Sometimes I forget ex-Snuper member Sebin is part of Omega X. Revisiting 2016’s K-pop releases yesterday, I realized yet again how desperate I am for some Snuper-esque Sweetune pop in 2022. Quick! Get Sebin on the phone with his old collaborators and work out a deal. After all, Omega X’s agency has opted to switch concepts for the release of their first full album. But while its sonic palette has brightened, Play Dumb could do with a hearty injection of melodic hooks.

Like most of their work so far, Play Dumb is polished but lacks a unique musical perspective. It gallops through many established “bright” boy group tropes, including Seventeen-esque funk stabs and plonky hip-hop beats. You can even find an outdated “skrrt” if you listen hard enough. While the overall effect is jovial enough, Play Dumb never lands a killer punch. That’s the thing about these bright K-pop tracks. They’re not successful solely because they’re energetic and fun. The best examples are highlighted by a robust series of hooks and melodies.

Play Dumb conforms to expectations, and its chorus is more melodic than pre-release teasers suggested. But in the end, the song doesn’t offer many memorable turns. The pre-chorus is probably its strongest moment, building on the group’s vocal skills to craft a buoyant hook. I’m less enthused by the chanted “dumb dumb” post-chorus. It’s meant to be playful and rowdy but comes across as obnoxious. Thankfully, Play Dumb’s brisk energy carries the day and the track floats by on its good vibes. It won’t ever be top of my playlist, but it’s a fine enough effort as we head into summer.