CURRENT #28: MOONBYUL- ABSENCE

Released: May 29th, 2020

After Mamamoo's Solar released her first solo album just a month ago, I didn't expect Moonbyul to respond that quickly. With the general media still in awe over Spit It Out however, it made sense to take charge and gain even more publicity to Mamamoo's name while the fire is still burning. This time, it's Moonbyul who answers the call by releasing a re-issue to her previous album with Absence. Moonbyul's previous comeback Eclipse happened only back in February, but it feels more like eternities ago with all the recent things going on in the world. If Eclipse best described the yin side of Moonbyul, then Absence showcases the yang side, taking on a more laid-back atmosphere that will surely feel like a breath of fresh air for many.

This slow R&B track exerts everything to allow Moonbyul to exercise her unique vocals to the greatest extent. It's been a while since we've last heard a main-stream artist promoting a slow jam track, and it makes this release sound that much sweeter. The simple formula of a song has always been hearing a climax in the chorus and that is exactly what Absence does. A gentle piano melody in the beginning followed by a seamless addition of the percussion and some deep bass along the verse paves way to a respectable peak in the chorus dominated by the guitar. It does just enough to give the melody that extra depth and oomph needed to give it that boost in amplitude without increasing the volume. The next section allows Moonbyul to briefly return to her rapping roots, and while the sing-rap method is unique, I would have liked to hear more creativity with the placement of the raps, and it would have been nice if it was incorporated with Absence's main melody to keep the song moving forward, instead of coming a stop to hear something else. The bridge only consists of some vocal chants, but the strength of the final chorus at least downplays some of that.

Moonbyul has always been a favorite by many due to her relatively deep voice, and her vocals shine bright in Absence. I would have loved to hear more of her vocal range in the chorus, but that's probably asking too much from her, as she has plenty of time to continue to grow as a vocalist. Absence doesn't go for anything groundbreaking musically or structure-wise, but it fits the ideal song structure perfectly, and that's what matters in the end. The verses and the chorus are distinct from each other, allowing Moonbyul to take care of the rest. Both Eclipse and Absence are good starts to Moonbyul's solo career and I can't wait to see where she goes next from there.

RATING: 7.35/10