P1Harmony are getting in on the ‘follow-up music video’ game, releasing a video for album track L.O.Y.L. less than a week after title track Unique. I was not a fan of that song and its braggadocious spirit, but other listeners seemed to think that the album as a whole was stronger.
At the very least, L.O.Y.L. is more sonically interesting than its predecessor. The production plays around with multiple textures, tones and tempos. This naturally leads to a sort of hodgepodge track with some parts I enjoy more than others. The chorus boasts a nice melodic flourish and parts of the verses harness delightfully weird percussion. Halfway through, we move into a segment that almost sounds like samba.
What’s missing here is compelling melodic structure and range. Much of L.O.Y.L. passes by without landing many blows and its languid energy keeps things mired in a sludgy atmosphere despite the instrumental’s attempt to constantly pull its boots out of the muck. When listening, I was reminded of SHINee’s brilliant One Minute Back. That song is similarly diverse in structure and experimental in sound, but every single moment is a highlight and the arrangement uses empty space so much more effectively.
Hooks
7
Production
8
Longevity
8
Bias
8
RATING
7.75
Grade: C+
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