Idol bands are extra in style than ever and ONEWE have been a part of this wave since their re-debut in 2019. They’re immensely gifted, but I’ve typically wished their music would go larger and bolder. Many previous singles favored a smooth, melancholic sound. This matches nicely with frontman Yonghoon’s evocative vocals, however there’s no hurt in rocking out each as soon as and awhile.

New digital single Off Highway lastly pumps the fuel and pulls the band right into a extra aggressively rock realm. We’ve received electrical guitar solos, pummeling drums and a forceful, unflagging power. Crunchy guitar opens the monitor with aptitude, although I might have liked to listen to a extra instantly-iconic riff. With this in thoughts, I used to be reminded of Kang Seungyoon’s glorious 2013 monitor Wild & Younger, which managed to search out sharper instrumental hooks inside the same sonic panorama.

Whereas Off Highway is probably not the catchiest rock monitor I’ve ever heard, its depth is kind of refreshing. The refrain kilos with pleasing fury, particularly as the fellows’ vocals layer right into a battle cry that punctuates every hook. Because the music video suggests, these moments really feel constructed for sing-alongs when driving on empty summer time roads. I hope Off Highway acts as an on ramp for future releases, additional honing and growing this sound.

Grade: B-