ONEWE have been churning out new music quite frequently over the past few years. They’re a firmly established band now, albiet one without a defining chart hit that would place them within the pantheon of well-known idol bands. Their sound tends to be a bit more cerebral, though they’ve attempted big pop hits in the past.

New single Icarus is another beautiful mid-tempo from the guys. Younghoon’s vocals are always a treat and give every song a wistfulness that instantly acts as the band’s signature. Icarus is at its best when it dispenses with the sentimentalism and transforms into an anthem. I enjoy its layered vocal centerpiece but find the rest of the track pretty predictable. An influx of percussion delivers needed drama during Icarus‘s midsection and an electric guitar solo takes the baton from there. I would have loved to hear a greater variety in the melody, though.

Grade: C+