I (mostly) have a rule against writing about K-pop’s new virtual/animated groups, as I don’t think they fit the nature of this blog. However, PLAVE is an exception due to how incredibly popular they’ve become. The virtual approach still isn’t for me, but I get the appeal and when it comes down to it a good song is a good song no matter what visual accompanies it. And thankfully, new single Star Trace is probably their best yet.

My biggest gripe with PLAVE’s output so far is that it’s felt weirdly subdued and generic when compared to the unlimited ambition their concept should be able to provide. Star Trace isn’t some momentous, game-changing song, but it’s relentlessly upbeat and repaints them with a more dance-forward sound. It feels like K-pop’s love for UK garage and drum and bass is beginning to morph into more daring percussion. The beat still shuffles along, but with much more presence and drive. In this way, Star Trace isn’t too dissimilar from KickFlip’s excellent Kick Off The Wall released last week.

This aural playground also allows for some great vocal-focused highlights. There’s a brilliant, gritty power note at Star Trace‘s climax that kicks the song up to a new level right before we segue into its finale. I’d love to hear more of this vocal presence throughout since much of the performance feels a bit lightweight to match the song’s intensity. This is the rare case where I’d actually advocate for more vocal processing, as I could easily hear Star Trace remixed into a heavily-synthesized Eiffel 65-style Euro-dance track.

Grade: B