ONEUS return with a special album Dear M and the title song IKUK.
I was listening to ONEUS’ Black Mirror the other day and thinking how we haven’t touched that level of boy group groove perfection and it made me even more excited for this special release and the melody I knew ONEUS would bring with them. I really enjoyed their musical output since debut, with some stronger and weaker releases, but I think the group has had a rather consistent quality when it comes to their production. I also always appreciate that they seem to pursue the style they know suits them rather than following the most popular trends and it really sets them apart. I am ready to see if they will bring that unique, alluring, atmospheric sound we’ve grown to love them for with their new song IKUK – let’s review!
First of all, they are definitely back. Oh, I really love it when ONEUS go into a more alluring sound, leaning into that atmospheric style that not many can do this well. I’m especially happy to hear they continued delivering stunning pre-choruses that get easily into your head. IKUK is very ONEUS – it’s a combination of their older and newer style, playing around with melody in a great way. The two-part chorus is another exciting element of IKUK – offering a lot of melody but a memorable hook as well. I’m also happy to see that that dramatic performance they really know how to deliver is back as well because there’s nothing better than a small dance break intermission sometimes and Hwanwoong did his thing in this performance. IKUK might not be the strongest ONEUS title (hard to beat Black Mirror and To Be or Not To Be in my book), but it’s a nice comeback to their musical roots with some new, fresh elements that they bring with maturity. Stunning music video as per usual and another confirmation that ONEUS really are the concept kings of the early 4th generation, succeeding their seniors VIXX when it comes to dark, sensual aesthetics. It also wouldn’t be our review if I didn’t say just how gorgeous Seoho is because his face needs to be studied.
Now, what’s interesting about this special album is that we are getting official versions of their title tracks with their current line-up, meaning it’s the OT5 version of all the titles – massive respect for ONEUS for pulling this move because it’s not as usual to do so officially. Of course, this simply made me realize just how much I adore To Be or Not To Be which I genuinely feel is one of the best boy group songs we’ve got from the newer generation of idols. The album, of course, offers some new songs as well which I was excited to check out. My favourite on the first listen is W which is obviously a very sweet, emotional track that gets to showcase the group’s vocals from a different perspective. I love the acoustic feeling of the song and the lovely lyrics – definitely a treat for the fans.
ONEUS deserve a lot more appreciation and you know that we will always give them just that!