I really enjoy Close Your Eyes’ recent title track Snowy Summer, but when I think about it the song is probably my least favorite on their new mini album. I already wrote about b-side You, knowing full well that album opener Paint Candy would eventually be promoted as a double title track. Now, it’s been paired with a new video ahead of likely music show performances.
If I have one criticism for Close Your Eyes, it’s that I wish their music heightened the energy a bit. The vast majority of their tracks so far have been mid-tempo, which isn’t my preferred mode for idol pop. Paint Candy‘s brisk New Jack Swing beat gets us much closer to dance territory and hints at a promising transformation for their sound.
The song opens with a catchy spoken-word hook (reminiscent of Red Velvet’s iconic Red Flavor, actually!) before launching into its first verse. While the percussion hits with new intensity, the vocal delivery is still quite laid back. This contrast works well, especially set against the flood of forgettable sing-talk currently clogging the K-pop market. Paint Candy‘s chorus is similarly restrained, coasting along the groove rather than snatching full command of the song. Again, this isn’t my preferred approach to a song like this, but Close Your Eyes make it work thanks to their compelling vocal color and the general breeziness of the track. Overall, this makes for a solid late-summer highlight.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
