Comebacks from beloved, established artists are troublesome. I want I might totally embrace them, unencumbered from the legacy of unbelievable music that kinds their basis. However as a rule, this historical past will get in the best way and I find yourself wishing for materials that matches the efficiency of their peak inventive period. This case occurred with G-Dragon final month and it positively coloured Infinite’s massive 2023 comeback. When you already know what an act is able to, it’s exhausting to accept something much less.

That is all to say, I’ve realized it’s not often an artist I miss, however their sound. I suppose this is sensible given the medium of music. Infinite’s vocals have an identifiable sound, but it surely’s their signature mix of drama and open-hearted melody that actually set them aside. New single Harmful gives a lightweight funky fashion and feels extra totally realized than 2023’s New Feelings, but it surely by no means comes near recapturing Infinite’s particular attraction. It’s clear the blokes are in an period of buying songs from numerous producers fairly than having materials particularly tailor-made to them.

Harmful is nice in the best way that any shiny, funky boy group launch could be. It bops alongside buoyant rhythm guitar and roller-rink-ready synth. The group’s inimitable vocals convey character to something they contact, however the melodies simply aren’t right here this time. Not one of the hooks hit notably exhausting or give the blokes a lot to work with. Couched inside one in every of Ok-pop’s most legendary discographies, Harmful seems like a throwaway. They might have been a lot better off selling final yr’s Sungkyu and Woohyun duet Lovely, which went a great distance towards recapturing the depth and pleasure solely they will ship.

Grade: B-