Review: ONEWE - Veronica
ONEWE's Rain to Be is a solid song. Dark, gritty, and emotional. On the other hand, b-side Veronica plays on a summer sound. It is not perfect, but when it gets good, it is amazing.
So let us first talk about that chorus. The breezy summer guitar riff, assisted by the kaleidoscoping production and grooving percussion is for a beach, no two ways about that. It is probably the best moment in ONEWE's ever-growing discography. Even the final chorus version builds on the sound with some interesting rhythmic choices. Cylindrical and building, the chorus is a keeper.
To keep up with such a strong chorus, the verses have to be consistent. Thankfully, orchestral strings lead the charge, making it a summer compliment to January's excellent Wadachi. The verses start with some lethargic trap and build up from them. Hook after hook, the verses are excellent, with an amazing melody. The falsetto from Dongmyeong is a particular highlight, even if the rap right after starts out underwhelming.
If there was one thing I wish Veronica would change, it is that the verses are sometimes a little aimless. Despite that, their best moments are amazing. Whenever the build actually fulfills, it is amazing. Most of CYA's raps are amazing as well, bar the aforementioned second verse trap rap.
While I already mentioned it, I think I need to further praise the amazing final chorus of the song. It plays the same simple tune, but with more rapid notes, and clever guitar variations. Easily the best moment from it is the off-key note, which adds just the right amount of charm. The chanted hook afterward may not fully work but is easy to appreciate.
Lyrically, apparently, CYA wrote this song, as he had a crush called Veronica in his youth, it is cute and explains the youthful and hopeful lyrics, along with the summer charm.
Veronica may not be perfect, but it excels when it gets good. It is strong, and a must-listen for someone wanting to discover ONEWE. Even the trap rap cannot fully derail it, as it keeps going, especially with its surging chorus.
I do not think I this group, as a older (non-teen) k-pop listener, I find new groups. I still like old classics like DBSK and super Junior.... I even know Seo Taoji and Boys. Great job ent108! You got passion.
ReplyDeleteThank you Cooking Diva!
DeleteYeah, a lot of old artists are great, TVXQ is probably my all-time favorite K-Pop act, with SHINee and Super Junior following suit. Thankfully, this month has been a great one for the 4th generation.