Formed on SBS’s reality show Universe Ticket, UNIS made their debut this past March with a solid — but unspectacular — track. With their first official comeback, they’ve upped the energy and ambition, opting for a strutting glam rock beat and an in-you-face performance style. It’s a good move for them, even if the song has its struggles.
Curious (너만 몰라) wastes no time establishing its momentum. In a sea of subdued girl group fare, it’s refreshing to hear a new song punch hard right out of the gate. A ferocious flurry of electric guitar segues into a stomping beat that gives the girls plenty to play with. Guitar returns often throughout the verses, shredding with heavy metal glee. This instrumental marks an exciting development that demands an equally spiky song.
Sadly, there’s a mismatch between what the production is doing and what UNIS are doing. Curious‘s melodies largely trace the lines of the groove, especially as we head into the underwhelming chorus. UNIS deliver plenty of energy, but the underwritten nature of the song squanders its own potential. Instead of all elements firing at maximum overdrive, there’s an awkward gulf that makes Curious feel unfinished. But even with these setbacks, the track is a definite improvement from their debut.
Hooks
7
Production
9
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8