Let me paint an image for you:

Within the unlikely occasion that producers Sweetune are introduced as a part of a modern-era idol comeback, my total base of operations goes on pink alert. Lights flash, alarms sound and any exterior exercise freezes because the fist-pumping grandeur of The Chaser pipes by means of the overhead audio system.

Okay, I don’t even have a flowery residence base. And no matter alarm system that exists solely kicks in once I depart the burner on too lengthy. However this situation aptly describes what’s occurring in my mind the second I see the names “Han Jae-ho” and “Kim Seung-soo” listed within the manufacturing credit for brand spanking new Okay-pop albums. It occurs so sometimes as of late. Are you able to blame me?

Rookies NINE.i have beforehand labored with half of this duo, however there’s a particular form of magic when Sweetune unites. You hear it of their selections of synth textures… the best way their melodies tug in sudden but acquainted locations… the otherworldly mix they handle to wring from any group of vocalists they’re given.

Is Flip It Off one of the best factor Sweetune have ever written? No. However it’s distinctly their work. It has perspective and it has concepts. It’s like an overstuffed sweet field, bursting with colour and taste to the purpose you possibly can’t fairly resolve the place to focus. This sense of messy abandon isn’t what I’m used to from the group, however NINE.i put on it nicely.

I’m most impressed with the music’s galloping beat, heralded by essentially the most distinct synth tones we’ve heard all yr. The music’s melodies aren’t all the time as commanding, however the refrain has an effervescent spark that compliments the loping instrumental in shocking methods. We’re teased with hints of squealing electrical guitar throughout elements of the refrain, however the squelchy electronics that usher on this phase are even cooler. There’s simply a lot occurring right here, and it grows extra fascinating and immersive every time you hear it.

I’ll say what I all the time say at any time when an under-the-radar rookie group hitches their wagon to the Sweetune prepare: lengthy might this collaboration reign.

Grade: A