After the latest series of Road To Kingdom concluded last month, its participants are gearing up for comebacks and special singles. 8TURN placed right in the middle of the final rankings, but when last we heard from them on the blog my thoughts weren’t as rosy. Thankfully, Like A Friend (이럴거면 다음생에) is a total transformation from January’s Ru-Pum-Pum.

This song takes the group in a bright, punchy direction. Rock guitar collides with percussion that has the lockstep groove of new jack swing. Like A Friend feels like a series of musical jabs. It’s a little gawky and unnatural in places, but the energy never loses its verve. I’m pleased to hear just how much singing is happening within the track, especially from a group who haven’t always made that a big priority in their music. And when Like A Friend pulls back for swaggering rap, the instrumental never loses focus.

As much as I appreciate the punch of the percussion, there are times its individual elements feel too compressed. I’d love to hear a more commanding guitar riff open the track. Similarly, the electric guitar during the dance break is restrained by an awkward filter. If you’re going to utilize these larger-than-life musical touchstones, let them shine to their fullest! Still, Like A Friend is a welcome burst of excitement during a typically subdued month. I’ll take it.

Grade: B