Not many groups get a chance to say goodbye to their fans before disbanding. Usually, the news is dropped quite suddenly and unexpectedly, with no opportunity for a final single or release. However, for some, they are given the rare opportunity for one final hurrah. This is where KARD find themselves. It has been announced that the quartet would be disbanding following the release of their studio album, Where to Now? (Part 2): Nowhere (which dropped today alongside the single Back To Life) and the completion of their ongoing world tour. Their last comeback was Touch, released last year.

If only Back To Life had been released a couple of weeks back during the World Cup. It would have been an ideal fit, with the new single sounding like an official anthem for the global event, especially the chorus. However, as we are past that, the dancehall and Moombahton track still fits in with the summery season in South Korea through its energy and upbeatness, whilst also developing a fun, celebratory flair given the circumstances of the comeback. What I liked is how all of this takes us right back to KARD’s roots in the tropical house that they debuted with. Back To Life feels like we have gone full circle. The chorus is catchy, with a nice melody and anthemic vibe (as already touched upon). A part of me wishes things were a tad sharper, particularly during that post-chorus, to just give the centrepiece more impact. The same also applies to the members’ delivery in both the vocals and rapping departments. The other drawback to Back To Life is that is, and felt awfully short. I wish there was more to the track, though this could be me wanting more from KARD before their final goodbye.

The music video carries both a celebratory and a reflective feel. It makes sense given what this comeback represents for the group. I did notice some elements from past music videos are incorporated into this comeback. Some are quite obvious, such as the ICKY footage that appears during J.Seph’s part in the second verse. Others took a little more time to come to mind (and a quick scroll of past music videos), including the old phones that all members spoke into appeared in their Oh Na Na music video, the yellow sports car from their Hola Hola music video, the spades that JIWOO stands on at the start is a callback to their card concept, and the key that SOMIN chucks onto the ground might be a subtle hint to the motel rooms from their You In Me video. Not sure if the other music videos are referenced in Back To Life‘s, but there could be elements that I have missed.

The choreography looks good. Nothing really stands out to me. But I enjoyed the fun energy that came from it, how the routine maintains the energy throughout the song (from what I could see from the music video). I am also sure the members had a blast performing it.

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