Collaborations between Ok-pop stars and video video games have grow to be extra frequent, which is smart as a result of I’d guess there may be loads of crossover between the fandoms. aespa’s new monitor with battle royale recreation PUBG goes past easy tie-in to incorporate a full music video that sees the ladies deposited within the recreation’s violent panorama.

Musically, Darkish Arts appears like an acceptable extension to the group’s monotone Soiled Work from just a few weeks in the past. The vitality is comparable, even hinging on a spoken-word hook. Nevertheless, there’s somewhat extra occurring right here, from the skittering percussion to the melodic pre-chorus. And regardless that the track’s centerpiece is spoken, there are at the least… extra syllables? That’s bizarre standards for a overview and to be sincere Soiled Work‘s defiant grumble has grown on me a bit since its launch. However not like that track, Darkish Arts makes an attempt to construct into mini peaks of drama that give it higher scope.

Even so, this comparatively flat “we’re so badass” sound isn’t my favourite match for aespa. For such nice vocalists, it’s disappointing to listen to them constrained by the fabric. Simply think about how cool Darkish Arts may need sounded with a totally sung refrain that echoed the thrill the manufacturing appears to vow. Even higher, pair it with the trance synths that briefly pop up throughout Darkish Arts‘ climax and also you’d have a very energetic spotlight worthy of a shoot-em-up online game. However sadly, Darkish Arts is just too involved with being cool to ever be legitimately enjoyable.

Grade: C