P1Harmony have been spending a lot of time in America this year. As an American myself, I can only apologize for the state of things. Idol groups often make this trek across continents in search of a perceived “authenticity” the idol industry can’t always supply. For an act with such strong hip-hop influence, it makes sense to experience the roots of the genre. However, new single Doom Du Doom (둠두둠) is their poppiest yet, bounding along a lighthearted energy.

I’m all for lighthearted, especially in this claustrophobic era of shouty boy group noise music. Doom Du Doom brings good vibes alongside a familiar rock influence that’s threatening to become a bigger K-pop trend than 80’s synth. As usual, the track could do with going full-on rock rather than pussy-footing around the genre (study DRIPPIN’s Zero for a great example of crunchy guitar elevating a track). But, Doom Du Doom has a lighter touch that sees the group delivering playful jabs and confident bursts of melody. The second half of the chorus is pretty dumb, but I’ll gladly take dumb melodies over blustery posturing. At least it’s catchy!

I wish the first half of Doom Du Doom’s chorus didn’t sink into a slinky, bass-driven arrangement. This “anti-drop” approach has become so overused it’s beginning to feel lazy. The track quickly rights itself and remains aloft thanks to the members’ personality, but like many of 2022’s summer tracks Doom Du Doom stops short of “excellent” and settles for “solid.” However, beggars can’t be choosers, and I have a feeling its ingratiating hooks will grow more addictive with time.