Cube Entertainment’s NOWZ (formerly Nowadays) are in the middle of a reinvention. And while I initially dismissed last month’s pre-release Fly To The Youth as too lightweight, that song has dug its talons into my brain and emerged as a stealth summer highlight. The group’s new title track Everglow continues the rock soundscape from Fly To The Youth, placing it in more aggressive context.
A rock sound has been one of the year’s most persistent trends, so while Everglow doesn’t give NOWZ the unique musical perspective they may need, it’s in good company. Those looking for an angsty, shout-along anthem will find plenty to enjoy here. The song seems designed as a vessel for catharsis, building to an explosive chorus that grows even fiercer with a headbanging post-chorus that sees the guitar distortion turned up to “eleven.” I quite like this. At the very least, it’s a memorable jolt of energy.
Trap beats continue to be a challenge for my ear. The tinny percussion cheapens an otherwise widescreen atmosphere and I wish the producers had chosen more robust beats to give Everglow an even bigger sound. If we’re going to do rock music, let’s pull out all the stops and make this as bold as possible. Everglow‘s best moments (ie: the chorus) capitalize upon this bombast and offer just enough adrenaline to make it worth slogging through the song’s less-inspired segments.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
