When I discovered that INFINITE�had come back with a new album�a full-length album at that �the fan girl in me exploded�with irrepressible glee. I was quite flustered that they released a full LP (not that I'm complaining though) because it's TOO MUCH INFINITE AT ONCE. I... don't think I... can take it! But for science, I must. And to enlighten the world with my generally smart-alecky commentary, I must forge on. Let me start off by writing that I'm not just stating I like INFINITE to meekly kowtow to K-Pop fandom. And you already know that if I don't like something, I outright declare my distaste for it. That being said, I genuinely enjoy listening to INFINITE's songs�albeit not�all�of them.
INFINITE is one of the few idol groups with a pointed style that distinguishes them from the avalanche of boy bands and girl groups in the K-Pop music sphere. At least to me, they have a special sound. "The Chaser" is a song that I absolutely fawn over even to this day. It probably has to be my all-time�favorite�INFINITE song. The rare instances when I visit the gym, I blast this song to make my exercise more interesting than it actually is. That's how much I like INFINITE. I was sincerely hoping I would hear more songs within the same scope of sound as "The Chaser" on 'Season 2'. �The heavens must be in cahoots with me this year because I got my wish! From wispy, haunting ballads to catchy dance jams, 'Season 2' is a delectable concoction of strings, harmonization, guitar riffs, and much more.�
The album launches with an instrumental track
that that is eponymous to the album. It begins with a gentle piano melody and
then gradually builds with drums, synths and chopped snippets of vocals that
serve as the prelude to the title track "Last
Romeo". I was apprehensive that the album would contain more low-energy
songs than high-energy ones after hearing the mellow piano in the beginning,
but fortunately that didn't turn out to be the case. "Last Romeo" was one such
track that did not fulfill my fear; it is an incredibly lively track with piano
chords that reverberate throughout the chorus, spunky brass instruments flaring
in the background with an unfaltering, steady bass-line to hold everything up
nicely. The lyrics are surprisingly poetic, dare I say even romantic (well, the
song is called "Last Romeo"), but they aren't soppy or
florid. The choice of words represent a yearning�maybe even desperate�desire of
a man to be by his lover's side until the end of time. They go: "Even when flowers wither and flutter away
and the moon wanes and disappears / My heart will never falter, I love you I love
you / Your lips embrace my lips that are full of sin, intoxicating me with your
scent / No prize can be greater [than this feeling]; I only need you."�
Okay, so maybe they are a tad soppy, but I've noticed this mawkish theme of "chasing-after-one-love-eternally" has prevailed in other INFINITE title tracks, as well, e.g. "The Chaser", "Destiny", "Come Back Again", and "Be Mine". Not that this concept is necessarily a bad thing�as INFINITE pulls through well each time�but it's a pattern I have come to recognize. I just pretend that all of INFINITE members are desperately chasing after me and I fall into a blissful fantasy every time I put their songs on my playlist.
Moving onto the other tracks on 'Season 2', there were several tracks that stood out more than others. "Rocinante", "Light", "Alone", and "Shower" are select favorites of mine from the album. "Rocinante", a term I have never heard of before (or so I thought), is actually a character from Miguel de Cervantes's novel 'Don Quixote.'�I vaguely recall reading the novel in my high school freshman English class, but alas, I don't recall anything from the book (probably because I didn't much enjoy reading it). So I turned to the internet. According to the glorious internet, Rocinante is the beloved horse of Don Quixote, who faithfully serves his owner as a steed that is supposedly the noblest of all noble steeds. Conversely, Rocinante is just as senile and deranged as Don Quixote, making him a direct replica of his eccentric owner. Initially, I had no idea why this song is named after an old horse from ancient Spanish literature. The lyrics provide some clues in decoding the title's meaning; the song is about traversing adversities and overcoming difficulties no matter what may block your way. A part of the lyrics translate roughly as such: "The present reality will soon be a past; it is just a brief shower passing through / I face the typhoon head on; I will surely overcome / Now, embark into the vast world; even though the end is too distant to see / just leave me be; this is my task; [I head towards] the place where the winds reach." My interpretation is that Rocinante signifies INFINITE's endurance in the face of hardship and their ongoing struggle to grow as artists. Though Rocinante may be old and senile, he is still a reliable horse that can handle whichever crazy antics his owner may inevitably get involved in. I believe this blind tenacity of Rocinante mirrors INFINITE's determination to further improve themselves.
"Light" and "Alone" are a bit toned down, but just as instrumentally and melodically lush as the other songs on the album. "Light" is a feel-good, slightly upbeat ballad with traces of R&B�the smoothly layered backing vocals and funky guitar make for a joyride of a listen. As you are enjoying all the delicate elements of the song, it unexpectedly slaps you in the face (ears?) with an eerie yet beautiful bridge right around the 1:52 mark. This relatively short-lived part�it lasts only around 15 seconds�contrasts the lighthearted feel of the songs, but manages to tuck itself in as an appropriate interjection into the track. Bravo to whoever thought inserting that part was a good idea.
"Alone" is a moodier version of "Light" with its slight neo-soul vibe. The piano chords in minor and the tickling of guitar that is just barely heard create a simple tune that is consistent until the end. There is no sudden divergence in this consistency of melody as was the instance in the previous track. But that doesn't mean the song is plain�far from it. Though melodically, the song is quite simple, the lyrics explore the heavy-weight topic that is the ending of a relationship. Hoya and Dongwoo wrote the lyrics with the help of Rphabet�a hip-hop producer�who also composed the song. I'm glad the two boys are venturing further into the world of production as I believe they have great potential. I am anxiously waiting for another Infinite H album!
"Shower" is another standout track to me because it showcases that showy, 80s/90s-style, bold dance sound of INFINITE that I have come to appreciate and love. It sounds similar to the other energetic songs I mentioned earlier�namely "Last Romeo" and "Rocinante"�in that the track contains paunchy guitars; instruments that are unmistakably brass, lending it a jazzy feel; and a ridiculously overworked, glitzy chorus. I just love it! As someone who grew up avidly listening to 90s dance music, especially The Backstreet Boys and N'SYNC, listening to INFINITE's songs reminds me of those carefree days.
If you are more a fan of ballads, then I recommend giving "A Person Like Me" a listen. It is a melancholic song about the pains of breakup. There is nothing too intricate about this track; just enjoy the lovely melody that is made up of piano, acoustic guitar, and synthesized strings. The members all have enchanting voices, as you all already know, and you can appreciate it the most through this song. Or maybe you'd prefer Woohyun's solo "Close your Eyes", featuring Woohyun's velvety voice and a slick guitar solo.
I realize I have skipped a bunch of other songs on the album but my coverage of more than half of the songs on there clearly reveal my overall sentiment towards INFINITE's latest effort. The group returned with a solid full-length album that will bring you out of a syndrome I call "INFINITE withdrawal." Fill that hollow, INFINITE-less void that has been steadily burgeoning with this gem of an album and you will be back to normal soon enough.�
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