After we final heard from EPEX, they had been embroiled in controversy over lyrical content material referencing a Nazi bloodbath. The company fairly rightly adjusted the lyrics, however this uncovered points with sensitivity and normal world consciousness — and that’s placing it mildly. New single Hymn To Love (사랑歌) eliminates all potential of controversy, seeing the group make a tough swerve towards lighter materials. EPEX’s music hasn’t had a lot of a through-line to date, and this comeback is one more shift.
I fairly preferred EPEX after they cosplayed as vaguely-creepy puppies for final yr’s Do 4 Me. Other than that, their music has left me chilly. Like many boy teams of their technology, the songs have an unearned give attention to gruff exclamations with out the sturdy tune building to again up the perspective. Hymn To Love makes an attempt to fuse the group’s extremes. On one hand, it’s a cute little love tune. However, this idea is embroiled in a boisterous instrumental and shouty refrain. At its greatest, the monitor recollects the offbeat, boisterous vitality of Block B.
A memorable collection of hooks would have improved Hymn’s standing. The refrain almost will get there – particularly with the instrumental shifting and churning to fulfill the thrill of the efficiency. I recognize its funkiness, however the association would have improved with extra brass and fewer clanging percussion. Each time the tune will get going, it sabotages itself. The verses are uninteresting and extraneous, although their Lotto-esque synth bass provides a pleasant texture. When the refrain embraces its bombast, Hymn To Love exhibits nice potential – solely to be marred by pointless vocal results and an total sense of cluttered busyness. It’s form of a multitude, as irritating as it’s entertaining.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
Grade: C
