Recent off their pre-release Burn It, FTIsland are again with the title observe of their seventh (!) album. It is a band firmly in command of their sound — a longtime pillar within the business. To my thoughts, this confidence makes the proper excuse to experiment with new approaches, however Critical sees them delivering a snug blast of radio rock.

A way of theatricality buoys Critical, including flashes of symphonic bombast that make me want the observe had been paired with a full strings part. A further texture would have lightened the music’s total tone. Because it stands, Critical plods together with virtually funereal depth. It feels overly heavy, dragged down at each flip. That is most likely intentional, although the lyrical theme appears to demand one thing extra triumphant.

I recognize the talent and vitality that went into Critical. Lee Honggi’s vocal stays superior and I’m pleased to see the band nonetheless churning out new music, however this music simply isn’t for me. Its sound is simply too leaden and the repeated “why so critical” hook feels cliché — particularly when in comparison with their greatest work.

Grade: C