It’s ‘Golden Child comeback’ time again, which means a track-by-track review of their new mini album, Aura! Check back each day of the week as I make my way through the five new songs.
1. Aura (Intro) // 2. Replay // 3. Knocking On My Door // 4. 3! 6! 5! // 5. Purpose // 6. Miracle
3! 6! 5!
In my perfect version of Aura’s promotions, 3! 6! 5! would be given the follow-up music video treatment, continuing the “Golden Child as sport teams” tradition established since their debut. They did it for Breathe last year. Why not repeat the tactic?
I love how, even when promoting an edgier track, Golden Child return to the production team that developed the bright, poppy sound of their early career. 3! 6! 5! comes courtesy of MosPick, the driving force behind earlier singles DamDaDi, Let Me and Pump It Up. This new track follows in these footsteps but feels a little more refined. It reminds me of early Seventeen – a group Golcha have often cited as a strong influence.
With that said, nobody thrives in this style more than Golden Child. Their natural personality pokes through, giving the music so much character. Moments that could feel cheesy instantly win you over through the group’s sheer exuberance and commitment to the material. Not to be too clever with my wording, but this has always felt like their true “aura.”
Beyond that, 3! 6! 5! is just a really great pop song. The galloping beat is energetic from the start, hitting with a sense of optimistic drive that’s impossible to resist. Hearkening back to 2020’s Pump It Up, the guys deliver a volley of lively harmonies during the standout pre-chorus. The chorus itself is one big ball of sunny energy, punctuated by a chant-along hook guaranteed to get you moving. A rhythmic breakdown builds us back to the finale, sending the track out on a high. It’s fantastic work all around.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 10 |
| RATING | 9.25 |
