Comebacks from beloved, established artists are troublesome. I want I might absolutely embrace them, unencumbered from the legacy of unimaginable music that varieties their basis. However most of the time, this historical past will get in the way in which and I find yourself wishing for materials that matches the efficiency of their peak inventive period. This case occurred with G-Dragon final month and it undoubtedly coloured Infinite’s huge 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 often an artist I miss, however their sound. I assume this is sensible given the medium of music. Infinite’s vocals have an identifiable sound, but it surely’s their signature mix of drama and open-hearted melody that actually set them aside. New single Harmful presents a light-weight funky model and feels extra absolutely realized than 2023’s New Feelings, but it surely by no means comes near recapturing Infinite’s particular allure. It’s clear the blokes are in an period of buying songs from numerous producers reasonably than having materials particularly tailor-made to them.
Harmful is nice in the way in which that any vibrant, funky boy group launch could be. It bops alongside buoyant rhythm guitar and roller-rink-ready synth. The group’s inimitable vocals carry 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 among Okay-pop’s most legendary discographies, Harmful seems like a throwaway. They might have been significantly better off selling final yr’s Sungkyu and Woohyun duet Stunning, which went a great distance towards recapturing the depth and pleasure solely they’ll ship.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8 |
Grade: B-
