BEAT INTERACTIVE’s gem of a boy group A.C.E are definitely no strangers when it comes to collaborating and infusing their hardcore choreography performances with EDM artists. 2021 has already been quite an exciting year for the boy group as they have worked with EDM artist Steve Aoki on “Fav Boyz” (Steve Aoki’s Gold Star Remix), which features Thutmose.And this time around, A.C.E’s most recent release is the perfect transition and next step for the young stars, as they have worked with EDM producer duo Grey, known best for their clean production style that often plays around in future bass and pop genre, as well as being the proteges of veteran artist ZEDD.BEAT INTERACTIVE recently have enlisted Grey to feature on A.C.E’s spring and summer season friendly track, ‘DOWN’. While EDM stars producing for and collaborating with K-Pop acts is nothing new, the recent collaboration shows that there’s still room for more interesting combinations of artists from two different realms.As viewers are able to tell right away from the MV of ‘DOWN’, the social-media themed video captures each individual members’ unique charms and visual qualities in cleverly adorned manner. Combine the trendy video concept with 2021’s music trend of using pizzicato strings and synth plucks on an EDM trap beat, you end up with an instant smash for the K-Pop fans.One thing that picky listeners might have qualms about ‘DOWN’ is that either two things should have been more emphasized in the chorus of the song. And that is having a stronger vocal production or a more dynamic track arrangement. Usually in track styles like this, the chorus often demands everything from the vocals, including strong colorful delivery and melody, that contrasts from the verse. More emphasis on harmonies, perhaps with the signature vocoder synth effect that one can often hear on Grey’s signature production style might not have been a bad way to go about.But as such vocal production style did not take place in the chorus of the track, there definitely could have been more going on with the track arrangement. Having had even just one or two more elements to fill up the mix space during the chorus might have had a bigger impact.For a comparative reference, Ariana Grande’s fairly recent single ‘Positions’ has similar sounds and tempo. But there’s a noticeable difference in dynamics once listeners get to the chorus. Sure, one can argue that the chorus vocal melody for ‘DOWN’ itself alone is catchy enough to pass as the hook. But music production is more than just coming up with a memorable and catchy vocal line. It’s also about how far one can push simplicity over its limits as well.Nevertheless, A.C.E have delivered well once again while Grey’s top notch production style equally did well in being the foundation of the overall sound. While it may not be a release that showcases both artists’ best sides to the fullest potential, it’s a great stepping stone for A.C.E in terms of collaborations with foreign artists, and likewise for Grey in entering the K-Pop music market.
