HYBE has made an aggressive push into the Japanese market over the previous few years, each debuting their very own J-pop teams and deploying their Korean acts with unique materials. The newest to hitch this push is LE SSERAFIM, who beforehand launched Japanese-language variations of their Korean hits. Totally different marks their first unique J-pop observe and gives a shot of summertime power.

Greater than nearly something they’ve launched since 2023, Totally different jogs my memory of LE SSERAFIM’s debut period. Lots of these songs had a free, funky power that match the group properly. I like their vocals towards this gentle dance backdrop. There’s an airiness that’s fairly trendy, however the energetic instrumental retains it from changing into boring. The manufacturing’s mix of rhythm guitar, brassy synth and insistent, bounding percussion makes for an thrilling brew. I solely want the track pushed these parts additional. HYBE is without doubt one of the largest forces in music in the mean time. They haven’t any motive to play issues protected.

This extends to Totally different‘s truncated working time. In one other actuality, we’d take pleasure in not less than a minute extra unfold all through the observe, giving Totally different the prospect to truly unfold its wings. Because it stands, this feels extra like a teaser than a track. I want fashionable producers understood the worth of a bridge and ultimate refrain. There’s completely no justification for Totally different to be this brief past the selection to maximise its streaming potential. I do know the music business is a enterprise, however that is so clearly a call that places cash over followers. It’s truthfully insulting at this level and prevents me from boosting this in any other case superb track to a better ranking.

Grade: B