The East Light’s January release Real Man was one of that month’s biggest growers, and its disco pulse proved to be a perfect match for the young band. With new single Love Flutters (설레임), the guys have reverted to the tropical pop they dabbled in last year, this time with an acoustic edge.

Love Flutters’ first impression underwhelms compared to something as catchy as Real Man, but its earworm hooks are likely to grow throughout the summer. The track has a breezy, lighthearted vibe driven by the strum of guitar and a few smartly placed synth loops. However, the instrumental’s percussive stomps steal the show. I’ve always loved big, resounding drum beats, and the ones here add unexpected excitement to what could have been a very humdrum arrangement. They’re most prominent during the song’s first verse, and instantly draw attention.

Flutters‘ melody is a bit more elusive – unfailingly jaunty but not immediately catchy upon first listen. Its chorus feels a bit odd, built on a continuously rising melody that never quite reaches a climax. Luckily, the whistle synth refrain that follows is pure beach-side bliss. The song paints its summertime vibe effectively, with each slyly addictive moment coming together to create something bigger than the sum of its parts. Eun Sung and Sa Kang’s vocals — as adolescent as they may be — are matched well with this lazy, island-like sound. This is a group that continues to grow, and I’m excited to see where they go next.

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