Music Evaluation: ATEEZ – Lemon Drop

I do know that the majority (all?) followers would doubtless disagree with me, however my most enduring ATEEZ track stays 2019’s Wave. That monitor is under no circumstances indicative of their total 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 could be unfair to count on Lemon Drop to ship the precise thrill of its predecessor, however the track’s sluggish 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 type of club-ready hip-hop loved an actual second within the highlight. It’s a refreshing sound, however what actually issues is the track constructed on prime of it. Somewhat than hit listeners over the top, Lemon Drop performs issues fairly flat. Its refrain is kind of reserved and never notably 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 sides of the rhythm with out ever going for the jugular. This method might play effectively 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 comfortable 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 offer a pleasant soundtrack for the season. And pleasantly, the track grows stronger because it goes. Layered vocal melody joins the combo, making for an efficient — if refined — finale. Generally delayed gratification works wonders and it’s prompted me to kick up my grade a notch in anticipation of this reserved method enjoying effectively over the following few months.

Grade: B