectly encapsulates the central theme: things look fine on the surface, but inside, there’s a fracture. Throughout the record, vocal processors wrap around Yves’ voice like a glossy mask, concealing the cracks beneath. One standout track, “Do You Feel It Like I Touch,” captures this tension beautifully. Yves stutters the word “You” repeatedly, while jagged basslines slice through shimmering synths, creating an unsettling yet entrancing effect. The hypnotic “Study” takes this further, with Yves’ filtered voice repeating just two lines: “Let me try, try” and “Wasn’t a breakdown / It just didn’t arrive,” capturing the struggle of unfulfilled emotional breakdowns.

Infectious Hooks and Surprising Collaborations

Yves has a knack for delivering jaw-dropping earworms, and Soft Error is no exception. The EP kicks off with “White Cat,” an immediately infectious track driven by a buzzing bassline and nostalgic 8-bit melodies. Even if the chorus lyrics can be tricky to catch at first, the song’s vibe is irresistible—and honestly, sometimes feeling the groove matters more than decoding every word.

What makes Soft Error even more exciting is the momentum Yves is building for a global breakthrough. The EP features two collaborations that add fresh dimensions to her sound. “Aibo” is a bouncy alt-rock tune featuring rising Mexican bedroom-pop artist Bratty. It’s the kind of track that sounds like it should be on the soundtrack of a 2000s teen movie—wistful, vibrant, and endlessly catchy. Then there’s “Soap,” a standout collaboration with British pop darling PinkPantheress. The track cleverly samples Rebecca Black’s “Sugar Water Cyanide,” with Yves and Pink’s voices blending effortlessly over gleaming synths.

A Bittersweet Close: The Gentle Farewell of ‘Mom’

While Soft Error mostly feels cohesive and powerful, its closing track, “Mom,” gently diverges from the rest. It’s a tender ode to maternal care, with lyrics like, “Sauce spilt over white tee, close by necklace / She used to bleach it out until it’s shining.” The soft, shuffling instrumental offers a quiet moment of reflection, although it feels a little subdued compared to the buzzing energy of earlier tracks. Still, it’s a fitting close that leaves no doubts: Yves is carving out a distinctive voice in music, one that’s impossible to overlook.

Details

• Record label: Paix Per Mil
• Release date: August 8, 2025

The vocal processors that envelop Yves’ voice across the record form a façade that obscures the cracks.

Have you been following Yves’ solo journey? How does Soft Error compare to her earlier work? Share your thoughts and favorite tracks below!

Top FAQs About Yves’ ‘Soft Error’

• What genre best describes Yves’ ‘Soft Error’?
  It’s primarily glitchy, alternative-leaning electronic pop with touches of alt-rock and bedroom pop influences.
• Who are the featured artists on ‘Soft Error’?
  The EP features Bratty, a rising Mexican bedroom-pop artist, and PinkPantheress, a British pop sensation.
• What themes does ‘Soft Error’ explore?
  The EP delves into emotional vulnerability, the contrast between outward appearances and inner struggles, and human connection through a digital filter.
• How does ‘Soft Error’ relate to Yves’ previous EPs?
  It continues the trajectory set by Loop and I Did, deepening the experimental electronic sound and emotional resonance.
• Where can I listen to ‘Soft Error’?
  It’s available on all major streaming platforms, and fans can also check out the official music videos online.

If you love Yves’ style and want to bring a piece of her aesthetic home, consider shopping for your favorite album cover poster at our store. It’s a cozy way to celebrate an artist who’s redefining the pop landscape with every release.