NCT’s Yuta made his solo debut last year with a pummeling J-rock sound. Of all the group’s members, his solo work has felt the most leftfield so far and that’s a great thing. It’s clear he’s passionate about this style, which should always be the number one element fueling solo work. This passion continues with new Japanese single Twisted Paradise, though the sonic landscape has changed a bit.
Rather than hit us over the head with shredding guitar, Twisted Paradise offers Yuta’s take on a theatrical rock ballad. Borrowing from 70’s icons like Queen, the track unfolds with plenty of pomp and drama. It’s an interesting sound for Yuta and works best when he fully embraces it. I would have done without Twisted Paradise‘s more modern trends (mostly the trap percussion in verse two) and fully leaned into the track’s nostalgic side. The guitar has such texture and verve and the few moments where the production flirts with Queen-style vocal layering show potential that could have been more fully realized.
With songs like this, it’s all about the dynamics and build. Just like a good theatrical show, you want moments of tension and release. This is most effective during Twisted Paradise‘s opening verse before the bulk of the instrumental crashes in. From here, the track becomes a bit flatter. Yuta belts the chorus to the rafters and I wish the production supported this in a more dynamic way. The way his voice is arranged, he becomes another element in the mix rather than its driving force. Still, I appreciate that he tackled this genre at all. He clearly has the chops to pull it off.
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
8