Lee Chanhyuk’s second solo album is just days away and guarantees to mine many traditional sounds of the 80’s. Previous to its launch, he’s shared new observe Out Of My Thoughts (돌아버렸어). From what I can gauge from the spotlight medley, its synth-heavy sound is emblematic of what we’ll be getting on the complete challenge.

It’s been fascinating to see which course Chanhyuk takes for his solo work. There are tinges of the 80’s in a pair AKMU songs, however that’s by no means been a driving pressure of their music. Out Of My Thoughts seems like an extension of the textures he was working with again in 2022, tethered to an ethereal music that acts as extra of a vibe-setter than a spotlight all by itself. Out Of My Thoughts is strikingly easy, primarily looping across the identical melody time and again. This can seemingly work higher within the context of an album than by itself.

As for the manufacturing, Out Of My Thoughts is as near synthwave as Okay-pop will get. It favors an insistent moodiness over noticeable peaks and valleys, making it superb as a soundtrack. It’s not the type of 80’s music I are likely to gravitate towards, but it surely seems like there will probably be larger moments on the album so I’m desirous to see how this suits into the story.

Grade: C+