If you hang around K-pop fandom long enough, you’ll know that some truths are absolute. For example, when an agency announces that a boy group is showcasing a “new” sound or image, it almost always means they’re doing some form of dark and/or braggadocious hip-hop. It almost never means they’re doubling down on melody or opting for a brighter energy. That’s just how it is with agencies and their limited musical imaginations. This is all to say, Treasure’s newest mini album didn’t go down the route I’d hoped for (it’s pretty much all dark and/or braggadocious hip-hop), but I’ve found myself warming to title track If I anyway. What can I say? The little synth squiggles that interface with each chorus tickle my ears in a pleasant way.

Following If I, the guys have unveiled a music video for sub-unit HYUNHAYO, consisting of rappers Hyunsuk, Haruto, and Yoshi. This happens to be the other song on the EP I enjoy, even if just a bit. At its best, Nally-Na has the swaggering silliness of an old Block B track. This boisterous energy goes a long way toward selling a song called “Nally-Na” and if you turn your brain off and surrender to the clobbering, cumbersome beat you’ll probably have a good time.

The real shame is, Nally-Na grows much stronger during its final moments when a contrasting synth texture arrives to break up the monotony. I wish more of the song stretched its palette in this way. A repetitive “Nally-na, we like to party” hook is nothing to write home about. Like most of the song, it’s about as obvious as can be. But if all we’re doing here is reheating tropes, these ones are mildly satisfying in the right frame of mind.

Grade: B-