Although ONEWE debuted all the way in which again in 2019, Okay-pop is at the moment experiencing a resurgence of bands and rock music usually. This opens doable inroads that have been tougher travelled earlier than, although it additionally means a extra stuffed market. Right this moment, 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 not too long ago they’ve discovered extra pep of their step. This can be a welcome growth, regardless that none of their 2025 work has hit me in an enormous means. Maze is a burst of power, full of 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 acquired brassy exclamations, perky guitar riffs and piano glissandos — amongst many different components inside its beneficiant, 4+ minute body.
With all of this occurring, the tune itself can simply turn out to be overwhelmed. It takes a really robust melody to chop via all of the instrumental noodling and Maze‘s hooks battle to outline themselves. The tune feels like one thing you’d hear as a part of an OST: sprightly and pleasing however fairly vanilla. Due to this, Maze feels supreme 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
