Although ONEWE debuted all the best way again in 2019, Ok-pop is at the moment experiencing a resurgence of bands and rock music basically. This opens potential inroads that had been tougher travelled earlier than, although it additionally means a extra stuffed market. Right now, they guys are again with their sixth mini album and its sprightly title monitor Maze.
For awhile, ONEWE’s music trended towards the downbeat, however just lately they’ve discovered extra pep of their step. It is a welcome growth, although none of their 2025 work has hit me in an enormous manner. Maze is a burst of power, filled with so many musical prospers that it feels virtually freeform at instances. Sonically, it’s like Korea’s beloved coffeehouse sound bumped as much as “eleven.” We’ve received brassy exclamations, perky guitar riffs and piano glissandos — amongst many different components inside its beneficiant, 4+ minute body.
With all of this happening, the music itself can simply turn out to be overwhelmed. It takes a really robust melody to chop by means of all of the instrumental noodling and Maze‘s hooks battle to outline themselves. The tune seems like one thing you’d hear as a part of an OST: sprightly and pleasing however fairly vanilla. Due to this, Maze feels preferrred because the backdrop to a enjoyable drama scene. Performed by itself, my thoughts can’t assist however wander.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
Grade: C