ATEEZ could have solely made one Korean comeback this 12 months, however they’ve been extra prolific in Japan. Following Might’s launch of b-side-turned-single Rocky, they’re again with Paradigm. This track leads re-recorded Japanese variations of tracks from their current The World Ep.1: Motion mini album. I’d be remiss to not point out the large missed alternative in not selling the blistering Cyberpunk. Heck, even the thrilling intro observe of this new Japanese album deserves consideration.
As for Paradigm? Properly, its title is acceptable. The observe is a typical instance of present ATEEZ tropes and boy group tendencies basically. Three years in the past, ATEEZ led a vanguard of recent acts ushering in a brand new Ok-pop period. This despatched their reputation hovering. However, being on the cusp of a motion has its risks. Over the previous two years, their sound has been copied by so many different teams that it’s misplaced most of its chew. With out evolving into one thing new, ATEEZ run the chance of succumbing to the shadow of previous glories.
Sadly, Paradigm is just not the track to usher on this evolution. It opens with a whistle earlier than lurching into a well-recognized brew of skittery percussion and digital samples. These sounds turn into extra outstanding in the course of the refrain, which melds a halfhearted melodic chant to a sequence of distorted bleeps and bloops. It’s directly overstuffed and underwhelming — a reasonably apt description for a lot of tracks on this style. Paradigm runs by a number of distinct segments, shifting vitality and tempo however by no means discovering a hook you may sink your enamel into. It feels extra like an obligation than a spotlight and is much from the emotional grandeur ATEEZ have confirmed themselves able to.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
Grade: C
