Collaborations between Ok-pop stars and video video games have turn into extra widespread, which is sensible as a result of I’d guess there may be quite a lot of crossover between the fandoms. aespa’s new observe with battle royale recreation PUBG goes past easy tie-in to incorporate a full music video that sees the ladies deposited within the recreation’s violent panorama.
Musically, Darkish Arts looks like an appropriate extension to the group’s monotone Soiled Work from a number of weeks in the past. The vitality is comparable, even hinging on a spoken-word hook. Nevertheless, there’s a bit of extra occurring right here, from the skittering percussion to the melodic pre-chorus. And despite the fact that the music’s centerpiece is spoken, there are at the very least… extra syllables? That’s bizarre standards for a assessment and to be trustworthy Soiled Work‘s defiant grumble has grown on me a bit since its launch. However in contrast to that music, Darkish Arts makes an attempt to construct into mini peaks of drama that give it larger scope.
Even so, this comparatively flat “we’re so badass” sound isn’t my favourite match for aespa. For such nice vocalists, it’s disappointing to listen to them constrained by the fabric. Simply think about how cool Darkish Arts may need sounded with a totally sung refrain that echoed the joy the manufacturing appears to vow. Even higher, pair it with the trance synths that briefly pop up throughout Darkish Arts‘ climax and also you’d have a really energetic spotlight worthy of a shoot-em-up online game. However sadly, Darkish Arts is simply too involved with being cool to ever be legitimately enjoyable.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
Grade: C