New Ok-pop releases are often telegraphed nicely upfront. Shock drops are nonetheless comparatively uncommon. BLACKPINK’s Jennie just lately introduced a solo album scheduled for March, however pre-release monitor ZEN arrives with no warning on a day and time artists don’t usually launch new music. It’s enjoyable to be caught off steadiness for as soon as — particularly by a performer of Jennie’s caliber.

I used to be not a fan of Jennie’s final solo effort Mantra and was in all probability too harsh in my track score. Nonetheless, a monitor like ZEN simply showcases why Mantra was so beneath Jennie’s potential. At their core, these songs aren’t solely completely different in idea. The distinction is that ZEN ties its assured power to a way more fascinating manufacturing. The monitor is a hulking beast, shifting from stomping, sparse verses to an amazing, claustrophobic refrain. Industrial beats collide with sliding, distorted electro rumbles to create a soundscape that’s equal elements unnerving and arresting. If solely BLACKPINK’s many “we’re the good ladies in Ok-pop” singles had utilized the same impact! With an instrumental this tense and bristling, I really consider what the lyrics are stating.

Eradicating the megawatt manufacturing, ZEN is kind of easy. We’ve obtained two verses and two choruses, every delivered with a halting move that creates a substantial amount of empty area. This distinction between sonic desolation and sonic overload forges the track’s pressure. This method is compelling sufficient to compensate for any structural shortcomings. After all, Jennie’s pure charisma goes a good distance towards promoting this efficiency fashion, and it helps that the refrain is weirdly catchy even when its melodies aren’t completely obeying our expectations. If the remainder of her album sounds something like this, Jennie is on her means towards delivering probably the most fascinating BLACKPINK-related music I’ve heard in years.

Grade: B