1. Warmth It Up // 2. Harmful // 3. Manner You Are // 4. Umbrella // 5. Unhappy Loop // 6. The place U R

UMBRELLA

A Okay-pop track that’s virtually 5 minutes lengthy?!? I can’t even bear in mind the final time I noticed that, however right here we’re with the 4:42 minute Umbrella. A few of the promo interviews round this album concerned Infinite stating that they wished to work with collaborators from their previous to rejoice their fifteenth anniversary. That concept didn’t prolong too far into the precise music, however this track was produced by BLSSD — one half of the duo Rphabet who composed the classics Again, Unhealthy and Future.

As expert as BLSSD is (and he’s VERY expert), his materials tends to be hit and miss for me. I respect the strikes he makes, however they’re not at all times the sonic territory that appeals to me. Umbrella isn’t the kind of Infinite track that appeals to me both, but it’s most likely my favourite observe on this album. You’ve received to like contradictions!

Umbrella takes the now-ubiquitous chugging beat of synthwave and mutes a lot of the digital parts, including band sounds to offer the observe a extra natural really feel. One factor BLSSD excels at is offering loads of empty area for his artists’ vocals to fill. This system works properly right here. Your complete track drips in ambiance. Touches of icy strings recall Infinite’s glory days. I want they have been extra pronounced, however I’m grateful they’re included in any respect. Umbrella‘s melodies might be stronger and stickier, however the refrain bops alongside properly. Better of all, we get a full-fledged bridge and construct towards the ultimate refrain. Given its size, the track might have teased these items out with extra drama, however beggars can’t be choosers.

Grade: B