SUNGGYU - '27'

Tracklist:

1. 27
2. The Answer
3. Alive
4. Kontrol
5. Daydream (Feat. Borderline : TABLO & JW)
6. Reply (Feat. Park Yoon Ha)

Infinite's leader, Sunggyu, joked that he would quit the band if they didn't give him another shot at a solo album. Apparently,  they believed him (we certainly wouldn't want to lose him) since he's back with '27.'

The album kicks off with the eponymous "27," a good synth intro that has an epic vibe to it. Woollim makes some good choices when it comes to intros, and this one is no exception.

We move to the title track "The Answer," which reminds me a little of "I Need You" from his solo debut 'Another Me.'  The mid-tempo tune speaks of lost love, sung to a piano and orchestra mix. There's a vibe to it which doesn't entirely discard the idea that she might come back.

"Alive" starts off with a rather spare piano and vocal arrangement and shifts to a powerful beat midway through, receding to just a piano at the end with no vocals. The whole thing gives an interesting sensation as Sunggyu wants to rid himself of what he's feeling. It almost feels as if he's fighting against his nature and then quietly reflecting at the end.

"Kontrol" is a more straightforward pop song than what we've heard so far on this disc. Lyrically, it tackles the same themes that we've seen so far --  loss and longing. There's some kind of magic that's needed to bring this to life, but I couldn't tell you what.

Next up is "Daydream." Sung over a rapid looped piano sequence, it soon gives way to piping synths and a break that features Tablo, his husky raps adding emotion to the tune. When he first comes in, it's muted, which I didn't like, but it's pretty poppin' when you can fully hear him.

Last but not least is "Reply." It's a stripped-down tune, sung almost entirely to an acoustic guitar. The song picks up with percussive snaps once Park Yoon Ha enters the mix. It's a heartfelt duet where two lovers talk to each other about the relationship; when their voices join at the end, you can imagine them hand in hand.

Sunggyu uses an interesting technique on this album. On a few tunes, you can't tell where the main verse ends and the chorus begins. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. Because of this, it's a bit bland in places, lacking any of the traditional hooks. It is, however, a pleasant listen, a more mature effort, which is what I think he was striving for.

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