When TWS launched their mini album final month, I wrote a track-by-track overview realizing full effectively they’d doubtless promote one in all its b-sides with a music video afterward. That prediction has come true with album-opener Fortunate To Be Liked, however I’m going to revisit the observe at present since I’ve extra to say. For many who discovered their comeback Countdown a bit too ebullient, Fortunate To Be Liked would possibly simply be for you. It catches the fellows of their mellower Final Pageant sound, painted with a hazy summer season sheen.

I need to take this opportunity to jot down slightly about melody, since Ok-pop doesn’t typically give me the chance today. There’s this particular melodic method so many TWS tracks make the most of and it’s an enormous motive why the music has such a maintain on me. The melodies tug upward in ever-increasing bursts earlier than cresting with a quick, pointed climax. This construction characterizes the choruses of Countdown, Final Pageant and If I’m S, Can You Be My N and reappears right here for Fortunate To Be Liked’s pre-chorus. It’s such an efficient prime line method and has confirmed fairly resilient and adaptable throughout quite a lot of genres and composers. It’s develop into a melodic signature for the group and suits the members’ vocal characters completely.

Although Fortunate To Be Liked‘s total sound is muted, this fixed feeling of construct retains it from sounding beige. You possibly can hear it within the stress of the synths and the blossoming of the vocals at key factors all through the observe. These parts work collectively to craft a track with nice endurance. I’ll all the time favor an brisk pleasure bomb like Countdown, but when an artist goes to chill the temperature of their music that is the best way to do it.

Grade: B+