It can be difficult deciding whether or not to write about a song promoted with a bare-bones, “home video style” music video. Generally, I don’t cover these unless the song itself is completely new or if I really like it and have something to say. DAILY:DIRECTION’s Up is newly released today and despite its self-made video it’s the best song the guys have recorded yet.

Though I enjoyed their summer track Down With It, DAILY:DIRECTION have been the kind of group in desperate need of a chorus and a shot of memorable melody. Up fixes that, delivering a funky, fully sung showcase. At times, it sounds like something you might hear on a SHINee album, though the execution is toned down compared to the wall-of-sound approach that often highlights incredible SHINee tracks. I certainly crave a bit more bombast (a song like this practically demands it!), but overall this is a nice surprise that points toward a new level of potential for DAILY:DIRECTION.

Grade: B