Again in 2014, I performed AKMU’s debut album relentlessly. Their music felt so contemporary and completely different, sustaining a pop edge whereas tackling quirky sounds and concepts that appealed equally to idol followers and indie aficionados. Since then, the duo has moved by means of a formidable breadth of types, most lately on 2021’s Subsequent Episode album. After two years away, they’re now again with Love Lee.
Lengthy hiatuses deliver excessive expectations, and it’s most likely finest to mood your considering earlier than listening to Love Lee. This isn’t one of many duo’s large pop hits, nor does it paint outdoors the strains sufficient to face as a unusual addition to their discography. It sounds precisely the way you’d count on from AKMU, but comes throughout as a very subdued model of that sound.
Each melodically and sonically, Love Lee isn’t giving me a lot to seize onto. Its central hook borders on cloying — a line AKMU have typically straddled however by no means stepped over. Their efficiency is good, however the murky instrumental isn’t supplying sufficient bounce to play with. Its funk influences really feel blunted, making Love Lee extra coffeehouse than cool jazz bar.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
Grade: C
