Everglow had a turbulent 2025, leaving their longtime company Yuehua and becoming a member of upstart CHXXTA Firm (whose identify appears to be like like a censored curse phrase). This transfer was applauded by many, as Yuehua’s monitor file with the group was spotty at greatest. Transitions like this will result in renewed inventive freedom or — on the very least — a reinvention of types. Provided that context, it’s upsetting that new single Code does nothing however copy present developments.

Generally I overlook that Everglow have a couple of improbable singles below their belt. Their discography has been so hit or miss that highlights like La Di Da and Pirate threaten to get buried. Of the misses, Code should be excessive on that checklist. This tune is an actual headache. It gleefully adopts the “charismatic speaking over a membership beat” method that’s plaguing Ok-pop proper now, however doesn’t even trouble to make that speaking palatable. It’s a multitude of bratty affectations, made even worse by ugly vocal results that make Everglow sound extra like AI than human idols.

That is the form of tune that thinks “drop it prefer it’s sizzling” continues to be a cool phrase, which might be high quality if its sound was truly enjoyable. It actually feels just like the producers took each overused pattern they might discover and threw it right into a blender with out contemplating construction or execution. If nothing else, this may function a tragic time capsule for this specific micro-era in Ok-pop.

Grade: F