QWER have shortly vaulted to the standing of Korean chart royalty. Their model of shiny pop/rock made a significant breakthrough final yr with T.B.H and so they’ve managed to maintain that momentum going with follow-ups. If you happen to squint only a bit, you can also make out sounds from Bias Record favorites GFriend and Lovelyz inside their catalog, refashioned with a rock band in thoughts. I hear each in new single Pricey (눈물참기), which solely makes me want QWER would experiment additional with their configuration.

Pricey chugs alongside properly, delivering highly effective melodies carried out with gusto. They’ve a knack for locating hooks that resonate in an emotional manner whereas retaining a catchy, made-for-the-charts sound. A tune like this feels destined for drama soundtracks, although it’s beefed up with sufficient verve to face by itself. Me being me, I can’t assist however surprise how mighty Pricey would sound with a thumping dance beat behind it, however that’s a matter of desire. The instrumental is okay, however principally stays out of the way in which to shine full deal with the vocals and melody.

Like earlier songs, I think about Pricey will develop into extra addictive with time. Its refrain doesn’t really feel as immediately iconic as previous hits, however its anthemic power goes down simply. The vocal has a pleasant mix of energy and sweetness, hearkening again to earlier, belt-it-out generations of Ok-pop. The tune might be too generic to stay round in my playlist for lengthy, however there’s no denying it’s a well-executed model of this sound.

Grade: B-