After a long-fought battle, Spotlight have lastly reclaimed their authentic identify (Beast/B2ST) from their former company. Even so, it looks as if they’re hanging onto the Spotlight moniker for promotions. They’ve promoted that method for over seven years now, which is longer than many whole idol careers. With this in thoughts, I assume it doesn’t make sense to hurry proper again to “Beast” instantly.

As an authentic fan of second-gen teams like Spotlight, I’ve discovered my lesson in relation to anticipating these teams to match the standard and pleasure of their greatest work throughout their latter day promotions. That’s simply not how pop music operates besides in probably the most uncommon and extraordinary circumstances. With that mentioned, I can’t say I’ve been thrilled with a brand new Spotlight music in years, and new single Chains is not any completely different. The monitor is okay, however extremely forgettable and never even near their most iconic work.

On the plus facet, there’s a lot about Chains that feels quintessentially Spotlight/Beast. That’s largely all the way down to their immediately recognizable vocals, that are as robust and welcome as ever. Nonetheless, the precise music plods alongside with out a lot objective. Uninteresting verses segue right into a too-slow pre-chorus earlier than the beat drops for Chains‘ primary hook. This section may use extra bounce to focus on its funkier instincts. As an alternative of thrilling listeners or eliciting an emotional response, the monitor merely strikes via its items with a studied professionalism that feels extra like an obligation than a pleasure.

Grade: C