7ºCN by 이즘 IZM

-수록곡-

1. 헷갈리게(Between us) [추천 Recommended]

2. It's you [추천 Recommended]

3. 끊지마(Calling you)

4. When I was young

5. 마니또(Manito) [추천 Recommended]

6. Royal rumble [추천 Recommended]

by Jung Minjae

I won't repeat the cliche of "going beyond the level of idol" trope. Whether you like them or not, they're already a pop band on their stable orbit. Since the team has overtaken the helm, steered by Jung Yonghwa, the speed of progress has accelerated.  While establishing own character, their musical capability has simultaneous leveled up steadily. Especially in recent years, they've continued to produce much slicker materials in terms of melody progression, sound structure, and performance. Upon honing their craft, they've passed through the early-career controversies and attitude debates, and now are entering the stage of building their own realm.

It's not easy to spot flaws in their new EP "7ºCN". Again, their melody, arrangement, vocals, and instrumentals fit together to a tee. There was even a first for the team, a "song camp" experience. "Between Us," which places a catchy chorus to the syncopated rhythms, and "It's You," that adds energy to its pop melody with brass, showcase improvement in their command of pop, an achievement thanks to the collaborative effort. Acoustic-based "Manito" is also attractive with its well-made melody.

A feel-good energy of pop surrounds the overall album. By selecting the tracks that go along with one another, the organic flow is achieved. The issue with this album, which otherwise has no particular musical shortcoming, is sensed from its planning stage. Aside from a few details, their EP-level products tend to have similar tinges. Similar composing styles and themes of title-tracks, as well as repetition of patterned b-sides give listeners a feeling of deja-vu. Despite the elaborate quality of music, as a whole album, it's quite an uneventful series of listens.

It's time for a jolt of variation. Pop's best strength is rooted in its multicolored palette. Most pop bands that have established their own brand have their signature sounds, but also a wide spectrum. If CNBLUE thus far has focused on leveling up their vocal and instrumental skills and interpretive capacity, now it's time to go one step further and fill (its soundscape) with diverse styles. It's not an option but a must to broaden their musical boundaries, while basing off of their stronghold on vivid melodies. Rather than complacent planning that remains at status-quo, it's now time for an outstanding home-run that would take the team to another level.