A K-pop act’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
When writing about P1Harmony’s new comeback Sad Song, I mentioned how the group often picks my least favorite material to promote. I get that they want to expand upon the style they’re known for, but just under the surface there’s a rock-tinged energy waiting to break out. Some of their best work has been within this genre and Last Call keeps that trend going.
Last Call has a throwback energy, but not to the eras we’ve become accustomed to. Instead, it reminds me of the rock-music-through-an-EDM-prism that filled my playlists through the late 2000’s and early 2010’s. It’s actually not too dissimilar from what One Direction were doing at that time. A number of K-pop acts picked up on the style around 2012-13 but it’s become less prevalent over the years. P1Harmony turns out to be a great vessel for Last Call‘s nostalgia, bolstering the song’s generic leanings with personality that makes it feel unique to them. The melodies hit just like you’d hope, with the surging chorus a particular highlight. Compared to Sad Song‘s repetitive structure, this feels far more fleshed out and satisfying.
Hooks
9
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
9
RATING
8.5