XLOV debuted earlier this 12 months with an idea that boldly challenges gender norms. That is an thrilling growth for Okay-pop and has potential to spawn equally thrilling music. Up to now, the presentation has been extra attention-grabbing than the songs, and that continues with the nice however slight 1&Solely.

Afrobeats has turn into an enormous style touchstone for this era of Okay-pop and has now turn into so ubiquitous that it takes an enchanting tune to face out. The type gives nice potential for efficiency, which is probably going why XLOV have boarded the Afrobeats prepare. The blokes sound implausible on 1&Solely, delivering lush vocal turns that circle across the groove with loads of character and confidence. It’s been awhile since I’ve heard a Okay-pop group sing this fashion. Their voices nearly turn into one other a part of the instrumental, tied so strongly to the rhythm.

As a result of the group’s efficiency is such a spotlight of 1&Solely, it doesn’t depart a lot room for dynamic shifts in melody. Fairly than hit you over the pinnacle with spectacular refrains, the monitor takes a extra laidback, sinuous method. This jogs my memory of Kiss Of Life’s Sticky final 12 months, which went on to take pleasure in nice longevity. I’m undecided that 1&Solely packs the identical punch, but it surely may work as a extra subdued addition to your 2025 summer season playlist.

Grade: B-