When CSR made their debut in the summertime of 2022, I hoped they could inherit GFriend’s “highly effective innocence” idea, releasing upbeat, melodic showcases that defied many present lady group developments. That first mini album continues to be their greatest. However as comebacks have grow to be extra rare, their sound has additionally began to shift. New single Fairly Mob is essentially the most drastic change but, casting them in a downbeat mild.

I don’t perceive what CSR’s crew is making an attempt to do right here. I’m all for artists exhibiting versatility, however this group continues to be making an attempt to cement their fan base and discography. That they had a musical lane nearly all to themselves, and reasonably than capitalizing on that they’ve launched a so-so monitor that sounds nothing like them. In case you’re going to push towards expectations like this, the track higher be an plain standout.

Fairly Mob pulses alongside a subdued, nearly haunting groove. There are moments of curiosity as rhythmic stabs give the manufacturing some kick. Nevertheless, the instrumental doesn’t actually go anyplace and the absence of a very good high line hurts its total enchantment. There’s a stunning quantity of rap within the monitor, starting from satisfactory to head-scratching. And to make issues much more complicated, the refrain appears to be asking for a “black ocean” — a time period that isn’t precisely favorable in Ok-pop circles.

Grade: C

(The music video has been delayed. This submit might be up to date when it’s launched.)