I do know that the majority (all?) followers would seemingly disagree with me, however my most enduring ATEEZ tune stays 2019’s Wave. That monitor is by no means indicative of their general sound — particularly post-2020 — however has such an ideal construct and glide that targets all my pop music pleasure facilities. Due to this, a brand new summer-themed ATEEZ comeback is an thrilling prospect. It could be unfair to count on Lemon Drop to ship the precise thrill of its predecessor, however the tune’s sluggish burn sound has its personal allure.
Proper from the beginning, Lemon Drop‘s synth-heavy beat deposits us again within the mid-2010’s when this model of club-ready hip-hop loved an actual second within the highlight. It’s a refreshing sound, however what actually issues is the tune constructed on prime of it. Quite than hit listeners over the pinnacle, Lemon Drop performs issues fairly flat. Its refrain is sort of reserved and never significantly catchy, counting on its evocative beat to do many of the heavy lifting. And in contrast to Wave, it doesn’t even attempt to construct towards some euphoric crescendo. It’s extra of a free vibe, tracing the sides of the rhythm with out ever going for the jugular. This strategy could play properly in the long term, however feels a bit disappointing on preliminary listens.
Nonetheless, I presently have an enormous longing for something remotely summer-coded and I’m blissful to listen to ATEEZ have a little bit of enjoyable after just a few extra critical ideas. Whereas Lemon Drop feels removed from a discography spotlight, its groove is addictive sufficient to supply a pleasant soundtrack for the season. And pleasantly, the tune grows stronger because it goes. Layered vocal melody joins the combo, making for an efficient — if delicate — finale. Generally delayed gratification works wonders and it’s prompted me to kick up my grade a notch in anticipation of this reserved strategy taking part in properly over the following few months.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Grade: B
