CURRENT #6: APINK- DUMHDURUM

Released: April 13th, 2020

Debuting back in 2011, Apink is one of the 2nd to last groups still standing from the second generation (the other being SNSD). Unlike all the other groups then, Apink has stayed true to its bubblegum, innocent, retro sound, which is truly distinct from all other groups. However, the group is not afraid to experiment and try different things. This is evident in their past 2 singles, one incorporating an electronic sound, while the other is dripped with synths, and it looks like the trend continues. Dumhdurum fuses both of those elements to produce Apink's most upbeat single by far. But it works, and it works really well.

Dumhdurum incorporates the groovy beats from the 70s and 80s along with a bass, driven primarily by synths of what sounds like the trumpet in the main hook, with synthetic percussion (I think it's xylophone?) sprinkled in later. I like how the song goes straight to its bread and butter, with the energy never dipping at any point between the verse and the chorus. The transition between the first and the second half in the first verse is beautiful, keeping things refreshing and I like that little sound effect inserted right in between. The chorus may not immediately scream "I'm very different from those verses!" but it does start to distinguish itself when you hear the aggressiveness of those atmospheric percussion synths and the high vocal notes. Although the second verse immediately picks up where the chorus left off, the beginning of it did sound disjointed. I thought the use of"Na-na-na-na" as another hook did not sound that great, and the actual use of the xylophone killed the momentum that was still there from the chorus and the post-chorus. Speaking of hooks, I am a little divided over the song's main hook "Dumhdurum". Something about it, especially when used in the transition from the verse to the chorus sounded a little off. I thought the contrast between the song's tempo and how fast "Dumhdurum"was said was a reason why, but I am sure it'll stand up to time. The song turns it down a notch at the bridge, where we get a nice look at purely the vocals. A 3rd and final chorus instead of just the post-chorus would have been nice as I find myself praising those lively percussion synths so much!

The vocal notes are well-defined in both the verses and the chorus. Surprisingly enough, the best vocal parts in the chorus are not given to the best vocalist in Apink, Eunji, but rather Bomi and Namjoo (Eunji got the rap part instead LOL). Both of them especially Namjoo did a terrific job here, and it is really great to see them getting more recognition. The small things like that are vital to a K-pop group's longevity, and is one of the reasons why Apink has aged like fine wine. The pillars of the 2nd generation may finally be on the verge of collapsing, but Apink has certainly shown they have the talent and the musicality to stand against time.

RATING: 7.6/10