RIIZE’s new album has a very strong visual element, with music videos or shortened “track videos” for each song. Because of this (and because the album is so strong), I’ll be working through the entire track list over the next few days. Make sure to check back often!
1. Odyssey // 2. Bag Bad Back // 3. Ember To Solar // 4. Fly Up // 5. Show Me Love // 6. Passage // 7. Midnight Mirage // 8. The End Of The Day // 9. Inside My Love // 10. Another Life
EMBER TO SOLAR
When re-evaluating Bag Bad Back, I mentioned a “classic” SM boy group sound. This particular brew is completely unique to K-pop. In fact, for me it is K-pop to a large extent. Ember To Solar triumphantly draws upon this legacy, crafting an album standout that could easily compete with greats like SHINee and TVXQ.
This approach is heard most clearly on Ember To Solar‘s chorus. You hear it in the staccato delivery of the lyrics, drawing upon the unique charms of the Korean language in a way so few K-pop songs do these days. It’s in the vocal layering, creating a dramatic wall of sound that forges six voices together until they form a completely new texture. And, it’s in Ember To Solar‘s general sense of scope. This isn’t music meant to be enjoyed as “easy listening.” This is an experience.
As an actual song, I’m not yet sure if Ember To Solar can compete with the greats. It’s a bit too dependent on rap and sing-talk, forgoing the chance to lace the track with a series of stronger melodies. But, this is where that patented “SM Performance” sound leaps in to save the day. Even the slightest of hooks sound absolutely towering when painted with all these theatrics. And at its heart, Ember To Solar‘s central hook is very effective. It feels like an invitation to battle — just incredibly rousing stuff.
Hooks
8
Production
10
Longevity
9
Bias
9
RATING
9