There are precious few notable songwriters left in K-pop, so when I find one I connect with I tend to latch on tightly. Such is the case with LAVIN, formerly known as “VAHN.” Not only was his work with NINE.i impeccable, but he’s gone on to craft a solid solo career as well. That career takes a new twist with Junk Love (사랑하고 싶지 않아).

LAVIN’s raspy vocal and anthemic rock sound feel specific to him, and that signature goes a long way toward cementing his appeal. I have an idea what a LAVIN song will sound like even before I hear it, and within that space he’s able to carve out small nuances that make each track unique on its own. Junk Love is a rousing pop/rocker, opening with full intensity and scarcely letting up. Both its verses and chorus have a cathartic appeal — the kind of thing you can sing-shout loudly in your car.

Junk Love‘s chorus offers a satisfying centerpiece. Its melody climbs to great heights, giving the track a sense of movement that keeps it compelling until the end. LAVIN’s performance is equally dynamic. You really get the sense that he’s putting his full heart into every word. It’s a shame this song won’t garner as much attention as the month’s bigger comebacks, because it’s certainly one of the best things we’ve heard all February.

Grade: B