While every other act is taking a break for the Lunar New Year, ATEEZ have released the video for follow-up single NASA. I know some listeners loved their title track Adrenaline, but I still find it a punishing listen so I’m eager for something better to wipe the taste out of my mouth. NASA takes a different sonic approach, but unfortunately shares many of the aspects that made its predecessor so unappealing to me.
I’ve come to understand something about my feelings around ATEEZ. I’m really not a fan of the effects their producers slather over their vocals, but I’m able to look past this when the music is stuffed with huge, almost-operatic sounds. When the instrumental becomes more sparse, there’s less to distract from those incessant vocal effects. I find their tone and texture quite ugly and aggressive in a way that strips the fun from the music. Last year, the guys opted for a less effects-heavy sound on title tracks Lemon Drop and In Your Fantasy. With something like NASA, they’ve taken two steps back into the areas I find unpleasant.
It doesn’t help that NASA keeps its melodic range tight and repetitive, hinging on a sing-song structure that hugs the line between singing and rapping. The phrasing in the verses feels lifted from every other song of this genre, while the chorus is pretty much melodic talking until we hit Jongho’s brief moment of drama. There are some nice synth textures here and there (especially towards the end), but overall I’d put this right down with Adrenaline as one of ATEEZ’s least compelling efforts.
Hooks
6
Production
7
Longevity
7
Bias
7
RATING
6.75
Grade: D+
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