It’s tough to know whether or not to jot down a couple of efficiency video, however the pre-debut of a brand new group from a significant company feels price just a few phrases. AEN is Starship Leisure’s newest boy group, debuting lower than a yr after IDID. They’re co-managed by a Japanese company with the thought of actively selling in each international locations and their upcoming debut album options recordings in each Korean and Japanese.

Album opener Clockwise kicks off the promotional marketing campaign with a slick efficiency video. As with so many 2026 Ok-pop decisions, this tune is thrilling and irritating in equal measure. I’m excited by the manufacturing decisions. The electro groove working all through the observe is immediately addictive and a lot extra dynamic than one more pots-and-pans entice instrumental. I like the guitar that weaves in throughout Clockwise‘s finale and when the blokes are literally allowed to sing their vocal thrives are tremendous satisfying.

This all factors towards a fantastic course for AEN, however Clockwise kneecaps that potential with a chanted refrain that fails to ignite the sparks generated by the tune’s instrumental. Ok-pop business: WHY CAN’T WE HAVE SUNG CHORUSES ANYMORE? I’m past bored with complaining about this. 90% of present tracks could be improved by an inflow of melody. There’s solely a lot you are able to do with the monotony of a chant and it drags down an in any other case thrilling manufacturing, robbing AEN of the distinctive vocal texture I’m positive they’ve. It’s a completely maddening loop we’re caught in.

Grade: B-