On the floor, ‘Exist’ may really feel like a comparatively risk-averse launch from EXO, the boyband who gave us groundbreaking Ok-pop hits like ‘Obsession’, ‘Tempo’ and ‘Ko Ko Bop’. Their new studio album is well digestible and outwardly minimalist – however there are a number of layers at play right here. As soon as these layers are peeled again, on the core is a bunch that confidently and deftly showcases a vocal depth, vary and maturity on a report that seems like a homecoming worthy of the wait.
One of the buoyant choices on ‘Exist’ is title monitor ‘Cream Soda’, which opens the album. Laden with Dionysiac undertones, the tune takes attraction as its major motif lyrically. Vocally and visually, it options all of the EXO emblems: clear layered harmonies, murmured ad-libs and a sinuous choreography showcased within the accompanying music video. There’s no denying that EXO have crafted an appetising recipe with this one – like a lightweight, chilled drink in the summertime warmth that leaves you wanting extra.
Sonically, EXO get a bit nostalgic for the ’90s on ‘Exist’. Love tune ‘Remorse It’ options hints of latest jack swing and old-school hip-hop, whereas ‘Cinderella’ is firmly rooted in synthpop, coupled with an explosive, bass-heavy refrain. There’s additionally the rowdy ‘Personal Social gathering’, which leaves little or no to the creativeness lyrically (“Contact my physique / Our personal non-public get together””). All three are completely palatable, however maybe not probably the most memorable when stacked towards different choices on the album.
On the flip facet, the stripped-down ‘Hear Me Out’ is rollicking enjoyable, with lyrics that goad their proverbial lover to simply let go and have time: “No must hesitatе / Oh, babe, maintain me intently / Considering an excessive amount of messes together with your movement / You realize I don’t play video games.” It’s by far the only tune on the report but in addition maybe one of the best, proving that much less is certainly extra. The equally simple ‘No Make-up’ is one other clear standout, the place EXO take a extra flirtatious and alluring method lyrically.
The album’s extra upbeat tracks come by the use of ‘Love Idiot’ – a perky ode to the fun of the chase that borrows from the ’80s with a handy guide a rough, synthy base and gleaming keys sprinkled all through – and feel-good pop quantity ‘One other Day’. “Will you let go of the pointless worries? / Let all of it movement,” the primary verse goes. Bubbly snaps, distorted scratches and delicate cymbals function the proper base for EXO to shine.
If we’re speaking vocals, although, hazy album nearer ‘Let Me In’ is the indeniable winner. The eight members’ voices movement seamlessly in set pairs – D.O. and Suho take the lead within the first verse, Kai and Xiumin comply with swimsuit within the pre-chorus, lastly culminating with Baekhyun’s ad-lib segueing into Chen’s falsetto within the refrain. Chanyeol and Sehun additionally introduce a dexterous rhythmic change within the second verse with a suave rap. At one level within the monitor, the harmonies stack as much as exchange the principle synth, merging to create an ethereal and virtually choral organ sound. Fairly merely, it’s magical.
Some issues in life solely occur as soon as in a blue moon, and full-group EXO comebacks in some way appear to have change into one in all them. Followers had been left ravenous for almost 5 years, however now that starvation has been satiated by an album that’s largely a feast for the ears. On ‘Exist’, EXO give us precisely what we’ve been yearning for: a report fronted by their powerhouse vocals and steeped in sultry R&B, and the result’s a trip so easy that it’s laborious to select a favorite.
Particulars
- Launch date: July 10, 2023
- Document label: SM Leisure
