I really enjoy Close Your Eyes’ recent title track Snowy Summer, but when I think about it the song is probably my least favorite on their new mini album. I already wrote about b-side You, knowing full well that album opener Paint Candy would eventually be promoted as a double title track. Now, it’s been paired with a new video ahead of likely music show performances.
If I have one criticism for Close Your Eyes, it’s that I wish their music heightened the energy a bit. The vast majority of their tracks so far have been mid-tempo, which isn’t my preferred mode for idol pop. Paint Candy‘s brisk New Jack Swing beat gets us much closer to dance territory and hints at a promising transformation for their sound.
The song opens with a catchy spoken-word hook (reminiscent of Red Velvet’s iconic Red Flavor, actually!) before launching into its first verse. While the percussion hits with new intensity, the vocal delivery is still quite laid back. This contrast works well, especially set against the flood of forgettable sing-talk currently clogging the K-pop market. Paint Candy‘s chorus is similarly restrained, coasting along the groove rather than snatching full command of the song. Again, this isn’t my preferred approach to a song like this, but Close Your Eyes make it work thanks to their compelling vocal color and the general breeziness of the track. Overall, this makes for a solid late-summer highlight.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I appreciate that they are sounding different from most other boy groups promoting these days. This song doesn’t follow the usual tropes omnipresent these days. (I swear at this point, I could write a decent kpop song.)
Different does not necessarily mean better, but given all the other schlock, I’ll take this one.
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I Know they have a sound
But the next album or if they ever do covers I want them to do a powerful song
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I want them to release a song like DREAM TEAM. Ideally, they would’ve done so during summer or spring, but I’ll take it any time of year. (That song has a really tight grip on me currently, the melodies are so engaging and memorable).
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Yesss, I love that song. It has an old-school feel while also remaining very current. AHOF would also be a great fit for this sound.
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I’ve been enjoying a lot of Close Your Eyes’ output lately, and this latest mini has been an overall really good listen! Really appreciate the reliably good mid-tempo sounds they’re putting out.
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Honestly my only complaint about this song is how much they perform it on award shows without ever really changing the performance/sound/anything else. I love the original song and choreography, but it would be nice to have award show performances that don’t just feel like another music show…
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