While other groups are turning to Y2K influences for sound and aesthetic, ONEUS have gone right back to the source with a cover of Fin.K.L's 2000 track Now. Straight-up covers are unusual in K-pop -- especially as title tracks -- and rather than bend the song to their own will ONEUS have delivered a pretty faithful re-creation.
Of course, the original track is a total banger so sticking with its overall arrangement makes sense. The few added elements (especially the squealing guitar during the chorus) work well, though we could have done without the needless energy slow-down during the dance break. There are some things the 2000 era of music did better, and consistency of energy was certainly one of them. Another aspect I miss about the original is the interplay between male and female vocals. As talented as ONEUS are, the song is flattened a bit without this contrast.
Even so, I'm all for excellent K-pop songs of the past being brought to modern fans' attention. Even better would be to take this slamming Y2K sound and use it as a springboard to new, original work. Having been a pop music obsessive during the original Y2K era, I can assure younger fans that the skittering, breezy easy-listening K-pop tracks we're hearing these days aren't emblematic of that time. Here's hoping this new Now reminds producers that there's plenty to be mined from more up-tempo material as well.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Grade: B
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