Entwurf
The Entwurf theory, formally known as "Entwurf einer verallgemeinerten Relativitätstheorie und einer Theorie der Gravitation," represents an early and pivotal formulation in Albert Einstein's quest to develop a general theory of relativity, co-authored with mathematician Marcel Grossmann and published in 1913. This theory aimed to extend special relativity to include accelerated frames and gravitation by interpreting gravity as the curvature of a four-dimensional spacetime metric, drawing on Riemannian geometry and tensor calculus, while proposing field equations that linked the metric tensor to the stress-energy tensor of matter.[1] Einstein's collaboration with Grossmann began in 1912 at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic in Zurich, where Grossmann introduced Einstein to the absolute differential calculus developed by Gregorio Ricci-Curbastro, Tullio Levi-Civita, and others, enabling the mathematical description of curved spacetime. The physical part of the theory, penned by Einstein, emphasized the equivalence principle—positing that gravitational and inertial effects are indistinguishable locally—and sought to satisfy conservation laws through coordinate restrictions, while Grossmann's mathematical section outlined the tensor formalism and derived the non-linear field equations using a contracted form of the Riemann curvature tensor. These equations, however, did not generally covariant, meaning they held only under specific "adapted" coordinate transformations that preserved the form of the conservation laws, a limitation Einstein justified via the "hole argument," which he believed rendered fully covariant equations physically indeterminate due to arbitrary coordinate choices in empty regions of spacetime.[1] Despite its innovations, the Entwurf theory faced significant challenges: its field equations failed to recover Newton's law of gravity in the weak-field limit for static cases, as Grossmann noted, and it struggled to explain anomalies like the precession of Mercury's perihelion or the effects of rotation on spacetime geometry. Einstein defended the theory in subsequent papers, such as his 1914 review in Zeitschrift für Mathematik und Physik, but by late 1915, amid competition from David Hilbert and renewed scrutiny, he abandoned the coordinate restrictions, recognizing the hole argument's flaw and adopting the fully generally covariant Einstein field equations using the Ricci tensor. The Entwurf thus served as a crucial scaffold, bridging Einstein's initial gravitational ideas from 1907–1911 to the completed general relativity presented in November 1915, influencing modern understandings of the theory's historical genesis.[1]Background and development
Announcement
On August 22, 2022, JYP Entertainment announced NMIXX's first comeback since their debut, revealing the title of their second single album as Entwurf and confirming a release date of September 19, 2022.[2] The announcement came via a teaser poster shared on the group's official social media channels, featuring a minimalist design with the album title in stylized typography and abstract geometric elements, hinting at the project's experimental theme.[3] This marked NMIXX's return after seven months, building anticipation among fans for new music following their debut single Ad Mare in February 2022.[4] The post confirmed the album's dual-track format, with full details to be revealed in the coming weeks.[2] Industry observers noted the quick turnaround as a strategic move by JYP to capitalize on the group's rising popularity in the K-pop scene.[3]Recording and production
The production of Entwurf, NMIXX's second single album, was led by producer ARMADILLO, who composed, arranged, and produced both lead tracks, "DICE" and "COOL (Your Rainbow)". This collaboration marked ARMADILLO's continued involvement with JYP Entertainment artists, following prior work with groups like TWICE and Stray Kids. The album's sound was crafted to blend high-energy pop elements with experimental structures, emphasizing the group's vocal dynamics and rhythmic complexity.[5] Recording sessions primarily took place at JYPE Studios in Seoul's Gangdong District, where the members laid down vocals under the guidance of dedicated engineers. For "DICE", recording engineer Um Se-hee (also known as HONZO) captured the track's layered harmonies and ad-libs, while vocal editing was handled at Ingrid Studio by Jeong Eun-kyung for the lead vocals. The B-side "COOL (Your Rainbow)" was recorded by engineer Lim Chan-mi at the same JYPE facility, with editing by Jiyoung Shin NYC to refine its ethereal, rainbow-inspired melodies. A behind-the-scenes video released by JYP showcased the recording process, highlighting the members' iterative takes on challenging vocal runs and harmonies during late-night sessions.[6][7][8] Mixing for "DICE" was conducted at Chapel Swing Studios in Los Angeles by Tony Maserati and David K. Younghyun, bringing a polished, international sheen to its dynamic drops and synth layers. In contrast, "COOL (Your Rainbow)" was mixed in-house at JYPE Studios by Lee Tae-seop, preserving its intimate, acoustic-leaning production. All tracks were mastered at 821 Sound Mastering by Kwon Nam-woo, ensuring consistent loudness and clarity across the release. The instrumental versions followed the same technical pipeline, focusing on instrumental balance without vocal adjustments.[6][7] Songwriting for "DICE" involved a team of seven lyricists, including Dr. Jo and Myung Hye-in, who drew on gaming metaphors to align with the track's adventurous theme; composition credits went to ARMADILLO alongside international contributors like Frankie Day and Charlotte Wilson from The Hub. For "COOL (Your Rainbow)", lyrics were penned by Park Rang, Jo Yu-ri, Hannah Robinson, and Call Me Loop, with music composed by ARMADILLO, Robinson, and others to evoke a sense of colorful renewal. These efforts were completed in the months leading to the September 19, 2022, release, reflecting JYP's streamlined yet collaborative approach to K-pop production.[6]Music and artwork
Composition and style
Entwurf is characterized by NMIXX's signature "MIXXPOP" style, which emphasizes genre-blending and abrupt shifts in sound to create dynamic, multifaceted tracks. This approach allows the album to transition seamlessly between contrasting musical elements, reflecting the group's experimental ethos in K-pop. The single album features two original songs—"DICE" and "COOL (Your rainbow)"—alongside their instrumentals, showcasing a balance between high-energy pop and introspective balladry.[9] The lead single "DICE" exemplifies MIXXPOP through its eclectic composition, opening with a dramatic classical string arrangement before pivoting into hip-hop rhythms and trap-infused rap sections. The track then incorporates baile funk grooves, teen pop melodies, and pop rock guitar riffs, culminating in a bridge with syncopated vocals and lush synths. This structure, clocking in at around 2:45, builds tension through its narrative of risk and chance, using dice as a metaphor for unpredictable encounters. Critics noted the song's fusion of jazz horns, trap beats, and pop elements as a bold evolution from NMIXX's debut, though some highlighted the challenges of maintaining cohesion amid the rapid genre switches.[10][11][12][13] In contrast, "COOL (Your rainbow)" adopts a more restrained pop ballad form, blending 808 bass and trap percussion with delicate piano melodies to evoke emotional depth. Lasting approximately 3:00, the song explores themes of hope emerging from darkness, with layered vocals delivering a soothing, rainbow-inspired motif. This track serves as a tonal counterpoint to "DICE," providing an "oasis" of calm within the album's bolder experiments, while still incorporating subtle MIXXPOP traits like rhythmic shifts. Its contemporary R&B influences add a smooth, introspective layer, distinguishing it as a highlight for vocal showcases.[14][15]Visual elements
The visual elements of NMIXX's Entwurf single album draw from a game advertisement-inspired concept, framed under the promotional theme "Rules of Play: NMIXX Adventure," which emphasizes a playful yet dynamic exploration of the group's identity. This approach creates a fresh and refreshing aesthetic that aligns with the album's MIXX POP genre, blending diverse stylistic elements to evoke adventure and innovation.[16] Concept photos for Entwurf were unveiled progressively via JYP Entertainment's official social media channels starting in early September 2022, featuring individual and group images that highlight the members' visuals in a vibrant, colorful palette. The photos adopt a "gorgeous" and vivid style, with members dressed in striking, form-fitting costumes that accentuate their charisma—such as bold patterns, metallic accents, and layered designs in shades of electric blue, neon green, and fiery red. For instance, group shots portray the seven members in synchronized poses against abstract, game-like backdrops, radiating unity and power while maintaining individual flair. Individual teasers, released for Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo, Kyujin, and Jinni, showcase personalized styling: Sullyoon in ethereal, flowing garments with soft lighting; Kyujin with a bold, queenly vibe featuring her newly dyed hair; and Bae in edgy, asymmetrical outfits that convey intensity. These images received widespread praise for their cohesive yet diverse presentation, effectively teasing the album's energetic tone.[17][16] The physical album packaging further enhances the visual narrative through premium components across its versions (Standard, Limited, Light, and Jewel Case). Each edition includes an 80-page photobook measuring 150 x 210 mm, filled with high-resolution images expanding on the concept photos, including behind-the-scenes shots and thematic portraits that delve into the "adventure" motif with illustrative graphics and playful typography. Accompanying elements comprise a lyrics card (210 x 280 mm), random photocards (55 x 85 mm, one of 14 possible designs featuring close-up member visuals), and a sticker (100 x 150 mm) with abstract patterns echoing the album's logo—a stylized, angular font for "ENTWURF" in metallic silver against a dark backdrop. First-press benefits add a folded poster (525 x 762 mm, random out of two), often depicting the group in immersive, colorful scenes. Limited editions incorporate additional unit photocards and pin buttons with minimalist icons, while the Jewel Case version emphasizes compact, transparent packaging for a modern, sleek look. These components prioritize tactile and collectible appeal, reinforcing the album's design-oriented title, which translates to "draft" or "blueprint" in German.[18][17]Promotion
Marketing and teasers
The marketing campaign for NMIXX's second single album Entwurf emphasized an interactive and mysterious narrative, centered around the theme of a game-like adventure that tied into the title track "Dice." JYP Entertainment launched the promotion with a cryptic Twitter account @XXIWN—believed to represent "NMIXX" in a stylized, backward form without vowels—which released puzzle-like hints, such as animal sounds and riddles, to engage fans in an "NMIXX ADVENTURE" experience leading up to the September 19, 2022, release. This alternate reality game-style approach built anticipation by encouraging fan participation in decoding clues related to the album's concept of chance and drafts.[2] The official comeback announcement came on August 22, 2022, via a teaser poster that revealed the album title—German for "draft"—and the release date, marking NMIXX's first return since their February debut.[2] Two days later, on August 24, colorful graphic teasers were unveiled, featuring vibrant, abstract designs that hinted at the album's playful yet edgy aesthetic without revealing member images.[19] The tracklist teaser followed on August 31, showcasing the lead single "DICE" alongside B-side "COOL (Your Rainbow)."[20] Teaser content escalated in early September with character posters on September 1, depicting each member in whimsical, game-inspired roles like a magician or explorer, aligning with the adventure theme.[21] Individual concept photos for Bae, Sullyoon, and Kyujin (Concept Photo 1) dropped on September 4–5, while those for Haewon, Jinni, Jiwoo, and Lily (Concept Photo 2) followed on September 8, portraying them in ethereal, pastel-toned settings that evoked a sense of wonder and risk; a third set (Concept Photo 3) appeared on September 10–12.[22][23] A group teaser image arrived on September 14, showing the members in coordinated white and beige outfits against a minimalist backdrop, emphasizing unity and elegance.[24] Pre-release momentum peaked with a highlight medley on September 18, offering 20-second snippets of all tracks to tease the addictive hooks, particularly the rolling dice motif in "DICE."[25] Music video teasers, including a motion clip on August 22 and a second on September 16, incorporated trippy visuals and dynamic choreography previews to heighten excitement.[2] Post-release, the campaign extended through media appearances where members described the album as "addictive like rolling dice," reinforcing the gambling-inspired marketing, alongside a promotional photoshoot by Dispatch on September 20 that captured the group's vibrant energy.[26] This multifaceted strategy effectively positioned Entwurf as an immersive experience, blending digital interactivity with visual storytelling to captivate global audiences.Music videos and live performances
The music video for the title track "DICE" premiered on September 19, 2022, alongside the album's release, directed by Samson and produced by Highqualityfish. It portrays NMIXX navigating a surreal, Alice in Wonderland-inspired universe filled with games of poker and chess, where magical forces generate optical illusions and a circus motif transitions into a fairytale narrative, symbolizing the group's adventurous journey against unseen adversaries. A special video for the B-side track "COOL (Your rainbow)" followed on September 27, 2022, depicting the members in a serene yet moody picnic scene under a cloudy sky, emphasizing themes of embracing negative emotions as part of personal growth. Both videos were uploaded to NMIXX's official YouTube channel and contributed to the album's whimsical visual storytelling. NMIXX actively promoted Entwurf through live performances on major Korean music programs in late 2022, including stages on M Countdown, Music Bank, Show! Music Core, Inkigayo, and Show Champion, where they showcased intricate choreography for "DICE" and occasionally performed "COOL (Your rainbow)" as a sub-unit or encore. On Show! Music Core on September 24, 2022, the group delivered full renditions of both tracks, highlighting their vocal harmonies and synchronized dance routines. A standout performance came at the 2022 MAMA Awards on November 29 in Osaka, Japan, where NMIXX combined "DICE" with their debut song "O.O" in a high-energy medley featuring elaborate set designs and costume changes, earning praise for their dynamic stage presence. Following Jinni's departure from the group in December 2022, the remaining five members continued to include "DICE" in subsequent live sets, such as at KCON LA 2024 on July 27, where they performed an electrifying version emphasizing the song's trap-infused beats and live vocals. In 2025, NMIXX revisited the track at events like K-Content Planet in Sydney on November 8 and K-WAVE Super Concert in Kuala Lumpur on August 31, adapting the performance for international audiences with enhanced fan interactions and acapella elements to demonstrate vocal prowess. These stages underscored the enduring appeal of Entwurf's lead single in NMIXX's evolving discography.[27][28]Track listing and credits
Track listing
ENTWURF is a four-track single album featuring the lead single "DICE" and the B-side "COOL (Your rainbow)", accompanied by their instrumental versions.[5]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "DICE" | 2:45 |
| 2. | "COOL (Your rainbow)" | 2:50 |
| 3. | "DICE" (instrumental) | 2:45 |
| 4. | "COOL (Your rainbow)" (instrumental) | 2:50 |
Production credits
The production of Entwurf, NMIXX's second single album, was primarily handled by the in-house team at JYP Entertainment, with key contributions from producer Armadillo (아르마딜로) on both lead tracks.[7] The album features a mix of Korean and international collaborators for composition, arrangement, and instrumentation, emphasizing electro-pop and trap elements.[7]Track 1: "DICE"
- Lyrics: Baek Sae-im (백새임), Chaeryn (차이린), danke, Dr. JO, Myung Hye-in (명혜인), Park Ji-hyun (박지현), Zaya[7]
- Composition: Armadillo, Frankie Day, Jonkind, Ranga (랑가), THE HUB 88, Charlotte Wilson[7]
- Arrangement/Production: Armadillo, Ranga[7]
- Vocal Direction/Arrangement: Armadillo, Dr. JO, Brian U, Charlotte Wilson[7]
- Recording Engineer: Eom Se-hee (엄세희) at JYPE Studios[7]
- Mixing: David K. Younghyun, Tony Maserati at Chapel Swing Studios[7]
- Vocal Editing: Jeong Eun-kyeong (정은경) at Ingrid Studio[7]
- Instrumentation: Jason Lee (alto and baritone saxophone), Chu Myung-ho (추명호, trombone), Jung Sang-soo (정상수, trumpet), Armadillo (keyboards, computer), Ranga (guitar)[7]
- Background Vocals: EJAE[7]
- Lead Vocals: Bae, Haewon, Jinni, Jiwoo, Kyujin, Lily, Sullyoon[7]
Track 2: "COOL (Your Rainbow)"
- Lyrics: Call Me Loop, Jo Yuri (조유리), Hannah Robinson, Park Rang (박랑)[7]
- Composition: Armadillo, Call Me Loop, Lee Na-il (이나일), HOJI, Hannah Robinson, Won[7]
- Arrangement/Production: Armadillo[7]
- Vocal Direction/Arrangement: Armadillo[7]
- Recording Engineer: Lim Chan-mi (임찬미) at JYPE Studios[7]
- Mixing: Lee Tae-seop (이태섭) at JYPE Studios, Seoul[7]
- Vocal Editing: Jiyoung Shin NYC[7]
- Instrumentation: Armadillo (keyboards, computer, drums), Won (bass), HOJI (brass), Jo Young-deok (조영덕, guitar), Jeon Sang-min (전상민, piano), Lee Na-il (strings)[7]
- Background Vocals: Sophia Pae[7]
- Lead Vocals: Bae, Haewon, Jinni, Jiwoo, Kyujin, Lily, Sullyoon[7]
Critical reception
Professional reviews
Professional reviews of NMIXX's second single album Entwurf were generally mixed, with critics highlighting the group's ambitious "MIXX POP" experimentation and strong vocal delivery, though some noted challenges in cohesive songwriting and genre transitions. The title track "DICE" drew particular attention for its bold, maximalist production blending Latin jazz, trap, and orchestral elements, often seen as an improvement over the debut but still uneven in execution.[13] NME awarded the album three out of five stars, describing "DICE" as whimsical and energetic, with its chorus featuring lavish vocals—particularly Sullyoon's standout performance—but critiquing the abrupt shifts and metaphorical lyrics, such as basketball references, that disrupted flow. She praised the B-side "Cool (Your Rainbow)" as the album's highlight, an enchanting R&B track with exquisite strings and a haunting opera-inspired outro by Lily, offering a refreshing contrast to the title track's chaos and better showcasing the members' distinct tones. Overall, Chin viewed Entwurf as a promising step in defining NMIXX's identity, though the group continued to grapple with fully realizing their experimental sound.[13] In a more positive assessment, Last Word on Sports' K-pop reviewer rated Entwurf 8.5 out of 10, commending "DICE" for cleaner genre transitions and powerful bass drops compared to the debut "O.O," with strong raps from Jiwoo and Kyujin, and dynamic vocals across all seven members, including Jinni's iconic "N. MIXX. Change. Up." line. The review emphasized the music video's stunning Alice in Wonderland-inspired visuals and bold choreography, positioning the EP as evidence of NMIXX entering K-pop's upper echelon. The B-side was noted for its emotional depth, contributing to the album's cohesive mix of high-energy and introspective tracks.[30] KPOPREVIEWED gave an overall score of 6.9 out of 10, with "DICE" earning 5.5 for the song, 7 for the music video, and a perfect 10 for performance. The review appreciated the hip-hop and Latin mash-up in the first verse and chorus but found the second verse erratic, with poor blending of rap and vocals during the "NMIXX Change Up" transition, and suggested the instrumental break needed more intensity to elevate the final chorus. The album's MIXXTOPIA concept was lauded for its colorful, circus-like visuals and complex yet cohesive choreography, underscoring the group's performance strengths despite production inconsistencies.[31] Other outlets echoed this divide; KBopped scored "DICE" 6.5 out of 10, calling it chaotic and disjointed with a jarring cacophony of sounds that failed to gel into a compelling whole. Meanwhile, Album of the Year aggregated a critic score of 60 out of 100 based on the NME review, reflecting the tempered enthusiasm for NMIXX's sophomore effort.[32][33]Public and fan response
Upon its release, the concept for Entwurf garnered significant praise from fans and online communities, who described it as fresh and innovative for a fourth-generation girl group. Many highlighted the game-like aesthetic in the teaser images and videos, comparing it to an engaging advertisement that built anticipation for the album's themes of chance and adventure. International fans particularly appreciated the whimsical and vibrant visuals, noting how they showcased the members' individual charms, with specific acclaim for Sullyoon's ethereal beauty and Kyujin's suited hair color.[16] The teaser video "Rules of Play NMIXX Adventure" quickly amassed over 1 million views, fueling excitement for the title track "DICE" and the group's signature MIXX POP genre, which fans viewed as an evolution from their debut. Enthusiasts expressed optimism that Entwurf marked a stronger phase for NMIXX, with comments emphasizing the members' potential to shine brighter in this comeback.[16] However, public response to the full release was mixed, particularly regarding the "DICE" music video. Fans voiced frustration over uneven screentime distribution, with Kyujin receiving the most focus—around 40 seconds in a 2.5-minute segment—while other members like Lily, Haewon, and Bae had limited visibility, leading to perceptions of imbalance. Some netizens called for a shift in the group's musical direction, deeming the sound too niche or experimental compared to mainstream K-pop trends, though they consistently praised the members' vocal talent and performance skills.[34]Commercial performance
Weekly charts
"Entwurf" debuted at number one on South Korea's Circle Album Chart, topping the ranking for the tracking period of September 18–24, 2022, with reported sales of 483,736 copies during that week. The album maintained presence on the chart in subsequent weeks, including number 51 for September 25–October 1 and number 59 for October 2–8, reflecting ongoing fan interest.| Chart (2022) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Circle Album Chart (South Korea) | 1 |
| Chart (2022) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Billboard Global 200 | 155 |
| Billboard Japan Hot 100 (Japan) | 56 |
| Billboard South Korea Songs (South Korea) | 16 |
Monthly charts
Entwurf achieved its highest monthly ranking on South Korea's Circle Album Chart in September 2022, placing third with 486,101 copies sold, reflecting strong initial demand following its release.[36] The album continued to chart in subsequent months, demonstrating sustained popularity among domestic audiences.| Month | Peak position | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| September 2022 | 3 | 486,101 |
| October 2022 | 37 | 33,315 |
| November 2022 | 27 | 26,964 |
| December 2022 | 42 | 16,216 |
Year-end charts
"Entwurf" achieved notable success on year-end album charts in 2022, reflecting its strong sales performance following its September release. On the Circle Chart's year-end album chart, the single album ranked at number 30 with total sales of 562,596 copies, marking NMIXX's highest year-end position to date and underscoring the group's growing popularity in the South Korean market.[41]| Chart (2022) | Rank | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| South Korean Albums (Circle Chart) | 30 | 562,596 |