Track Evaluate: Hearts2Hearts – Model

Previous to Hearts2Hearts’ debut earlier this yr, many Okay-pop followers have been hoping they’d be branded as a brand new era’s reply to SNSD. This has much less to do with the ladies themselves than followers’ eager for the top quality pop music and monocultural attain of SM Leisure’s earlier generations. Nevertheless, Hearts2Hearts went extra area of interest with the refined, dreamlike The Chase, providing their response to present musical developments. One may assume they might proceed this sound on their first comeback, however new single Model pulls a complete 180.

If The Chase wrapped Hearts2Hearts in a moody haze, Model bursts out the door with sunshine in its step. I can’t think about an even bigger distinction, which raises instant questions on which course the group may head sooner or later. It is not going to shock any longtime Bias Checklist reader which sound I choose. I’m an enormous proponent of Okay-pop’s summer season songs and 2025 has been very quick on them up to now. Model is as generic as may be, nevertheless it scratches a specific itch that earns it automated goodwill. Its percolating dance beat jogs my memory a little bit of RIIZE’s wonderful Not possible from final yr, although its id and textures aren’t as sturdy.

Nevertheless, Model‘s simple execution has its charms. The music feels absolutely fleshed out and by no means loses its power. The women sound implausible, including a pure sweetness to the efficiency whereas concurrently resisting the saccharine affectations that always include this type of Okay-pop observe. I might have beloved to listen to extra dramatic turns within the efficiency, however of all of the songs launched up to now this month I see myself returning to this one essentially the most — if for no different motive than the sturdy sense of nostalgia it evokes.

Grade: B+