Song Review: (G)I-DLE – Last Dance

(G)I-DLE’s Last Dance is the latest single to be released via the Universe app, a frustrating approach where a song’s full music video is only viewable within the app itself. Despite gathering some big-name talent for these tie-ins, I still have no clue what the Universe app actually is, and have little desire in researching or downloading. This is largely due to the strength (or lack thereof) of the music spawned from the project so far. Both IZ*ONE and Park Jihoon’s tracks felt like afterthoughts when compared to their own promoted material. And though Last Dance shows hints of promise, it also shares that undercooked feeling.

On the plus side, I really enjoy the song’s instrumental. In keeping with their moniker, producers GroovyRoom have a way with rhythm. Much of Last Dance’s percussion hits a sweet early-to-mid 90’s nostalgia, right around the time where new jack swing gave way to a more laidback house style. This pops up most clearly after each chorus, where the production abandons its deep electro throb to enlist a fuller spectrum of sound.

Unfortunately, Last Dance’s excitement is dulled by an empty chorus. The melody here is lazy and flat, and misses the opportunity to harness the full power of that instrumental. Drop choruses are nothing new, but they continue to disappoint unless a songwriter does something novel with the format. At three minutes, Last Dance isn’t an overlong track. But the fact that it only finds room for one repetition of the chorus is a testament to the level of slack within the song. It could do with some tightening, giving its best instincts greater focus and getting rid of the elements that drag it down.

Hooks 7 Production 9 Longevity 8 Bias 7 RATING 7.75

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