A.C.E return with their third single album Pinata and we couldn’t be more excited.
Oh my freaking god how long has it been since we finally got to enjoy an actual A.C.E comeback I know we got some special singles here and there (okay a whole mini too I almost forgot) but nothing ever felt like an actual big return and comeback for A.C.E to me but Pinata is here to save us. The comeback couldn’t have dropped during a better time because I think K-Pop is insanely dry and I need someone to wake up the scene that is subdued and asleep with something loud and fun. The concept photos were already stunning for this comeback and had me more than hyped. Let’s review.
Pinata is probably the most A.C.E sounding song ever. We get rap focused verses that give us that attitude and hype that leads up to an absolutely stunning pre-chorus. The instrumental here is so good with those vocals and harmonies. We are taking it back to 2022 with that chorus though let’s go let’s shout and brr around the place. This just feels very instinctively A.C.E to me. Would I have preferred to get a fully sung chorus without a drop in the middle and shouting? Probably, but that part makes Pinata an A.C.E sound and I will keep the Piñata and make it go bratata. I love how A.C.E music is never taking itself too seriously and combines their strengths with some good vocals and strong raps.
I am sure Pinata will grow on me a lot more, for now, I just enjoy that the boys haven’t lost themselves and this weirdly feels like coming home. A.C.E is A.C.E and they will always be loud and proud.
We’ve been enjoying A.C.E’s occasional single releases and their mini album from earlier this year, especially since they opted for a more laid-back pop sound that fits them well. However, I’m sure that we weren’t the only ones who were really looking forward to the group going back to their more experimental sound and their always unique concepts. I feel like after VIXX, who I still think hold the concept crown, ONEUS and A.C.E are the only two groups that came close to evoking that kind of feeling and atmosphere in me as a listener. I’ve been looking forward to seeing A.C.E tackle a more dramatic sound for their new comeback so let’s dive into Pinata and review.
Prior to this single album, A.C.E have released a performance video for the album intro Recuerda, Recuerda and I’ve been obsessed with the dramatic choreography of it. It had me so hyped up for the title track of the album because I was totally getting dark, eerie vibes from it all. Hearing that we’re back, baby right from the start had my skin tingling from excitement because I love when A.C.E go dark. The verses are pretty solid, definitely providing a good balance between the hard-hitting rap sections and the pretty, gentle vocal moments – I especially loved Jun’s parts. However, I cannot say that I’m loving the main hook on the first listen. It comes across as a bit too much in-your-face for me, especially because I feel like it clashes a lot with the instrumental (which I’m pretty sure was done as a stylistic choice on purpose). I like the vocal elements in between the shout-like sections of the chorus and I wish that they opted for a more musically dramatic direction for it in general. I feel like it would’ve made more impact if it kept that mysterious, eerie, but melodic atmosphere in the chorus too. Maybe that’s why I like the finale of the song as it still remains hard-hitting but also adds another element to the instrumental and performance, bringing drama to another level. The harmonization, the additional ad-libs, the switch-up in tempo during the finale? Chef’s kiss – definitely a great way to end the song.
I always thought that A.C.E’s biggest advantage was that everyone in the group feels like an all-rounder to me – they have such a nice balance between vocals, rap, and choreography-focused elements so I think that’s another reason why I enjoy watching their music videos as well. This video is aesthetically really pleasing, dark with red splashes all around it to make it even more dramatic. I also love the styling! Pinata is not my favourite A.C.E release but I’m always happy to have them back with new music and it might grow on me over time – it’s A.C.E after all, and Pinata has the potential to really even out with a couple more listens, especially thanks to those lovely vocal moments we have.