As Astro’s youngest member, Yoon Sanha has often been constrained by the concepts he’s able to attempt. Last year’s solo effort Dive also seemed a bit confused, attempting a darker makeover that didn’t fit well with his charm as a performer. New title track Extra Virgin gives him a funk makeover, similar to the sound of Astro sub-unit Jinjin & Rocky.
This fresh energy feels much more engaging and lets Sanha display more colorful personality. Extra Virgin could certainly be more sprightly, but its percussive groove gives him plenty to work with. The beat even incorporates some rootsy rock flourishes. In a parallel world, this could have been a country song, though that would have been a surprised genre turn. Instead, Extra Virgin is straightforward and energetic, hinging on a sung-spoken chorus that emphasizes character over robust melodic lines.
While this works well, I would have loved to hear a post-chorus or bridge that dipped into more melodic territory. Extra Virgin often feels dangerously close to “novelty.” It’s not a jokey or even gimmicky song, but the execution can feel like a kid putting on a show in their backyard. There’s nothing wrong with that and I guess it’s kind of Sanha’s schtick anyways. However, the track also doles out occasional flashes of legitimate excitement, making me want to give it a little push in a more satisfying direction.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
