Every time I think OnlyOneOf are going to zig, they zag. I’m not sure how I feel about their unusual promotions, but at this point I’m just happy they’re still making music. Rather than opt for a traditional comeback this summer, each of the members will be releasing solo tracks – one each month until all six have had their time to shine. I hope for a full-group return shortly after, but I’ve given up trying to predict the twists and turns of the OnlyOneOf universe.
First up for these solo promotions is member Yoojung. Begin sees him delivering a moody synth-drenched mid-tempo. It feels like OnlyOneOf’s interpretation of current trends, and slots neatly into a sonic landscape I tend to enjoy. The production has the complex, industrial appeal that characterizes many of the group’s tracks (an “art pop” genre, as they call it), but the song itself is pretty straightforward. The melody creeps along, surging and swelling each time the emotion comes to a crescendo. Yoojung’s vocal is expressive enough to carry the track, but I can’t help but wonder how a full-group version might have sounded.
Paired with an equally moody video, Begin feels like an excuse to expand the aesthetics of the group’s post-libidO universe. The song is definitely not as interesting as their past two singles, but I appreciate the consistency of tone. A more dynamic melody would have sold the sentiment. As it stands, Yoojung’s performance mostly just traces the lines of the instrumental. It’s almost conversational in its delivery, giving Begin an intimate, understated appeal.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
