Bar their first two releases, I’ve realised that (G)I-DLE will never really be for me. Their bratty, self absorbent sound, though incredibly popular with fans and the general public alike, usually comes across as too style over substance for me, punctuated by tracks that either lack the necessary focus to really stand out or come across as just plain annoying. And though there are some bright spots in its punk-rock adjacent brew, new single Queencard very much so falls into the latter category.
To put it simply, Queencard is essentially Tomboy-lite, harnessing many of the qualities that made that song so popular with the masses. And in many ways, it works. The verses are tight and enjoyable, perched over a bouncy guitar backbone that gives the track a real sense of momentum that the girls play off very well. Their slightly sultry delivery at times helps elevate the track from a performance perspective, imbuing Queencard with that additional sense of character it so desperately needs. The snarky lyricism, though slightly cloying works well in the context of the track, bolstered once again by the ever-present guitars that wrap the soundscape.
However, the problem with Queencard is that it feels almost too self referential to the point of parody. I understand that in many ways this might be the tracks calling card but as I’ve said many times before, intention doesn’t necessarily translate to quality. And that’s why rather than catchy and ironic, Queencard‘s chorus and actually the whole track on subsequent listens, becomes much more cloying than expected. Whereas Tomboy managed to strike a strong balance between production and vocals, Queencard‘s vocal arrangement actually overpowers the tracks instrumentals, something which hinders its overall potency. I’ve quickly grown to dislike the vocal performance during the chorus, it comes across as abit too whiny and hard on the ears. Characteristics which could work in certain songs but feel very much at odds here. And though the social criticisms outlined in the lyrics remain admirable, their delivery here feels too cartoony to really stand as something of note. Resulting in yet another (G)I-DLE that while incredibly successful domestically, doesn’t quite resonate with me the same way.
Verses: 8
Chorus: 7
Production: 7
Performance: 7
Final Rating: 7.25 / 10
KBopped 
Wow. This is kind of a rare moment of me. In that I don’t usually agree with a review this much. But here I am. I don’t think I could have said it any better. I like the ladies of (G)I-DLE but for me there’s something missing or too much of something. I really can’t decide which. Just can’t put my finger on it. Don’t get me wrong I don’t hate the track. There’s just something………. Best I can do is 3 3/4 stars.
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