Beyond the quality of the music, the number one thing that draws me to a newly debuted group is a unique perspective. Many of this new generation’s big names (TWS, BOYNEXTDOOR) have a specific sound and concept that carries even their weaker material. If any agency is poised to replicate this approach, it’s Mystic Story. They managed to give girl group Billlie a unique worldview and I’m hoping they can do the same for ARrC. Pre-release Dummy didn’t do much for me, and S&S (Sour & Sweet) further complicates things.
This song is aptly named because it’s a grab bag of elements — some pleasant and others off-putting. I admire the ambition it takes to stuff this many ideas into one track, and given modern expectations its three-and-a-half minute running time seems to stretch on forever. However, I wish that every individual piece felt like its own highlight. It’s a bit like digging through a crate of candy only to find that you’re not interested in most of the flavors.
S&S opens with a rugged electro groove that instantly captures attention. The bass undulates with real presence, stealing attention from the so-so verse thrown over the top. From here, we slow to a syrupy crawl before dropping into the most disappointing course in S&S‘s multifaceted menu. The opening half of the chorus is an obnoxious slog — a jolt of sing-song catchphrasery that just doesn’t work. The melodic refrain that follows is far more enjoyable, though I can’t help but feel I’ve heard this same sound executed more successfully in many an NCT Dream track. S&S gets weirder from here, but so many of its cool production flourishes (electric guitar!) are buried in predictable bluster. The song would benefit from a streamlined approach that trims its weaker, more grating moments.
Hooks
7
Production
9
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.75