Song Review: Red Velvet – Wildside

When it rains, it pours – and Crimson Velvet followers are feasting on new music this month. Not solely did the group make a long-awaited comeback final week, however their first full Japanese album additionally looms on the horizon. Earlier than we get there, the women have revealed new J-pop single Wildside. SM artists have a distinguished historical past in Japan, and I’m keen for one more act to tackle SNSD’s glorious J-pop legacy. To date, Crimson Velvet b-sides like Aitai-tai and Swimming Pool have born extra fruit than their respective singles.

Wildside ought to please followers of the group’s “velvet” sound. It’s extra restrained and constant than lots of their title tracks, showcasing their always-fantastic vocals. And on a extra Bias Checklist-specific word, I’m shocked (and blissful) to see Nam Donghyun (of Boyhood fame) listed within the album credit. He deserves the paycheck for Retro Love alone! However aside from that, this track isn’t actually for me. Crimson Velvet excel at R&B, notably once they sort out a beguiling observe like Dangerous Boy. Wildside conjures an honest groove and the women carry loads of charisma, however the melodies are a bit rote.

That is most problematic through the refrain. Actually, I don’t like this melody in any respect. Regardless of unfolding in opposition to a languid backdrop, there’s a franticness to the construction that feels too one-note. Opinions will fluctuate, and I believe many will choose this to the extra off-kilter Really feel My Rhythm from final week. However, I want the observe would have additional harnessed the mystifying restraint of its pre-chorus. Wildside simply will get too noisy, which drowns out its charms.