Cooking up a fresh sound isn’t always a piece of “CAKE,” but ITZY’s latest release scores more than one “Kill Shot.”

Monday marked the start of the K-pop group’s latest musical showdown with the release of its seventh EP, “KILL MY DOUBT.” Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong and Yuna are back with six tracks, each promising a distinct flavor. Though the EP has its blunders in the kitchen with segments that feel a little out of place in their respective songs, “KILL MY DOUBT” ultimately produces six tangy desserts that are each delicious in their own right.

With a refreshing take on the group’s central self-love concept, “BET ON ME” excels rhythmically and lyrically, yet its greatest strength is its core message. Contrasting with their previous releases, the EP’s opening track starts with the singers at an emotional low before learning to embrace the ups and downs of accepting oneself. Set to a relaxed pop sound, honest lyrics like “Still, I choose me / There’s no other way / I bet on me,” take a mature approach to inspiring perseverance, serving as a testament to ITZY’s artistic evolution.

The recurring pre-chorus of “BET ON ME” further enhances this theme, creating a serene soundscape that encapsulates the essence of taking a deep breath to build courage. The second verse’s rap adds well-executed dimensionality to the track using quick-witted lyrics such as “Hey world, I hope you’re nice to me / But if you’re not, gotta still be real to me,” which have a snappy rhythm in line with the song’s stripped-back feel. With this spectacular opening track, ITZY hits the ground running.

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Dessert is served with “CAKE,” which feels like a rhythmic sampling menu that keeps listeners guessing which flavor is next, making it an acquired taste. This frenzy of constantly changing sounds creates a polarizing track that can feel disorienting at times. However, the track’s shifts from its catchy refrain to pulsating chants of “shake it” and “bust it up” push listeners to have fun with the silly variety, effectively supporting the song’s message to focus on one’s own life. Kicking off the bridge, Chaeryeong’s ethereal vocals feel like a sip of fresh water, gently easing the ever-shifting song to a close. Just like a child who eats sweets for breakfast, the smile-inducing “CAKE” wonderfully brings out the young at heart.

Opening with a tantalizing melody, “None of My Business” is the epitome of being unbothered. Chill and laid-back, this breezy track draws on the imagery of a humid summer as a creative metaphor for a breakup, stating, “Beyond the humid body heat / The hot air of the night / Everything is making me dizzy.” Though the third verse starts off heavy on the vocal fry, Lia’s smooth rendition comes in with the perfect taunt that is overall better suited to the song. Maintaining its easygoing feel, “None of My Business” crafts a tight-knit sound that feels far from one note.

Dialing up the energy, “Bratty” serenades with bubbly, hip-hop-infused instrumentals. Though the song musically lives up to its sassy call-out of jealousy-induced criticism with breathy declarations of “I’m bratty,” it feels sonically stagnant. Even so, fizzy instrumental accents overtop a faint, low hum create a bustling soundscape that can appeal to some listeners, despite its lack of variety.

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Brimming with brightness, “Psychic Lover” is an addictively vibrant track. The song starts off with gothic-feeling verses that excellently build to the sunny, upbeat chorus, skillfully creating a continuous, drastic ebb and flow of energy. Reminiscent of the early 2000s, the chorus is at its strongest when the raging instrumentals are pulled back, leaving a distant, yet electric melody for Lia’s vocals to shine. Though it feels like there is a slightly imbalanced volume between vocals and instrumentals, “Psychic Lover” is filled with heart and a spirited performance on all sides.

Kicking off with an electronic synth beat and hushed whispers, “Kill Shot” makes an impactful entrance. Perfectly suited to Ryujin’s deep register, the intensity of her verses dynamically contrasts with Yuna’s sweeter, yet equally intimidating voice. This boldly fierce atmosphere is only slightly undercut by the playful bridge which feels uncharacteristically childlike at times. Vocals aside, the track’s instrumentals pack just as much bite, letting the impact of slams ring out and accentuating the merciless techno beat with punchy snaps.

Replete with the sugary-sweet array of a vending machine, “KILL MY DOUBT” presents six flavorful options for listeners to enjoy. Though the occasional musical ingredient momentarily detracts from its pleasant taste, taking a sip of each song feels distinct and sweet in its own way. Not every track is as refreshing as “BET ON ME” or “None of My Business,” but each is sure to wash away the summer heat.

There’s no need to be “Bratty” when ITZY serves up a magnificent array of sonic sodas overflowing with bright effervescence.