This seems to be the week of bonkers girl group releases. From NMIXX to Billlie to CRAXY, these groups are serious about their worldbuilding and intricate concepts. But so far, the music hasn’t always followed suit. Yes, the songs twist and swerve in unexpected (sometimes jarring) directions, but they’re all built on ultra-familiar, overused sounds. To me, this considerably blunts their ambition.

Speaking of ambition, CRAXY burst onto the scene in 2020 with the wonderfully left-field Aria. Last year, they revisited the sound in a more fragmented way with Gaia. New single Dance With God continues the approach, but lacks a killer calling card that might set it apart. The song relies heavily on its instrumental, which pounds forward with huge energy. At times, it feels like the soundtrack to the most exhausting Zumba class you never had. When the beat gets going, it’s hard not to dance along. I only wish there was more of a song attached to this exuberant percussion.

Instead, Dance With God feels like the extended climax from one of those formulaic YG Entertainment title tracks. CRAXY serve plenty of energy and verve, but without a memorable hook there’s not much to work with. The song might have been a great rap showcase had the group opted to lean further in that direction. However, most of Dance With God hinges on the kind of flim flam sing-talk that tends to go in one ear and out the other. Its rambunctious energy is enjoyable in the moment, but I fear it will be difficult to recall this track in several months’ time.