EXID may have gone on indefinite hiatus, with the majority of its members leaving their agency, but the group has one more project to unveil. Their second Japanese album arrives next month, spearheaded by B.L.E.S.S.E.D. It’s an unconventional swan song for the girls, but when have EXID ever been conventional? Their entire career arc was unpredictable.

As far as B.L.E.S.S.E.D, I suppose I’m happy that it’s not some dreary ballad. However, the song still feels pretty throwaway. It fits within the chill, jazzy style EXID previously explored with tracks like Night Rather Than Day, and is buoyed by splashes of brass and a great trip-hop breakbeat during the chorus. In fact, the production is really the star of the show here. It has plenty of character, becoming more lively and spontaneous as the track grows. I just wish it supported a more exciting melody.

B.L.E.S.S.E.D’s chorus is pretty trite, especially as the girls literally spell out the song’s title. On the other hand, the verses are forgettable – a string of inconspicuous melodies that never come together to forge any real resonance. LE’s rap is easily the most characteristic element within the track, though even this doesn’t live up to past glories. But, when it comes down to it I guess a song like B.L.E.S.S.E.D isn’t meant to reinvent the wheel or stand as a career highlight. Instead, it’s a pleasant gift for fans who have stuck with this group through all the ups and downs (literally, ups and downs!). And even though I’ve found EXID’s material to be somewhat inconsistent over the years, their unique musical perspective will certainly be missed.

Be sure to add your own rating by participating in the poll below!