Tune Overview: TWS – Countdown!

It’s no secret that I’ve discovered the previous few weeks of Okay-pop releases boring, uninspiring and – in some circumstances – outright dangerous. All of the whereas, one title loomed on the edges of my thoughts. “TWS. TWS. TWS.” My high rookies of final 12 months positioned all seven of their promoted tracks in my high 50 countdown. They haven’t put a foot incorrect but, and realizing their comeback was on the horizon shone some mild on the finish of this murky tunnel.

The best way I see it, turning into a fan of a pop act is like signing a mutually useful contract. In change for help, curiosity and cash, an act owes their followers a sure degree of musical satisfaction. A part of that entails constructing (and extra importantly, sticking to) a musical model. A 12 months into their profession, I do know what a TWS title monitor seems like. Three out of 4 of them have constructed upon the identical sonic concepts. Some could discover this method repetitive or formulaic, however I take a look at it extra just like the rating of a movie. TWS have their melodic themes and these themes reappear in barely completely different guises relying on the scene. Most of my favourite Okay-pop acts, from Infinite to GFriend, managed an identical technique of their debut eras. The very best of the perfect discover a strategy to ultimately discover a new path ahead whereas sustaining their current followers, however I wouldn’t anticipate or need that at this level in TWS’s profession.

New single Countdown! (마음 따라 뛰는 건 멋지지 않아?) takes the acquainted themes from final 12 months’s hits Plot Twist and If I’m S, Can You Be My N and pumps them as much as “11.” The music opens with a sentimental model of what is going to quickly develop into its refrain, anchored by resounding drums and stabs of electrical guitar. This association is so satisfying that any time the monitor shifts into a unique mode (verse two), Countdown! practically breaks its contract with the listener. Fortunately, this refrain is considered one of TWS’s finest, taking full benefit of their refreshing, belt-it-out model. An instrumental break and eventual chant add additional bombast. This association is bigger than life and I might have accomplished with one other minute of it. This brings me to my solely actual gripe with the monitor. It’s simply too quick, and on first pay attention appears like two-thirds of a music. I felt this very same approach about final 12 months’s Plot Twist at first. That music ended up turning into considered one of my greatest 2024 highlights, so I’m not overly anxious. Nonetheless, I can’t assist however think about what they may have accomplished with a bit extra time. It’s ironic, given the music’s English title!

Grade: A