I really wanted to love DXMON’s debut because their spiky red hair styling was too crazy to pass up, but both Burn Up and Spark felt like underdeveloped copies of better boy group tracks. This time, the spiky hair is gone but the eccentricities have transferred to the music. Girls, Love Boys, Love Girls (소년…소녀를 만나다) is an eye-catching and somewhat inscrutable title, framing a big shift in sound for the group.

Gone is the tough guy posturing of earlier songs, replaced by a soft musical palette and trendy percussion. Its verses lean a little close to ZEROBASEONE for my liking, but Girls, Love Boys, Love Girls‘ catchy hook makes for a memorable calling card. I’m not usually one for chanted choruses, mostly because idols’ voices are often arranged into the same faceless mix during these segments. But by taking a lighter approach, DXMON sound a bit different. The wispy high note that follows this chant is even better — a gorgeous little shot of melody that keeps the track from feeling like pure novelty.

I also like the fact that — although Girls, Love Boys, Love Girls is relentlessly soft and hazy — its tempo actually remains sprightly throughout. The chorus has a lot more bounce than expected, bringing touches of tropical house that make it a perfect fit for summer. I’ll gladly board the DXMON train if they continue along this route.

Grade: B