Collaborations between Ok-pop stars and video video games have change into extra widespread, which is sensible as a result of I’d guess there may be a variety of crossover between the fandoms. aespa’s new observe with battle royale recreation PUBG goes past easy tie-in to incorporate a full music video that sees the ladies deposited within the recreation’s violent panorama.
Musically, Darkish Arts seems like an appropriate extension to the group’s monotone Soiled Work from a number of weeks in the past. The power is analogous, even hinging on a spoken-word hook. Nonetheless, there’s slightly extra occurring right here, from the skittering percussion to the melodic pre-chorus. And though the music’s centerpiece is spoken, there are at the least… extra syllables? That’s bizarre standards for a assessment and to be sincere Soiled Work‘s defiant grumble has grown on me a bit since its launch. However not like that music, Darkish Arts makes an attempt to construct into mini peaks of drama that give it higher scope.
Even so, this comparatively flat “we’re so badass” sound isn’t my favourite match for aespa. For such nice vocalists, it’s disappointing to listen to them constrained by the fabric. Simply think about how cool Darkish Arts may need sounded with a totally sung refrain that echoed the joy the manufacturing appears to vow. Even higher, pair it with the trance synths that briefly pop up throughout Darkish Arts‘ climax and also you’d have a very energetic spotlight worthy of a shoot-em-up online game. However sadly, Darkish Arts is just too involved with being cool to ever be legitimately enjoyable.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
Grade: C
