Despite just making a comeback with SWIM and their 6th studio album, ARIRANG, last month, BTS is not finished just yet. Last week, they released a music video for their side track 2.0, the fifth song from their new album. They also released a music video for the side track Hooligan – a review of that will follow shortly.

2.0 is more of what I was expecting from BTS for this comeback. It has a lot more edge and energy, and leans into a much cooler sound, compared to SWIM (which was more pleasant yet beige). I have said in many reviews that hip-hop isn’t my genre of choice, but I must acknowledge that BTS has been one of the acts that has made the genre more compelling to me over the years. In addition to hip-hop influences, 2.0 also features trap elements, giving the track its cooler edge (as already mentioned). In terms of the members, I really liked how the rappers used a raspier tone, while the vocalists brought a nice contrast to 2.0 via some smooth vocals. There is also a reliance on repetition in 2.0, but it was both punchy and catchy, making a strong and lasting impression. Overall, I really liked how clear the production and delivery were in 2.0, which gives me more of what I wanted from a BTS comeback.

Like the song, the music video definitely showcased a very cool vibe. This was channelled throughout most of the video, except for the more humorous parts that help lighten up the otherwise serious atmosphere. It begins with the members walking off an elevator, cosplaying as various types of Korean mafia. I liked this concept and how it was later used to kick off the actual performance aspect of the comeback. But RM’s wig threw me off, then JIN and V’s facial expressions. All made me laugh. The music video switches to a cool mode before pausing briefly to show the members frantically changing their outfits in an elevator, leading us into the second part of the video. This part is still cool but opts for a more casual vibe. I think the mafia intro and the elevator ride give us a look into their dual personalities – cool yet dorky.

The performance was top-notch and left me impressed. The routine and the way each member executes it give off cool and effortless vibes that reaffirm their performance abilities. Their charisma and style were amazing, and some moments in the routine (for example, when RM was rapping and the members were dancing beside or behind him) were hella smooth and sleek.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.5/10