RIIZE officially started teasing the release of their first mini-album RIIZING way back in April of this year. They kicked it off with the full version of Siren at the start of April. Then followed the release of Impossible mid-April (which they promoted), and then followed up with the side tracks 9 Days, Honestly and One Kiss (released at the end of April – the former and latter I have yet to review). Two months on from the initial release, the group has released Boom Boom Bass as the primary title track from the mini-album.

While RIIZE has definitely explored funk before through the release of Get A Guitar and to a lesser degree in Talk Saxy (which is featured as part of the RIIZING mini-album), nothing has felt as concentrated as Boom Boom Bass. You get the funky and groovy vibes from the very first second and it stays present throughout the rest of the song. The guitar work in the background is definitely a highlight, as well as the pounding beat. Complementing that energy during the chorus is a bright pop energy that makes Boom Boom Bass even more likeable. Include a repetitive hook like the deep and low ‘Boom ba doom, Boom Boom Bass‘ and you have a song that is extremely hard to turn away from. Only just a couple of listens in and I can confirm that Boom Boom Bass has grown immensely on me, even though I was already enjoying the track from my first listen. The vocal work was vibrant and I liked the flair the rapping brought to the song. The ending sees the group get a little chanty, which I thought was a refreshing tone for the song. The only part within Boom Boom Bass that I am ‘umming and aahing’ about is the instrumental break. It obviously follows the momentum and trajectory that was built up prior to it, but it also felt too similar to the rest of the song. I think Boom Boom Bass could have been benefited from a little more flair to it. I didn’t feel that it seized the moment as well as it could have. But again, it wasn’t bad and it didn’t change the outcome of my final thoughts on Boom Boom Bass – that this is another great energetic song from RIIZE.

The music video begins with a mysterious guitar from outer space crashing into a music shop on Earth, causing massive chaos. I can only assume that everyone has heard and is searching for the guitar. While it isn’t shown, somehow WONBIN manages to grab hold of it. But as it is a mysterious guitar, it transports WONBIN back to outer space, only to come crashing down onto Earth once again. This time around, it makes the headlines. Throughout all the chaos and space travel, the RIIZE members still make the most of the situation and has fun throughout the events of the video. And this translates into a fun watching experience. For me, SOHEE had a strong grasp on me and stood out the most in the video.

Dance-wise, I think Boom Boom Bass has an awesome routine. The leg bounce movement that accompanies the main hook of the song looked very cool and brings a mature touch to the choreography. SHOTARO’s solo moment in the dance break was also very impressive – his performance skills are definitely on full display in that moment. And the energy the members deliver collectively at the end was fantastic.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 10/10
Overall Rating – 8.9/10