With 2020’s Reply, ATEEZ established a precedent for releasing glorious materials below the guise of an “epilogue” (or in as we speak’s case, a “spin-off”). This December has been severely missing in notable Okay-pop comebacks, so I’m excited to have a big-name observe like this pushing us into the brand new 12 months. With that mentioned, my ardour for ATEEZ’s music has drastically waned over the previous two years. Past a stellar b-side or two, I’ve discovered myself somewhat exhausted with their general sound.
For a lot of Halazia, I’m satisfied that is the tune to show issues round. It’s filled with most of the musical hallmarks I adored of their 2018-19 materials. It’s darkish and bombastic with out resorting to shouted chants and posturing. There are correct builds and distinctive thrives all through, resulting in a juggernaut finale that leaves me wanting extra. Nonetheless — and sadly, it is a fairly large “nevertheless” – the tune’s refrain is all types of irritating. It looks like ATEEZ have given us a three-and-a-half minute tease. An “Atease,” if you’ll. I’m unsure the payoff is there when it must be.
Even ATEEZ’s strongest music places pre-chorus entrance and heart, typically exhausting itself earlier than pulling again to ship a sparse hook. Halazia is a definitive instance of this construction, bringing the theatrics for its anthemic pre-chorus. The vocals hit with full energy. There are even church organs. Then, we’re yanked right into a boring (and oddly muted) hook earlier than the tune ramps up once more for a rapid-pace chorus. I really like these large, ballsy moments. However, I want they’d been organized in a means that took higher benefit of their momentum. It’s not that I need the tune to be extra simple. Bizarre is sweet in ATEEZ’s musical world. It simply looks like there’s some necessary centerpieces lacking right here.
This disconnect prevents Halazia from being an on the spot standout for me, however I nonetheless suppose it’s the group’s strongest title observe in a fairly awhile. I might see it rising way more simply than the chant-heavy Guerrilla and I recognize its highlight on vocals. Plus, the accompanying single album delivers an fascinating remix of the always-incredible Take Me House. So all in all, it is a spin-off value making.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Grade: B
