After making their long-awaited return from the ashes last November, B.A.P have made a speedy comeback with their new mini album, Carnival. It marks a drastic shift in sound and image from their last us-against-the-world concept. In fact, we really haven’t seen the guys this light and colorful since Stop It, from all the way back in their debut year.

Feel So Good is very much a summer song released in the wrong season. From the instant blast of uptempo percussion and rhythm guitar, we’re in complete roller rink territory. Luckily, this is exactly the territory I like to traverse, so this change in image is a welcome one. The guys seem up for it, too, despite rappers Zelo and Yongguk possessing edgier vocal tones that don’t necessarily match the concept. Not their fault, but this is a song that favors vocals over rappers.

Fortunately, the melodic elements and sunny production carry the track. This is particularly true during the throwback chorus, which piles hook after hook on top of an already propulsive tune. It feels like the best of the late 70’s and 80’s thrown in a blender, and allows the group to show a goofy charm that’s been missing from their music for quite some time. It’s a nice pair with The Legend’s Crush On You from last month, though I think I prefer Feel So Good. It feels a bit more dynamic and fully embraces its nostalgic, funk pop sound.