Evaluating Fantagio Leisure’s roll-out of Astro in 2016 and LUN8 in 2023-24 is like measuring a freight prepare in opposition to an outdated jalopy. With out frequent comebacks, strong promotion or a definite sound, this group feels nebulous and underappreciated. And to make issues worse, the music has not often been that nice. I’m positive LUN8 are very proficient and work exceptionally arduous, however their discography to date isn’t actually bearing that out.

New single Whip is one other so-so observe to throw into the market. It tethers stylish jersey membership influences to extra acquainted Ok-pop hip-hop touchstones, bopping alongside a brisk beat. Tonally, it feels extra consistent with what’s taking place with Korean woman teams in the mean time. The music takes a catchy — however subdued — hook and drives it into the bottom, sacrificing peaks and valleys for a sing-song strategy that works nicely within the context of a twenty-second TikTok video however wears skinny over the course of three minutes. The music is nice all through, however has a workmanlike high quality that doesn’t buoy LUN8’s possibilities of standing out within the crowded Ok-pop market.

Grade: C