I do know that the majority (all?) followers would doubtless disagree with me, however my most enduring ATEEZ tune stays 2019’s Wave. That monitor is in no way indicative of their general sound — particularly post-2020 — however has such an excellent construct and glide that targets all my pop music pleasure facilities. Due to this, a brand new summer-themed ATEEZ comeback is an thrilling prospect. It could be unfair to count on Lemon Drop to ship the precise thrill of its predecessor, however the tune’s sluggish burn sound has its personal appeal.
Proper from the beginning, Lemon Drop‘s synth-heavy beat deposits us again within the mid-2010’s when this model of club-ready hip-hop loved an actual second within the highlight. It’s a refreshing sound, however what actually issues is the tune constructed on prime of it. Quite than hit listeners over the top, Lemon Drop performs issues fairly flat. Its refrain is kind of reserved and never notably catchy, counting on its evocative beat to do many of the heavy lifting. And in contrast to Wave, it doesn’t even attempt to construct towards some euphoric crescendo. It’s extra of a unfastened vibe, tracing the perimeters of the rhythm with out ever going for the jugular. This method might play effectively in the long term, however feels a bit disappointing on preliminary listens.
Nonetheless, I at present have an enormous yearning for something remotely summer-coded and I’m pleased to listen to ATEEZ have a little bit of enjoyable after just a few extra severe ideas. Whereas Lemon Drop feels removed from a discography spotlight, its groove is addictive sufficient to supply a pleasant soundtrack for the season. And pleasantly, the tune grows stronger because it goes. Layered vocal melody joins the combination, making for an efficient — if delicate — finale. Typically delayed gratification works wonders and it’s brought about me to kick up my grade a notch in anticipation of this reserved method enjoying effectively over the following few months.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Grade: B
