I do know that almost all (all?) followers would probably disagree with me, however my most enduring ATEEZ tune stays 2019’s Wave. That monitor is by no means indicative of their general sound — particularly post-2020 — however has such an awesome construct and glide that targets all my pop music pleasure facilities. Due to this, a brand new summer-themed ATEEZ comeback is an thrilling prospect. It might be unfair to count on Lemon Drop to ship the precise thrill of its predecessor, however the tune’s gradual burn sound has its personal allure.
Proper from the beginning, Lemon Drop‘s synth-heavy beat deposits us again within the mid-2010’s when this fashion of club-ready hip-hop loved an actual second within the highlight. It’s a refreshing sound, however what actually issues is the tune constructed on prime of it. Reasonably than hit listeners over the top, Lemon Drop performs issues fairly flat. Its refrain is sort of reserved and never significantly catchy, counting on its evocative beat to do many of the heavy lifting. And in contrast to Wave, it doesn’t even attempt to construct towards some euphoric crescendo. It’s extra of a free vibe, tracing the perimeters of the rhythm with out ever going for the jugular. This strategy might play properly in the long term, however feels a bit disappointing on preliminary listens.
Nonetheless, I at the moment have an enormous longing for something remotely summer-coded and I’m pleased to listen to ATEEZ have a little bit of enjoyable after a number of extra critical ideas. Whereas Lemon Drop feels removed from a discography spotlight, its groove is addictive sufficient to supply a pleasant soundtrack for the season. And pleasantly, the tune grows stronger because it goes. Layered vocal melody joins the combo, making for an efficient — if delicate — finale. Generally delayed gratification works wonders and it’s brought about me to kick up my grade a notch in anticipation of this reserved strategy enjoying properly over the following few months.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Grade: B
