Comebacks from beloved, established artists are tough. I want I might totally embrace them, unencumbered from the legacy of unbelievable music that kinds their basis. However as a rule, this historical past will get in the best way and I find yourself wishing for materials that matches the efficiency of their peak creative period. This case occurred with G-Dragon final month and it positively coloured Infinite’s massive 2023 comeback. When you recognize 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 suppose this is smart given the medium of music. Infinite’s vocals have an identifiable sound, nevertheless it’s their signature mix of drama and open-hearted melody that really set them aside. New single Harmful presents a lightweight funky model and feels extra totally realized than 2023’s New Feelings, nevertheless it by no means comes near recapturing Infinite’s particular appeal. It’s clear the blokes are in an period of buying songs from numerous producers moderately than having materials particularly tailor-made to them.
Harmful is nice in the best way that any shiny, funky boy group launch could be. It bops alongside buoyant rhythm guitar and roller-rink-ready synth. The group’s inimitable vocals convey 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 blokes a lot to work with. Couched inside one in all Ok-pop’s most legendary discographies, Harmful appears like a throwaway. They might have been a lot better off selling final 12 months’s Sungkyu and Woohyun duet Stunning, which went a good distance towards recapturing the depth and pleasure solely they’ll ship.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8 |
Grade: B-