When we last heard from EPEX, they were embroiled in controversy over lyrical content referencing a Nazi massacre. The agency quite rightly adjusted the lyrics, but this exposed issues with sensitivity and general global awareness — and that’s putting it mildly. New single Hymn To Love (사랑歌) eliminates all potential of controversy, seeing the group make a hard swerve toward lighter material. EPEX’s music hasn’t had much of a through-line so far, and this comeback is yet another shift.

I quite liked EPEX when they cosplayed as vaguely-creepy puppies for last year’s Do 4 Me. Apart from that, their music has left me cold. Like many boy groups of their generation, the songs have an unearned focus on gruff exclamations without the robust song construction to back up the attitude. Hymn To Love attempts to fuse the group’s extremes. On one hand, it’s a cute little love song. But, this concept is embroiled in a boisterous instrumental and shouty chorus. At its best, the track recalls the offbeat, boisterous energy of Block B.

A memorable series of hooks would have improved Hymn’s standing. The chorus nearly gets there – especially with the instrumental shifting and churning to meet the excitement of the performance. I appreciate its funkiness, but the arrangement would have improved with more brass and less clanging percussion. Every time the song gets going, it sabotages itself. The verses are dull and extraneous, though their Lotto-esque synth bass adds a nice texture. When the chorus embraces its bombast, Hymn To Love shows great potential – only to be marred by unnecessary vocal effects and an overall sense of cluttered busyness. It’s kind of a mess, as frustrating as it is entertaining.

Grade: C