After debuting with a steady (and fun!) sound, VERIVERY’s music became more hit and miss. Fortunately, their last single Trigger was a big hit for me. Alongside an all-killer, no-filler mini album, their edgy electro reinvention had me ready to board the VERIVERY train once more. New single ‘O’ marks another sonic shift, but its slow-burn r&b makes a surprisingly strong match for the group.

VERIVERY are becoming chameleon-like in their embrace of various genres. They’re at their best when fully committed to a sound, and they perform ‘O’ very well. Their vocals haven’t always been put front and center in previous title tracks, and I appreciate their added prominence here. ‘O’ opens with searing guitar before settling into a midtempo groove. The production is quite atmosphere. It’s not trying to do too much, but its core ingredients are compelling enough to maintain interest.

If anything, I wish ‘O’’s chorus was a little more dynamic. It’s catchy and compliments the beat, but an extra shot of melodic firepower could have sent this into the stratosphere. Instead, the track is content to rest on its vibe. Interestingly, ‘O’ makes no room for a rap verse. There are moments in the verses that come close, but they weave through the melody in a way that feels complimentary. Rap is a vital part of the K-pop sound, but I appreciate how ‘O’ never crams in disparate elements to fill some imagined quota. This focus results in a very smooth track. Sometimes simple is best!