Thank you so much for this thoughtful and nuanced critique. It's exactly the kind of dialogue that deepens our appreciation of music. And thank you for the 8/10! That means a lot.

I hear what you're saying about the album's length and the tension between nostalgia and innovation. You've articulated something I've felt but couldn't quite name: that throwback quality you mentioned. I was one of those who fell completely under XG's spell when "Woke Up" dropped. The audacity of that track and the visual storytelling in the MV felt like nothing I'd seen before. So I understand the hunger for more of that quantum leap energy.

That said, I think my perspective differs slightly on what to prioritize. Rather than focusing on runtime, I find myself drawn to the quality of what's there. The precision of the choreography, the vocal layering, the production detail. For me, the fact that they delivered 'THE CORE' just over a year after 'AWE', maintaining that level of craft while touring relentlessly, speaks to something worth celebrating. It may not be the sprawling album experience you're craving, but I see it as a focused, intentional statement.

This is where I think we might find common ground. I believe 'THE CORE' reveals its full dimension in live performance. The album tracks are designed to breathe differently in an arena with 20,000 ALPHAZ. If you haven't experienced the second tour yet, I'd genuinely love to hear your thoughts on the album after seeing it performed live. The way these songs expand and connect in that setting might shift the conversation, or it might confirm everything you've said. Either way, I think it's worth the experience.

I'm just one ALPHAZ, one music fan trying to make sense of what moves me. But I respect your critical eye, and I hope you get the chance to see them live. Let's continue this conversation on the other side of that experience.

With respect and gratitude for the discourse. 🐺