On the heels of fellow EXO members D.O. and Chen, Suho has simply launched his latest solo album. This was preceded by Cheese, that includes fellow SM artist Wendy. That observe, and new single 1 to three (점선면), borrow closely from 70’s rock influences.

Whereas Cheese‘s influences felt extra attention-grabbing that the track itself, 1 to three crystallizes its sound right into a commanding burst of rollicking rock. I’m unsure we’ve ever heard one thing like this from an idol performer, and that’s fairly thrilling. Not solely does the observe characteristic a pounding beat and surging guitar, nevertheless it’s laced with organ (or a minimum of… synth organ?). This contact immediately provides it character and ensures the manufacturing feels grand and thrilling. Additional parts, just like the spacey guitar flourish following the primary refrain, add a way of epic power.

Suho by no means will get misplaced within the bombast, although I want his efficiency felt a bit rougher across the edges. This type of track requires as highly effective and gutsy a vocal as you possibly can throw at it. Equally, I really feel like 1 to three‘s melodies usually play second fiddle to the incredible instrumental. It’s not sufficient to boring the track’s energy, nevertheless it makes this really feel like a stepping stone to one thing even larger and bolder.

Grade: B