Idol bands are extra standard than ever and ONEWE have been a part of this wave since their re-debut in 2019. They’re immensely proficient, but I’ve usually wished their music would go larger and bolder. Many previous singles favored a delicate, melancholic sound. This matches properly with frontman Yonghoon’s evocative vocals, however there’s no hurt in rocking out each as soon as and awhile.

New digital single Off Street lastly pumps the gasoline and pulls the band right into a extra aggressively rock realm. We’ve bought electrical guitar solos, pummeling drums and a forceful, unflagging power. Crunchy guitar opens the observe with aptitude, although I’d have liked to listen to a extra instantly-iconic riff. With this in thoughts, I used to be reminded of Kang Seungyoon’s glorious 2013 observe Wild & Younger, which managed to search out sharper instrumental hooks inside an identical sonic panorama.

Whereas Off Street will not be the catchiest rock observe I’ve ever heard, its depth is sort of refreshing. The refrain kilos with pleasant fury, particularly as the fellows’ vocals layer right into a battle cry that punctuates every hook. Because the music video suggests, these moments really feel constructed for sing-alongs when driving on empty summer time roads. I hope Off Street acts as an on ramp for future releases, additional honing and creating this sound.

Grade: B-