ITZY have released so many teasers and pre-releases leading up to their second full length album that you could be forgiven for thinking the project had already been unveiled! I didn’t connect with either of their pre-release tracks, though the confrontational energy of Born To Be fit them well. Fortunately, they saved the best for last with title track Untouchable.
With member Lia absent, ITZY have focused less on big vocal moments. Ironically, this results in their strongest title track in years. Untouchable is all braggadocios bombast, but tethered to a big EDM beat and performed in a range that feels comfortable and well-suited to the remaining members. They were smart to layer the vocals for many parts of the song, complimenting the power of the arrangement. There’s still a bit too much sing-talk for my liking, but it works better here because the entire track has a rhythmic focus. I love the distorted slabs of electronics and guitar that forge Untouchable‘s mechanized stomp. It’s groovy without becoming yet another limp anti-drop and the texture has a very satisfying crunch.
Given the song’s many chant-along hooks, I’m unsure how Untouchable will play in the long run. I can imagine tiring of it quickly, but that thumping production should remain addictive for some time. This is also very much a performance piece, relying on the intensity of ITZY’s delivery. That’s one of their biggest assets, so it’s nice to hear a track that takes advantage of it.
Hooks
8
Production
9
Longevity
8
Bias
9
RATING
8.5