Comebacks from beloved, established artists are troublesome. I want I might absolutely embrace them, unencumbered from the legacy of unbelievable music that types their basis. However most of the time, this historical past will get in the best way and I find yourself wishing for materials that matches the efficiency of their peak inventive period. This example occurred with G-Dragon final month and it positively coloured Infinite’s large 2023 comeback. When you already know what an act is able to, it’s arduous to accept something much less.
That is all to say, I’ve realized it’s not normally an artist I miss, however their sound. I suppose this is sensible given the medium of music. Infinite’s vocals have an identifiable sound, but it surely’s their signature mix of drama and open-hearted melody that actually set them aside. New single Harmful presents a lightweight funky fashion and feels extra absolutely realized than 2023’s New Feelings, but it surely by no means comes near recapturing Infinite’s particular allure. It’s clear the fellows are in an period of buying songs from varied producers reasonably than having materials particularly tailor-made to them.
Harmful is nice in the best way that any vivid, funky boy group launch may be. It bops alongside buoyant rhythm guitar and roller-rink-ready synth. The group’s inimitable vocals carry character to something they contact, however the melodies simply aren’t right here this time. Not one of the hooks hit significantly arduous or give the fellows a lot to work with. Couched inside one in all Okay-pop’s most legendary discographies, Harmful appears like a throwaway. They might have been significantly better off selling final 12 months’s Sungkyu and Woohyun duet Lovely, which went a good distance towards recapturing the depth and pleasure solely they will ship.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8 |
Grade: B-
