Thus far, there’s been a big disconnect between how much I like INI as a group and how much I enjoy the music they’re given. My favorite songs tend to be one-off projects or b-sides, while most of their singles have landed with a thud. But, the universe has finally aligned with Fanfare. It’s not perfect, but it’s a massive improvement over past material.

I’ll always love a rock-infused idol track, and Fanfare bolsters its by-the-numbers posturing with plenty of guitar. This stretches throughout the entire song, even when it segues into its perfunctory second-verse breakdown. This consistency is key to Fanfare‘s appeal. If you’re going to deliver a ballsy rocker like this, you must keep the energy up.

I appreciate how the group’s (very skilled) vocalists are given more space to stretch their talents this time around. Power notes collide with squealing guitar to great effect, and that sense of theatricality adds to the song’s intensity. And while the verses don’t offer much in the form of melody, the brusque, catchy chorus delivers a sense of speed worth looking forward to.

Grade: B+