*All images used within this post have been sourced from @gcib_official on Twitter.

Since unveiling their brand new line-up back in June of this year, idol group GCiB have started making waves the social media platform Twitter (otherwise known as X). With a mission to grow their fanbase both nationally and internationally, the group have begun posting in both Japanese and English while also promoting their latest releases, Suki ni nare! and Aishite, both of which have been teased on social media ahead of their release.

Originally making their debut in February 2022, GCiB — originally known as Girls Crying in Bathroom — is a girls’ dance and vocal group that wish to go beyond the mere cuteness we expect from idols and express their strength, fragility and versatility through their music. With a major line-up change in the last quarter of 2023, the group has since returned to the idol scene as a 5-member unit from June of this year.

Comprised of original members Suzuki Nanaka and Suzuki Minami, as well as new members Aicha, Kosaka Momono and Isshiki Hanane, GCiB have now made their re-debut with two new tracks that are sure to entice fans both old and new into their unique worldview.

Suki ni nare! (好きになれっ！)

Released: 03.09.2024 (September 3rd, 2023)

Starting off strong with the CUTE side of GCiB, Suki ni nare! brings us into the sparkling and unique world of idols that many of us know and love. With a catchy, vibrant sound, Suki ni nare! feels reminiscent of a cheer song thanks to its colourful sound. It’s a song that truly captures the essence of orthodox idol, especially in its chorus, all while managing to subtly highlight the groups cool and mature side in the opening and second verse.

Compared to the groups past releases, there is no denying that Suki ni nare! is a big departure from GCiB’s original sound. Instead of a cooler, more melancholy outlook in both sound and lyrics, Suki ni nare! is a glittering track that aims to strike love and adoration into the hearts of its listeners. It is tooth-achingly sweet and, while it might feel a bit like whip-lash to some when compared to the music the group has previously released, Suki ni nare! is still a positive, perhaps even perfect change f\of pace or GCiB in the wake of their RE:Debut.

Bright, cute and undeniably sweet, Suki ni nare! might just be the much-needed injection of idol cuteness that idol fans have recently been craving. Though it might seem a tad generic in its lyrics and sound, there is no denying that this is still a captivating tack in its own right, not to mention a complete earworm that will entertain you from beginning to end.

You can listen to Suki ni nare! on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon music and more via Tunecore.

Aishite (愛して)

Released: 03.09.2024 (September 3rd, 2023)

Returning to the groups roots with the COOL side of their RE:Debut, Ashite showcases the versatility of GCiB’s sound while still managing to tie both songs together despite their difference in sound and style. Featuring sombre violins in the instrumental and raps throughout the song, Aishite explores the selfish side of the love previously portrayed in Suki ni nare! to further showcase the groups versatility and depth in sound.

One of the most impressive things about this song lies not in how the track sounds, but how the lyrics have been twisted to fit another side of the narrative that we might not have seen. That’s not to say the song isn’t amazing in its own right, because it is. Cool and moody in melody, Aishite perfectly depicts the inner thoughts and frustrations of the protagonist leaking out both lyrically and in sound. It’s a song that enhances the worldview of GCiB by throwing off the mask and depicting the duality of human emotion, ultimately allowing the listeners to take a peek into the protagonists true feelings and views on love.

Aishite is incredible. It’s a song that truly showcases how multifaceted GCiB is as a group and is undoubtedly a poignant, important song to the group and their message. On the outside, it simply feels like a moody, cool song that perfectly contrasts Suki ni nare! in tone and style, but it is far more than that. It’s a song that, despite their clear differences in sound, ties into the same story while adding more depth and emotion to the lyrics. Obsessive and intriguing, Aishite is a brilliant, human departure from Suki ni nare!, which ultimately makes it the perfect companion to such a sweetly deceiving track.

You can listen to Aishite on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon music and more via Tunecore.

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The dual release of Suki ni nare! and Aishite is one filled with intrigue and depth. In their own right, both songs are charming and unique, however their shared similarities only helps to strengthen both tracks, especially when played together.

Though their similarities might not be recognisable right away, the thread that ties both Suki ni nare! and Aishite together will become apparent not only lyrically, but in sound and even in the groups performance. Be it the use of clapping and march-style effects in the instrumentals, or the members throwing off the colourful outer-layers of their costumes (and feelings) to finally reveal the dark, cool clothing (as well as their true thoughts and emotions) that lies beneath, it is simply incredible the thought and care that has been put into GCiB’s RE:Debut.

In conclusion:

From a sweet, innocent love to the dark inner-turmoil of a protagonist selfishly wishing to keep their crush for themselves, Suki ni nare! and Aishite are both incredible songs in their own right.

The team behind GCiB have crafted a well-thought out release, one that perfectly aligns with the groups desire to provide listeners with music that is not only expressive, but also versatile in sound and human in nature.

It might only be the beginning of GCiB’s RE:Debut in the glittering world of idols, but this first dual release from the group has already proven the lengths GCiB will go to showcase the depth of their sound, image and style as a group. Suki ni nare! and Aishite tell us a story we know all too well, one that allows our outer expressions and inner feelings to collide and intertwine in a messy, incredible display of love and the many faces it can hold once we look within ourselves.

What could have been a basic release instead became something more. Now we simply have to wait and see what GCiB will bring next. Are you excited to see how their next story unfold?

Be sure to check out and follow GCiB on all official platforms:

Official Website
Official X (Twitter)
Official TikTok
Official YouTube
Official Instagram

You can also follow the members on their respective accounts:

Nanaka Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
Minami Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
Aicha Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
Momono Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
Hanane Twitter | Instagram | TikTok

You can also support the group by listening to their music and checking out their store:

Official Store
Tunecore Page
Spotify Page
Apple Music Page

Written and edited by Kelly-Mae Matt