The latest controversial K-pop take to ignite the passion of keyboard warriors has fans debating the importance of… good singing. Yes, you read that right. Some fans online admitted they’re just in it for the “vibes”, dismissing the role of a decent vocalist as something Western singers can handle instead. Not only does the opinion have a racially biassed undertone – it also belittles the hard work of years-long trainees who fought for their spot in the music industry. Enduring boy group A.C.E puts the polarising take to rest in just four songs on their new EP My Girl: “My Choice”, which features nothing but angelic vocals.

While the youngest member Kang Yuchan recently came off his military service and is still warming back into things, Park Junhee, Lee Donghyun, Wow, and Kim Byeongkwan slipped back into their dancing shoes with My Girl. The disco-bound title track isn’t revolutionary by any means, but it justifies its existence with the singers’ refined talent as they dazzle with their impressive control and gorgeous harmonies. If the song’s overdone sound makes you want to leave, the boys’ falsettos will chain you to your seat. The music video shows the boys as tired office workers throwing the papers in the air to get up and dance in suits, and it’s concluded with hilarious shots of the boys ascending the sky with angel wings in their fantasy. If My Girl causes you, too, to do a groovy little jig on a dreary afternoon, then it’s succeeded in its purpose.

Effortless is a little less cheery and a bit more interesting. In November last year the four released it as a single, and it’s no wonder it found its way to the EP, which seems to exist solely to show off the mellifluous voices of A.C.E. It’s a little Shawn Mendes-y with a simple bassline and finger snaps, earning its layers as it progresses, carried by singing imbued with so much emotion that at times they sound like they’re on the brink of tears. Park Junhee and Kim Byeongkwan in particular stand out on this track, but neither of the four would fail to shine even in a room with the industry’s best. By the end, you’re itching to hear the hook “Everybody’s looking at you” one last time.

Halfway in: there’s not been a word of rapping. And we’re not going to get any during Angel, either, as the starting piano melody sets the gentle tone for the entire song that would fit right on the soundtrack for a romantic K-Drama. You might see some cherry blossoms float past your vision as Lee Donghyun sings “I’ll be your angel / If you let me” followed by a harmonic ending chorus by all the boys giving sweet promises. 

Facetime infuses R&B with elevator music and adds a few snippets of smartphone sounds for a laid-back track that is light, meaningless fun. The song’s abrupt changes in tempo simulate the listener being submerged in water as the voices singing “I can’t breathe” become distant, not long before the chirpy music crawls back to life. Facetime tells the story of waiting endlessly for someone to pick up the phone, and ends the EP on a chill note. A.C.E have proved yet again that true talent goes further than just crafted vibes and TikTok appeal. Even when the music itself isn’t profoundly new, the boys work their magic on the songs, making them a worthwhile listen. 

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Written by Maddie Armstrong

_{View of the Arts is an online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}