Comebacks from beloved, established artists are tough. I want I might totally embrace them, unencumbered from the legacy of unimaginable music that varieties their basis. However most of the time, this historical past will get in the way in which and I find yourself wishing for materials that matches the efficiency of their peak inventive period. This case occurred with G-Dragon final month and it positively coloured Infinite’s massive 2023 comeback. When you understand what an act is able to, it’s onerous 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 assume this is smart 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 really set them aside. New single Harmful provides a light-weight funky model and feels extra totally 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 numerous producers reasonably than having materials particularly tailor-made to them.
Harmful is nice in the way in which that any brilliant, funky boy group launch is likely to 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 notably onerous or give the fellows a lot to work with. Couched inside one in all Ok-pop’s most legendary discographies, Harmful looks like a throwaway. They’d have been a lot better off selling final yr’s Sungkyu and Woohyun duet Stunning, 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-
