I combed through the Bias List archives and was surprised to find that it’s been over three years since I’ve written about new music from Seventeen’s The8. He’s released a couple of songs since then, but new single Orbit (轨道) bolsters his first EP. With Seventeen enjoying a mega-successful year, this release feels like icing on the cake for fans.
Orbit fits right within current trends, melding spacey synth to subdued afrobeats — similar in style to TWS’s Last Festival a week ago. Unlike that song, Orbit sets its melodic ambitions relatively low, remaining hushed throughout its entire running time. While the verses offer a bit of range, the track plays more like a flat line than an exercise in tension/release. This structural approach is what causes songs like Orbit to feel too much like background music for my taste. The track doesn’t even bother with a climax or finale. It simply… ends.
If you’re looking for “vibe” music, you could certainly do worse than this. The production glistens and has a nice sense of depth. Rapper JinJiBeWater_隼 adds to the texture, making a complimentary pairing with The8. Orbit would make a solid album b-side, offering tone and style. But as a single, it’s a bit undercooked.
Hooks
7
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.5