As soon as a Ok-pop group reaches a sure stature, comebacks really feel like massive occasions as a result of they only don’t occur ceaselessly anymore. The final time Pink Velvet launched new music as a full group was all the way in which again in 2024 with their excellent Cosmic. This time, they’re again with a bossa nova sound and summer season theme. They’ve additionally returned on the twelth anniversary of their debut music video (the traditional Happiness).
A number of weeks in the past, I used to be virtually sure we had been in for a summer season of huge seasonal bangers. With the likes of Pink Velvet, fromis_9, Hyolyn, Sunmi and BBGirls making summery comebacks, how may we not be? However a lot to my chagrin, the output turned out to be extra subdued than summer season bangers of years previous. Surfin’ Boy suits inside this sample as nicely. In fact, “subdued” doesn’t mechanically imply “dangerous,” however coupled with Ok-pop’s present wrestle to seek out memorable melodies, it tends to be a fairly uninspiring recipe.
Surfin’ Boy opts for a languid, mid-tempo groove that provides a pleasant playground for Pink Velvet’s at all times impeccable harmonies. Their vocal efficiency is without doubt one of the tune’s highlights, imbuing a so-so refrain with a welcome sense of drama and ambiance. This continues into the standout bridge. However even with all these parts shoved into the tune’s slender body, Surfin’ Boy nonetheless feels considerably underwhelming. The tune tries to throw each iteration of Pink Velvet into one observe, however this strategy makes it come throughout as neither right here nor there. It’s a fantastic effort — as even their least profitable songs are — however you may think about the glowing gem it could possibly be with a extra dynamic execution.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
Grade: B-