Although it has but to be formally confirmed by their company, there have been experiences that this can be TAN’s closing comeback. Hopefully that doesn’t find yourself being the case, however Hyper Tonic is bittersweet for a couple of purpose. It’s seemingly the final new track we’ll hear from the late, nice producer Shinsadong Tiger. Thankfully, it’s a complete victory, grabbing the baton from final yr’s glorious Heartbeat.

Hyper Tonic continues to develop a scuzzy electro sound, calling to thoughts classics from Ok-pop’s second era. Those that love SHINee’s work and, extra not too long ago, NCT 127’s Superhuman and Mirae’s Killa, will discover loads to latch onto right here. This occurs to be a candy spot for me, making Hyper Tonic immediately interesting. I like how textured and daring the instrumental is. It virtually over-stuffs itself, however delivers a way of managed chaos due to Shinsadong Tiger’s regular hand. I solely want the decrease finish  of the manufacturing hit tougher, however possibly I simply haven’t listened to it on the correct audio system but.

At just below three minutes, Hyper Tonic is a smooth bundle. However in contrast to lots of its friends, the track stuffs a lot into this slender body. The bombastic pre-choruses are massive highlights, as is the multi-part bridge that carries us by way of rap, vocal harmonies and a breathless construct earlier than the instrumental goes completely mad for the track’s finale. It looks like a fully-fleshed out observe, deployed with utter panache. TAN don’t get sufficient credit score for his or her vocals and efficiency expertise, however they carry Hyper Tonic with a pure power that by no means depends on shouting and sneering empty boasts.

Grade: A-