While they initially (pre) debuted with a promising pop/rock sound, rookie group POW’s music has become more subdued and forgettable since. They seem to have tons of promise, but the music just isn’t doing it for me. This regrettable trend continues with Being Tender (다정해지는 법) — a plonky mid-tempo that feels almost designed to fade into the backdrop.
There are some quirky elements to POW’s sound and I can hear their direct influences, but a track like Being Tender lacks the kind of hook necessary to make this muted sound stand out. Without a memorable melody, the song spins its wheels, affixed to a dull bed of percussion that’s too slow to dance to but not evocative enough to get lost in. I’m sure there’s an audience for this sound and there are certainly mid-tempo tracks I’d consider all-time classics. There have even been some great ones this year. But without a burst of energy driving the song, every other element must hit with insane precision. That’s not happening here at all.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 6 |
| RATING | 6.75 |
