

The best thing I can say is that it’s not actively unpleasant to listen to.

I wish I had the same level of praise for the song. Like with Hot Issue’s “Icons”, the colors are balanced so well, and feels dark/edgy without literally being a dark/unclear video. If it is a cheap video, I certainly can’t tell. I have no idea what kinda budget this has, since I’m pretty sure their last album didn’t even sell past 1k copies. “Addicted”s music video in particular looks fantastic, all the shots of various objects and textures really build a cool atmosphere and distinct vibe. The choreography is so powerful, and they have such incredible expressions and charisma for a rookie/nugu group. HooksĪs always, PIXY’s performance here is jaw-dropping. Even so, I can’t help but imagine how awesome Addicted might sound with a chorus (or verse!) (or bridge!) that knocks me out with more than just its performance or production. This compliments the claustrophobia of the instrumental and is probably intentional. The chorus comes closest to crafting a killer hook, but the melody is so fractured and repetitive. Instead, we move from chant to incantation to tortured cry. I so badly want to hear one hook that grabs me. But like the majority of new material, Addicted is sing talk, sing talk, sing talk. I feel like a broken record, complaining again and again about K-pop’s wishy-washy melodies. All the ingredients are in the cauldron, ready to mix and congeal into something spectacular. It’s a very satisfying vibe, echoing similarly-themed efforts like Dreamcatcher’s Scream. Just in time for Halloween, the track pulses with a spooky blend of synth, resounding percussion and airy backing vocals.

One thing Addicted does especially well is establish a creepy atmosphere. But, I assume the group’s fans will be pleased. For me, this means another single that won’t be making the playlist. Previous singles Wings and Let Me Know are a boisterous pair, and the new Addicted (중독) feels like their not-so-distant cousin – evolving their style without abandoning it. When playing one of their tracks, you know you’re going to get something dark, moody and musically combative. Pixy haven’t yet released a song that’s connected with me, but I appreciate how they stick to their concept. I often write about the idea of a “signature sound,” and how important it is to rookie groups.
