I do know that almost all (all?) followers would probably disagree with me, however my most enduring ATEEZ music stays 2019’s Wave. That monitor is by no means indicative of their total sound — particularly post-2020 — however has such an ideal construct and glide that targets all my pop music pleasure facilities. Due to this, a brand new summer-themed ATEEZ comeback is an thrilling prospect. It will be unfair to anticipate Lemon Drop to ship the precise thrill of its predecessor, however the music’s gradual burn sound has its personal appeal.

Proper from the beginning, Lemon Drop‘s synth-heavy beat deposits us again within the mid-2010’s when this model of club-ready hip-hop loved an actual second within the highlight. It’s a refreshing sound, however what actually issues is the music constructed on high of it. Slightly than hit listeners over the pinnacle, Lemon Drop performs issues fairly flat. Its refrain is sort of reserved and never significantly catchy, counting on its evocative beat to do many of the heavy lifting. And in contrast to Wave, it doesn’t even attempt to construct towards some euphoric crescendo. It’s extra of a free vibe, tracing the perimeters of the rhythm with out ever going for the jugular. This strategy might play nicely in the long term, however feels a bit disappointing on preliminary listens.

Nonetheless, I presently have an enormous yearning for something remotely summer-coded and I’m pleased to listen to ATEEZ have a little bit of enjoyable after a couple of extra critical ideas. Whereas Lemon Drop feels removed from a discography spotlight, its groove is addictive sufficient to offer a pleasant soundtrack for the season. And pleasantly, the music grows stronger because it goes. Layered vocal melody joins the combo, making for an efficient — if refined — finale. Generally delayed gratification works wonders and it’s prompted me to kick up my grade a notch in anticipation of this reserved strategy taking part in nicely over the subsequent few months.

Grade: B