I don’t remember reviewing (G)I-DLE’s last comeback, ‘Super Lady’, but I liked it a fair bit, particularly production wise, though the song suffered from its short run time and somewhat mediocre hooks. Still, it was certainly a valiant effort, and I don’t think anyone can really disagree with that. In time for the summer, (G)I-DLE are back with ‘Klaxon’.
The last time they released an explicitly summer-themed comeback (I say explicitly, because ‘QUEENCARD’ sounds like a summer song despite not being released in the summer, for those who live in west anyway) was through ‘DUMDI DUMDI’. I had yet to be a casual listener of (G)I-DLE at the time of its release, and was exploring their discography. Honestly, I thought it was a top-tier summer song at first listen, and my thoughts still carry over today. Even though there are certainly several moments which I enjoy in ‘Klaxon’, I don’t think it lives up to its preceder.
One thing that I really appreciate about ‘Klaxon’ is the mixing. The vocals are very clear and forward, and so are the instrumentals. Yet, together, they don’t sound like they clash. This sheer clarity matches the bright summery vibe that the song is going for. Paired with the honking brass and enthusiastic vocal delivery of the members, one cannot deny that it does that job that it sought out to do.
Some hooks work better than others, but as a whole, there are only a couple that really stick. Notably, the post-chorus, ‘Oooh’ (delivered in a particular way difficult to describe in words), is cute and somewhat novel. However, the main chorus hook, ‘I love you babyyyy’, leaves me hanging slightly. I don’t know how to feel about it, but I don’t think it ultimately detracts from the song. Still, it is flatter than it probably should be.
(G)I-DLE are masters at knowing their own voices and working with them to deliver their best efforts into maximising their song’s effects. I don’t have much more to say than that, because this is a well-known fact about them, whether one likes or dislikes the group. I strongly believe that their delivery elevates the song to a higher level.
Overall, ‘Klaxon’ is a successful summer song, but I’m not sure if it goes beyond that. I can foresee myself enjoying this more over time, but these reflect my current thoughts.
Hooks – 7
Production – 8
Vocal and Rap Delivery – 9
Overall – 8
K-pop Evaluated 
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