We haven’t had a Korean comeback from IVE since February, however their Insurgent Coronary heart has remained on Korean charts since then and new mega-hit hit single Golden (from the Okay-pop Demon Hunters soundtrack) has been broadly in comparison with IVE’s previous hits. In different phrases, the group hasn’t precisely been absent from public consciousness. Now, they’re again with Japanese single Be Alright.

IVE’s final J-pop single was launched a few yr in the past and leaned closely into their pop facet. Be Alright takes an analogous method, providing sugary candy melodies over buoyant rhythm guitar and an lively beat. It’s fairly simple, content material to ship a concentrated shot of upbeat sentiment with out complicating issues. This works properly for the group and suits properly inside their discography, although it’s positively on the slighter finish of their output.

There’s not a lot to criticize right here, however there’s additionally nothing to rave about. By sidestepping any probably divisive selections, IVE craft a music with a large however shallow attain. The melodies are competent if unexciting and don’t permit for a lot particular person character to poke by within the efficiency. Nonetheless, when you’re searching for a nice, toe-tapping pop observe you might do a lot worse.

Grade: B-