Comebacks from beloved, established artists are troublesome. I want I might absolutely embrace them, unencumbered from the legacy of unbelievable music that varieties their basis. However most of the time, this historical past will get in the best way and I find yourself wishing for materials that matches the efficiency of their peak inventive period. This example 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 suppose this is smart 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 affords a lightweight funky type and feels extra absolutely realized than 2023’s New Feelings, but it surely by no means comes near recapturing Infinite’s particular attraction. It’s clear the blokes are in an period of buying songs from numerous producers relatively than having materials particularly tailor-made to them.
Harmful is nice in the best way that any vivid, funky boy group launch could be. It bops alongside buoyant rhythm guitar and roller-rink-ready synth. The group’s inimitable vocals deliver 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 certainly one of Okay-pop’s most legendary discographies, Harmful appears like a throwaway. They might have been a lot better off selling final yr’s Sungkyu and Woohyun duet Stunning, which went a good distance towards recapturing the depth and pleasure solely they’ll ship.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8 |
Grade: B-
