Category: Reviews

[Review] LOVE RACE – SF9

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Back to the week before last, today’s post reviews SF9’s latest comeback with their 15th mini-album and title track of the same name – LOVE RACE. It is their first release since Don’t Worry, Be Happy and the mini-album Fantasy last year.

If you base LOVE RACE on the first couple of seconds, you might expect to find the song subdued and coffee-shop-esque, which isn’t a style that you would expect from SF9. A couple of seconds later, LOVE RACE turns into a fast-pace pop dance track. Its instrumentation reminds me of an adrenaline pumping close-to-call motor race soundtrack – fitting for a song titled LOVE RACE and a fulfilling outcome for a song under 3 minutes. This backing is full of textures and colours that make me want to ‘go zoom’ (literally) while listening to it, making for an intriguing background piece. I find myself enjoying the rapping more in LOVE RACE. YOUNGBIN, HWIYOUNG and CHANI had a very cool presence in the song, especially during LOVE RACE‘s choruses. They themselves added to the high-octane and speedy feel of the song. On the flip side, the vocals were good. But I wished the material was more riveting. Both the melodies and hooks were underbaked in the song, leaving LOVE RACE less memorable than what it could have been. Overall, LOVE RACE is a decent song, especially if you are after something with a rush to it. But there is opportunity for the song to be more balanced and better.

It should be no surprise that LOVE RACE went with a race-themed concept. There are motorcycles, sports cars and quad-bikes in the music video, as well as elements of a car race and mechanic. Some of these are ‘driven’ by the members to look like they were driving very fast, while professionals were brought in to do wheelies and to circle around the members. Even the gear they wear throughout the video reminds me of a race. I just wished the music video was a little more than just close-ups and choreography (maybe a storyline where some of the members engage in a race somehow). But for the most part, it was a decent video.

SF9 pumps the gas in the choreography, matching the fast-paced nature of the song. The routine is intense, and you definitely see and feel when the song reaches its peaks throughout the dance. I like the idea of putting on and taking off the glove at the start and end of the routine, but I wonder if this holds any significance for the group.

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

[Review] +82 Pressin’ – MARK (NCT) ft. HAECHAN (NCT)

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MARK continues to tease his upcoming solo debut album, which has now been confirmed to drop on 7 April 2025 and be titled The Firstfruit. The first release from this forthcoming album was Fraktsiya (ft. LEE YOUNG JI) from December 2024. And now, MARK is back with a new pre-release single +82 Pressin’, which features fellow NCT member HAECHAN.

+82 Pressin’ is a hip-hop track with abundant textures and superb delivery from the pair. While the influences were ordinary, I enjoyed the upbeat instrumentation, which keeps +82 Pressin’ dynamic and energetic throughout. The textures made the song “crunchy” and enjoyable. As for the pairing, both MARK and HAECHAN did a fantastic job in their own areas of delivery – MARK with rapping and HAECHAN with vocals. However, HAECHAN’s raspy vocals stood out more to me. But their chemistry is undeniable, especially during the parts where they come together. This should not surprise anyone, given their long history together. But what I thought was cool and made +82 Pressin’ even more intriguing was that they dabbled in each other’s motif (i.e., MARK with vocals and HAECHAN in rapping). It is not a new thing for them, but it is a memorable highlight of +82 Pressin’. The chorus was catchy, but I wished there was a more pronounced hook to remember the song by. I also would have liked them to break the song’s confines and show off more. These would have taken +82 Pressin’ to the next level for me.

Interesting that three reviews in a row, I have assigned a 10/10 for the music video scores. It has been a week of awesome music videos, apparently. In the video for +82 Pressin’, we see MARK and HAECHAN work together to fight crime. But when they encounter the female character, HAECHAN becomes brainwashed and turns on MARK. MARK continues his mission and fights the mobsters working for the female character. He succeeds against the mobsters but barely gets away from the female character before he is executed by his former crime-fighting partner. My recap here probably does not do justice to the actual storyline in the video, so I recommend you check it out. I did like the Sin City influence the video had going on, with the grayscale motif and retention of the red colour. The red colour is a key detail to note, as when HAECHAN is turned, his shirt collar goes from grayscale to red. However, it is back to grayscale at the end, so maybe HAECHAN has been against MARK all along?

+82 Pressin’ was performed on MCountDown last Thursday. It was a fantastic performance. The hip-hop influence was a no-brainer given the song, but I liked how it came through in the routine. MARK and HAECHAN looked very natural throughout the performance, despite my initial thoughts that HAECHAN might look awkward in this form. Their moves, particularly their footwork, were super cool, and their chemistry (once again) made it engaging to watch.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 10/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.8/10

[Review] KNOW ABOUT ME – NMIXX

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NMIXX also returned during the week with their fourth mini-album and third instalment in their Fe3O4 series, Fe3O4: Forward. Leading the new mini-album is the title track, KNOW ABOUT ME. This is their most recent comeback since their Fe3O4: Stick Out and See That? era.

NMIXX goes subdued with KNOW ABOUT ME. While this isn’t anything new in KPOP, it is new territory for NMIXX, and they do a good job with it. The start brings KNOW ABOUT ME‘s hip-hop influence to the forefront and is quite aesthetic. The latter wears down as the song progresses, but this should not be seen as bad. Plus, its presence is still around and comes through at times. Instead, a more mature and sultry motif comes through as the song develops, especially during the choruses. Again, it is still very different from the NMIXX that we know of. The instrumental for KNOW ABOUT ME is minimalistic and chill trap-based. Those trap elements are actually relatively piercing and feel quite pronounced. But just as KNOW ABOUT ME teeters into neutral gear, NMIXX changes up the song with a heavy rap from JIWOO and KYUJIN and a punchy EDM bridge. And I like how this heaviness continues as KNOW ABOUT ME reverts back to the main chorus to close out the song. Vocally and rap-wise, NMIXX handles it all pretty well, and I enjoyed the ad-libs (though I wished they were more pronounced to have more impact). My only qualm about KNOW ABOUT ME is the abrupt ending. I have never been a fan of those and will never be from the looks of it.

JYP Entertainment really outdid themselves with this music video. The high-quality feel, the futuristic aesthetics, the complex post-production, and the members’ amazing styling made for a memorable video. The song is about the emotions one has whilst embarking on an adventure in an unfamiliar world (adapted from Soompi), so we see the members travelling in the video in a futuristic airport. While we see a lot of different and potentially unexplored territories in the video, the members’ final destination appears to be out of this world, with the ship emerging from the ocean and going upwards into space.

The lotus flower start has to be one of the most aesthetic beginnings to a choreography ever. The chorus really encapsulates that mature and sultry feel I mentioned earlier, while the dance break during the punchy EDM was intense and cool. Overall, NMIXX delivered a strong performance.

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

[Review] VVV – THE BOYZ

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THE BOYZ made their comeback at the start of the week — their first since moving on from IST Entertainment. The group has since signed on with One Hundred. Earlier this week, as mentioned, the group returned with their third studio album, Unexpected, led by the single VVV. This release follows their ninth mini-album (yet to be reviewed) and title track of the same name, TRIGGER.

From the many opportunities I have heard VVV this week, I have emerged from the song thoroughly enjoying it each time. There is just so much to like about VVV – I am unsure if there was even a bad or weak part in VVV. From the first second, VVV intrigues with their take on the old-school crowd sound before hopping into engaging vocals and rapping. I like the cohesiveness of the two forms of delivery throughout VVV. Still, I particularly liked the rapping, especially as it dips between vibrant fast pace or deep tones at different moments in VVV. When it comes to the choruses, I loved the nostalgia and smooth melodic touch featured, making for an excellent centrepiece for VVV. The start of the chorus feels comforting, and I love replaying that moment of VVV. The “Oh Oh Oh” post-chorus hook was very catchy and just felt perfect following on from the choruses. Most of the bridge was satisfying, especially the ‘Watch me dash, watch me dash‘ lines and the tinge of attitude it carries. I also enjoyed that final add-on of the chorus at the very end of the song, allowing VVV to feel complete. Finally, the synth-pop instrumentation was quite a dynamic piece, as well. It brightens everything up, yet it also feels robust for this comeback’s rapping and performance aspects. Overall, VVV is a very strong and refreshing release from THE BOYZ.

My best guess about what is happening in the video is THE BOYZ are infiltrating some sort of secret society, which explains the boxing concept they have going on, to spread their music within and beyond. It explains all the scenes of the music (in the form of an electrical current) moving internally through speakers and the whole choreography scene where the members are performing within the speaker. Some of the roles the members played were a little unknown to me, and I am a little confused about HYUNJAE’s presence at the end of the boxing match that JUYEON won (maybe recruitment?). But overall, an equally refreshing music video for this comeback.

I am impressed with the intensity of the performance, which matches the dynamic material of VVV. But to keep it bright and vibrant, the members smile throughout the performance, adding a light-hearted tone to the routine. The boxing concept emerges in the routine at the very start between JUYEON and HYUNJAE, with KEVIN serving as the umpire. I also like the twists and turns that form part of the post-chorus routine.

Song – 9.5/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 9.3/10

[Review] HOT – LE SSERAFIM

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LE SSERAFIM ended the week with their latest release, HOT, the lead single of their 5th mini-album of the same name. HOT follows their 2024 releases EASY and CRAZY.

Many of my comments in EASY‘s review apply to HOT. The new song is way too consistent for my liking. This contributed to HOT being more like a blur and breezed past quickly. In addition to being too consistent, the blur and quick breeze can also be attributed to HOT‘s short length and lack of anything exciting in the song. The melodies and hooks (not sure if there is one in HOT) didn’t offer much, nor did the members’ vocal focus delivery. They sound quite pleasant and soothing throughout HOT, but the material just wasn’t compelling. When I really pay attention to the song, I liked the atmospheric charm of the instrumental and the song’s bass. But other than that, I don’t have much else to say about the song, aside from the fact it felt like a repeat of EASY from last year.

I don’t know what is happening in the video, but I think there is a darker horror vibe alongside the moments of heat. The imagery of someone melting matches the lyrics, and I assume this forms a storyline of some kind. I do want to know how this all connects with EASY and CRAZY, because apparently, the three releases are a trilogy. Anyhow, the music video does bring on the heat, and the members look stunning throughout the video. My favourite part is the monochrome filter, with the members dressed in chic and sleek outfits.

The choreography for this comeback is definitely the best aspect yet! There is a sexiness and elegance to the moves that LE SSERAFIM pull off really well. Their stage presence was also felt, despite not being expected alongside a song like HOT. I like that moonwalk-like move in the chorus, and the whole routine at the end where Kahuza is in the centre and the members do that spin.

Song – 6/10
Music Video – 7.5/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 7.1/10

[Review] 96ers – Hoshi x Woozi (SEVENTEEN)

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A new SEVENTEEN unit is one of the many comebacks that kicked off this week. HOSHI and WOOZI join forces in the new single 96ers (동갑내기). This is the third official unit from SEVENTEEN, the first being BSS, who recently returned with CBZ (Prime Time), and JxW (Jeonghan x Wonwoo).

If I had to judge the 96ers based on the first few seconds, it wouldn’t look good for the song. Those repetitive horns that open the song (the first major element of 96ers) were quite jarring, and the fact that it recurred throughout the song was not great. The next major element of 96ers is the interpolation of the ‘Red Light, Green Light‘ nursery rhyme, which we have heard before in KPOP. Plus, it was done multiple times in 96ers in both the pre-choruses and choruses. This pretty much got a yawn from me. The final major element is essentially the rest of the song, like the duo’s delivery and the hip-hop motif. The instrumental was playful, and the pair did a good job of relaying that vibe in their delivery. There were also a few references to past songs, like Mansae, Super and Cheers. There was just no standout moment for me to highlight. I commend the pair for working outside their box with the hip-hop sound, given that WOOZI is the vocal team leader and HOSHI was a possible vocal team member before switching to the performance team. Altogether, I wished 96ers yielded more positive thoughts than negative ones.

The music video taps into that playful side of 96ers I mentioned above, showing the pair as art pieces in a gallery or museum. In my mind, to be a piece of art in a gallery or museum means you are quite established, hinting at their current status. This complements the lyrics which speak about their own personal journey to get to where they are now. The photocopier scenes might represent their releases, videos, etc. that got to where they are (i.e., there are many copies of themselves out there in the world in different mediums). The treadmills are a little harder to guess what they represent. Perhaps the journey, but treadmills are devices you use to walk long distances whilst remaining in one place – maybe this is a hint that they are always art pieces since their early days, til now.

The choreography is precisely how I expected it. It encompasses that hip-hop motif, whilst also showcasing a more carefree and loose style. I also like how their presence commanded the stage, making this an incredible performance.

Song – 6/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 7/10

[Review] Air – YEJI (ITZY)

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Many comebacks are kicking off the new week. While I have checked them all out, I must prioritise my favourite release from the bunch—YEJI’s Air. This is YEJI’s solo debut single and is featured on the same-name mini-album. YEJI is also the first member of ITZY to officially go solo with this release. We last saw ITZY through their GOLD / Imaginary Friend promotions (the latter I just reviewed last week).

Yup, out of all the releases that dropped today, YEJI’s Air is the one that caught my attention most strongly. It wasn’t the first or second release I checked out, but it is the one that remained in my mind long after, prompting me to write its review first. So, what aspects of Air caught my attention? Well, I put it down to the combination of Air‘s synth-pop instrumentation and the catchy hooks. The synth-pop got right to business and didn’t mess around. I really appreciated it that. There was also a touch of electric guitar in the bridge and the song’s final moment. I like how it added a dash of edginess to the music and channels the momentum Air had built. The beat also made the track quite compelling and pulses it along. As for the hooks, they have been beyond addictive. The “Air air air, all my air” line has been repeating in my mind since the first listen. As for YEJI, I liked how fresh her delivery made the song feel. You could also feel how vibrant and passionate she was. And this pays off quite well, with the chorus feeling bold and enticing. The verses were a tad bland from her part, but that is only a small detail. Overall, Air is a very good song and kicks off the week in a positive manner.

One thing I wanted in the song was some charisma from YEJI. But I held back on that suggestion, as charisma doesn’t need to be delivered in song format. Instead, it can be a visual element. And YEJI delivers it flawlessly in the music video. It is exuded a fair bit throughout the video but is most profound in the choreography shots. I like how the video has an odd side (see YEJI’s walk from the couch before tripping over a log, and the wacky pose we see her in at the start and end of the video) through how the shots were captured and edited (I presume). In addition to being memorable and different, it follows well with the song in the sense that it is refreshing. I also liked the idea of the crash scene, with YEJI laying on the bonnet – symbolising how YEJI’s breath is taken away by the person she is singing about.

As expected from ITZY’s main dancer, the choreography does not disappoint (from what I can see in the music video). While charisma and confidence are definitely exuded, I like how the routine has both a refined and fun energy (though the latter might be due to the music video). My favourite part is the back-bending move before the song wraps up. The sexy hand drag over her body was a very close second. While we do not see all of the routine, I am sure the rest live up to those expectations.

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

[Review] The Chase – Hearts2Hearts

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There have been a few debuts this year, and I haven’t covered any of them on my blog yet. That is until today. Hearts2Hearts is the first newly debuted group I am picking up for a review. The group comprises 8 members (Carmen, Jiwoo, Yuha, Stella, Juun, A-na, Ian, and Ye-on) and they are SM Entertainment’s latest female group (the company’s first since aespa). Their debut single, The Chase, was released almost 2 weeks ago.

Right off the get-go, The Chase is pleasant and soothing. The elements, particularly melodies, exude calmness and smoothness. But there are risks with this style, and The Chase fully realises some of these risks. The Chase is an empty track and it doesn’t have much for me to ‘grab’ onto. The smoothness I mentioned earlier helps glide the song along. But unfortunately, nothing sticks. The hooks or melodies were not compelling, and I missed the chorus several times because of how hollow it sounded. From what I can tell, the members sound okay on both the vocal and rapping front. But, I wish the material was more interesting so that we can appreciate each member individually. Finally, The Chase is supposed to be a debut song. But when compared to other debut tracks we have heard in the past, The Chase is underwhelming. To be honest, this soothing style would have made for an okay side-track. But as a debut track, this isn’t a good start for Hearts2Hearts, mainly since I have forgotten the track. The only thing that attracts my attention towards the group is that they are from SM Entertainment. I am willing to give Hearts2Hearts another go, but hopefully it is with a bolder track.

The music video accompanying The Chase also doesn’t connect with me. But I am not sure if this is more so the song speaking rather than the actual video. However, since they are paired up, it is difficult for me not to find the visual material boring. The music video has a few things going for it, though. I liked the mysterious vibes that the video started off with. However, I wished the entire video wasn’t just mysterious vibes, which raises more questions for me. The members look great (especially the chic look they don while in the lobby location), and I liked the flowy vibes the music video exudes. But there isn’t much else to remember the music video by.

The performance is good. It fits the dreamier motif that The Chase goes for in the song. I did like the circle formation they made towards the end of the performance. But aside from that, there isn’t anything that memorable in the performance.

Song – 6/10
Music Video – 7/10
Performance – 7.5/10
Overall Rating – 6.6/10

[Review] Imaginary Friend – ITZY

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In addition to GOLD, ITZY also released a music video for the single Imaginary Friend. Today, I will finally get around to reviewing this additional title track from their GOLD mini-album released in October 2024.

ITZY changes things up with Imaginary Friend. Instead of the usual dance tracks that they are known for, they opt for a softer melodic R&B approach in Imaginary Friend. The contrast between their usual style and Imaginary Friend is very intriguing and striking to me, and this makes the track stand out. Instrumentally, Imaginary Friend features vintage pop guitars and band percussion that give the song a lot of bite despite being a softer sound. I also really like the rock tinge we get more of in the post-chorus hook, which just gives the song more oomph. What makes Imaginary Friend even better is the fact that the melodies and vocal work are actually compelling. Stunning vocals and melodies are a definite drawing point in my books, and Imaginary Friend features both. The vocal processing was also amazing and well used to help make the vocals feel etheral. In terms of effect the song had on me, Imaginary Friend is actually quite stilling. Every time the song popped up on my playlist or queue, I find myself pausing with whatever I am doing and actually listening to the song to really enjoy and connect with it. That usually happens with ballads and similar songs, but Imaginary Friend is a special track.

The following is what I got out the music video. We see two forms of the members in the video. We first see the members as students, struggling to get through the harsh social conditions of the school environment. And these social conditions manifest into physical injuries. Later on, we see the members run through darkness, stuck in a circle and trying to avoid shadows that are out to get them. Quite sure we could generalised to scenarios where people may struggle and who find themselves in a dark place. The second form of ITZY we see is through the choreography shots, where they appear more gracefully as if they are guardian angels. At one point, they also wear white outfits that make them look like angels. When we see the choreography shots, they coicinde with comforting lyrics about being an imaginary friend and protecting the person so they can dream. To me, this represents a form that can bring hope and comfort to those in a dark place.

Even in a graceful motif, the choreography still manages to incorporate the signature “crown” at the start and end of the routine. I liked the balance between soft and sharpness in the routine and how they managed to make the choreography fit the song (which I have described as very soft). The little bit of intensity we get in the post-chorus rock instrumental sequences is also well-crafted, giving us a little more oomph to ensure the entire routine is engaging.

Song – 10/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 9.5/10 [updated on 26 April 2025 due to calculation error]

[Review] BLUE – ZEROBASEONE

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ZEROBASEONE makes their grand return today with the new single BLUE and mini-album, BLUE PARADISE. It follows the pre-release single Doctor! Doctor!, which I will be reviewing soon. The new mini-album is the group’s first Korean release in 6 months, following their CINEMA PARADISE mini-album (album review coming) and GOOD SO BAD comeback in August last year. The group has also been busy in Japan with releasing their Japanese debut mini-album PREZENT last month and a new single NOW or NEVER.

But today’s post focuses on BLUE. BLUE is a pleasant alternative pop song that follows GOOD SO BAD quite nicely. The pleasantness comes from the airy and buoyant melodies, the underlying guitar we hear very clearly when the synth work is stripped away during the pre-choruses, and the refreshing synth instrumentation in the choruses. ZEROBASEONE’s vocals bring brightness to BLUE, giving it sweetness and a wholesome feel. Most of the song was enjoyable, and I liked it a lot. However, some parts in BLUE haven’t won me over yet (who knows what some more repeats of BLUE may do). The first is the way the chorus ended. It felt abrupt and sudden. A post-chorus would have helped offset this. The second is the rapping, which is a loss opportunity, in my opinion. While what we got in BLUE wasn’t bad, it played too safely with the pleasant trajectory. Listening to it closely, I wonder how a bit of roughness could have given the rapping some additional personality and oomph to make it even more memorable amongst the pleasantry vibes BLUE had throughout the song. Thirdly, the hooks don’t feel as established as they could be. BLUE is definitely more reliant on melodies given the song’s pleasant and vocal focus, but I wished the hooks were a little more enticing.

A clear blue sky symbolises a good day, and the members recall the fond memories of meeting someone special on that good day in BLUE‘s lyrics. The music video shows bright and beautiful days with clear blue skies throughout the video. Some of it is virtual, some is real life – all show us the consistent message of how good these days are. Even in some of the indoor shots, you can definitely get a sense of how blue the skies are by watching the good moods the members are in. Altogether, it’s definitely a feel-good video. As a small side note, the choreography scenes in the virtual world (i.e., the street with the changing buildings) reminded me of their Feel The POP music video from last year.

The choreography opts for a more flowy and airy approach, which works well with the song. Nothing that memorable, though the scarfs were a nice touch. I do want to point out that I didn’t notice how shouty the vocals were in the chorus until I watched the performance. But I am not disappointed by it. The shoutiness gives BLUE some character (more so than the audio version), and it was well-controlled and felt piercing in a good sense.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 8.5/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 8.2/10

[Review] earthquake – JISOO (BLACKPINK)

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JISOO made her long-awaited return to the music scene last week with the single earthquake and her first mini-album, Amortage. It is her first release since her solo debut in 2023 with Flower. In addition to the new music, JISOO has been busy with a new K-drama Newtopia. She will also regroup with the rest of BLACKPINK for a comeback and world tour later this year. So, keep your eyes out for more JISOO shortly!

earthquake starts off sleek and tense with low tones before building into a nice dance track. The instrumental brings in a slight grooviness and a hefty dance beat as it develops. Part of me thinks the combination is plain and straightforward, but I also believe it made earthquake sound more compelling (especially when compared to Flower). It also gave earthquake some dynamic flair, contrasting with the song’s monotonous melodies. But these melodies aren’t necessarily a bad thing. JISOO handles them well, especially the “da da da” post-chorus hook and the “It hits me like an earthquake” opener line to the chorus. I think they are the most memorable aspects of the song and have been on repeat since Valentine’s Day (the day earthquake was released). JISOO also flourishes in the pre-choruses, where her vocals are the strongest. I can’t think of anything bad about earthquake, and I find it to be a definite improvement from her solo debut.

I really enjoyed the music video. JISOO looks very stylish and fitting for the song. Essentially, this comeback is about how someone’s ex dropping back into that person’s life will shake it up, just like an earthquake. The music video shows her being interrogated by an officer from the Department of Heart Security (cameo by Cha Seung Won). But she gives in, blowing up the interrogation room (which also takes out Cha Seung Won). I like the explosions in the video, which feels cool and works well with the song’s title. JISOO also looks very cool in the driver’s seat of that sports car.

I also enjoyed the performance for earthquake very much, especially the aesthetics given off. The performance has some memorable moments, such as the vibrating dancers at the start, the serious post-chorus clicks and arm swings accompanying the first and last post-chorus hooks, and the sharp arms at the start of the second post-chorus sequence. JISOO also shows off her charisma throughout the performance, which adds to the performance.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 10/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 9.3/10

[Review] Flying Kiss – NCT DREAM

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I am bouncing around time at the moment. Reviews for songs last week, newer releases from this week, and now 2024 releases I have yet to review. In the lead up to the release of their 4th studio album, Dream()scape, in November 2024, NCT DREAM pre-releaed the single Flying Kiss. This preceded the single When I’m With You, which served as the title track for Dream()scape.

Flying Kiss is an alright song. It is quite a pleasant track overall, but also rather plain. I am glad it wasn’t the title track for the album. I blame the trap elements and hollow synths in the instrumental for that, as well as the verses. There were soft beats and a harp at the start. But these weren’t enough to make Flying Kiss compelling to me. Similarly, the verses were also not compelling and rather forgettable. Flying Kiss does get better when we reach the choruses. The relatively fast-paced delivery is actually charming and gives Flying Kiss a uniqueness. It also picks up Flying Kiss, which was much needed after the plain verses. The bridge also fairs better than the verses, with a strong velvety and dreamy flair exuded by the vocals. I also enjoyed the abruptly pierce change in momentum with the “I Just Wanna” change up. JENO and CHENLE’s delivery was awesome and gave impact, and it was a great way to get back to the chorus. Finally, the spoken ending line to Flying Kiss by JAEMIN stands out. Somehow it feels bold and distinct from the rest of the song, thus ending the song on a memorable note.

Like the song, Flying Kiss‘ music video was also alright. Some of it was shot using the same set as the train’s inside we saw in When I’m With You. But there was also other scenes that gave off a noticeable dreamy vibe to match the song. I liked their styling and how sweet it made them look, on brand for a group known for their youthful and bubbly charms when they first started. Definitely a nice throwback there. But there wasn’t anything exactly memorable that really makes me want to go back and revisit the video often.

The dance for this release opts for a softer and more pleasant vibe, which works well with Flying Kiss‘ instrumental. I liked how they gave the routine a kick during the chorus, which is also when the song picks up. But nothing memorable, once again. NCT DREAM themselves did look very sweet on stage and appear to really enjoy the performance, so that is something.

Song – 7.5/10
Music Video – 7/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 7.5/10

[Review] The Stranger – ONF

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Returning after their first comeback since their amazing Bye My Monster and Beautiful Shadow mini-album last year is ONF. Their new release is the first part of their 2nd studio album ONF: My Identity, which dropped yesterday. It is led by the single The Stranger – the focus of this post.

The Stranger brings us back to 2021, with ONF’s mammoth year of releases. It all began with Beautiful Beautiful, which I described as ‘wonderfully energetic and [having an] exciting retro profile’. The Stranger follows that description, channelling a funky flair from the get-go and throughout the song’s entire length. The momentum that The Stranger builds up is exciting, making the chorus one to look forward to. And with their powerful vocals in play, ONF does not disappoint! Particularly in the central aspect of the song, their excellent vocal work gives The Stranger some extra punch and weight. But that isn’t the song’s best part. That honour goes to the post-chorus hook (i.e., the “Stoop-di-bap…“). Short and brief, but it caught my attention and is so catchy. The bridge is probably The Stranger’s most questionable segment. I enjoyed the first half, where the song levelled up through the harsher instrumental. But the second half, where the background to WYATT’s rap was ‘stripped away’, feels like a lull in the song’s dynamic momentum. But aside from that minor moment, The Stranger is still a top-notch song for ONF.

The music video shows the members investigating the bright figure we see at the start of the video. As the video progresses, we are given hints of who this figure might be. But unsurprisingly, it turns out to be the members themselves. I wished there was a plot twist to the mystery rather than something predictable. I also want the video to be bolder and present a wow factor. Something like the futuristic world setting in the Beautiful Beautiful/Ugly Dance/Goosebumps series could have done the job.

I like the handguns and the swinging arms that make up the choruses’ choreography. The changes in formation keeps it fresh. I also really enjoyed the cascading move alongside the second pre-chorus. Overall, the routine is not as dynamic as I hoped to really complement the funky flair and energy. But the constriction does allow them to showcase their stable live vocals.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 7/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.4/10

[Review] HOT MESS – EVNNE

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A more recent comeback belongs to EVNNE, who returned last week with the new single HOT MESS. The new song serves as the title track of the group’s 4th mini-album of the same name. This HOT MESS comeback follows their June 2024 comeback with Badder Love and the mini-album RIDE or DIE.

HOT MESS introduces us to a new side of EVNNE via an entirely new and distinct sound. As mentioned in their Badder Love review, EVNNE is a group that I associate with a bold and bombastic sound. HOT MESS turns EVNNE’s discography onto its head (in a good way) with such a goofy and colourful song. I did notice a childish flair, which usually concerns me. But I like how the song’s producers control it so that HOT MESS does not feel cringy (the case for a lot of childish-sounding songs). I really enjoyed the pop-rock tinge the instrumental had. It is on trend and brings an interesting retro flair to the HOT MESS‘ dynamic. The percussion and synth work also contributed to the HOT MESS‘ fun-filled nature. I also like how the upbeat nature of HOT MESS comes off naturally. The members all sound great in the song. If I were to pick, the vocals in the pre-choruses and JIHOO’s raps in the second verse were the best of both deliveries. The hooks are repetitive but catchy. The “I’m a mess” is quite effective and a good introduction to the choruses’ melodies (which I also greatly enjoyed). If I were to critique HOT MESS, its short length limits its potential. While HOT MESS is all good, it easily could have packed extra punch. But frankly, there was not enough time to explore that potential.

As expected with a fun song, the music video features more colour than what I am used to for EVNNE. But it isn’t exactly a vibrant set of colours. There are darker tones and shades used in the video, commonly used for a boy group to illustrate their toughness in a light-hearted video. It also lends well to the song’s harsher pop-rock influences. In the midst of the fun, the members represent worker ants because of the marching the start and the underground setting. And these worker ants also bake cakes. Their cakes are popular, but EVNNE is a ‘hot mess’ whilst baking and serving the cakes to their customers. At one point, they were throwing handful of cakes at their loyal fanbase. Though, I am sure it more so for portraying the fun and quirkier concept they were going for.

The choreography sees the group bring forth a very playful side of themselves. There were a lot of smiles and fun moments throughout the entire performance. The energy EVNNE puts into their delivery and exude from the performance is infectious. I don’t think anyone can help but grin widely while watching EVNNE perform HOT MESS.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8.5/10
Overall Rating – 8.1/10

[Review] PYTHON – GOT7

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Out of the releases released while I was on break, I was most excited for GOT7’s long-awaited return. I have been looking forward to sitting down and reviewing the lead single, PYTHON. It is the title track from their 13th mini-album, WINTER HEPTAGON, which dropped in January. We last saw GOT7 as a group in 2022 through their 12th mini-album GOT7 and the single NANANA.

PYTHON features a very subdued trap-based instrumental, serving as the backdrop to showcase the group’s affinity for the hip-hop genre. There is also this harp-like synth recurring in the mix that feels quite calming and soothing. Altogether, PYTHON‘s instrumental is very low-key and minimalist, yet also chic and stylish. Also, it somehow doesn’t come off as repetitive to me. When the instrumental brings in some new elements, like the broad vibrating synth in the pre-choruses, these elements really pop. And I quite like that contrast. Another aspect of PYTHON that made it a great release was the vocals. I really like how expressive some of the members were (i.e., YOUNGJAE and YUGYEOM). On the flip side, I like how some other members were lowkey (i.e., JAY B, JACKSON and MARK). It is an interesting dynamic that actually showcases the members well. JINYOUNG does a great job in the pre-choruses, smoothly giving PYTHON some momentum. I also enjoyed PYTHON‘s darker tones, a side of GOT7 that I have previously enjoyed. We have BAMBAM to applaud for that, who was one of the producers behind PYTHON. Unfortunately, I do have a complaint to make, and it is about PYTHON‘s very short length. PYTHON sometimes feels like it wraps as soon as it starts, and I don’t find this satisfying. Overall, it’s a great song from GOT7, but something longer would have been appreciated.

As mentioned above, PYTHON has some dark tones, which were brought to life well in the music video. The song speaks to how the hold someone has on them is like a python’s grip, preventing them from moving on. That’s why we see the members stuck in the same location in their solo shots at the start. For example, JINYOUNG is walking in one spot, and YOUNGJAE is unable to leave the chair surrounded by microphones. Even on the plane (a form of transportation to move people), the members wear the same stylish black suits as in their earlier solo shots. This shows us they are ‘stuck’ in this form. In the latter scenes, the members escape the ‘hold’ and don more casual wear. But we see BAMBAM getting pulled back into the plane and black suit because the python’s grip is too firm at the end. This suggests someone has a strong hold on them, just like a python’s grip. In amongst the above, the music video cleverly incorporates elements from GOT7’s older music videos. I noticed the plane from their Flight Log series, the airline service trolley that JACKSON throws in their Hard Carry music video and the members lying down in a circle from their You Calling My Name era.

The choreography looked quite cool. I liked how they utilised the beats well to showcase the hip-hop style. The start of the chorus brings in imagery that looks like the python fangs and the AHGASE (GOT7’s fanclub’s name) hand sign. JINYOUNG’s solo moments in the pre-choruses are my highlight for the routine.

Song – 8.5/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 8.5/10
Overall Rating – 8.7/10

[Review] CBZ (Prime Time) – BSS (SEVENTEEN)

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Another song released while I was on vacation was BSS’ (SEVENTEEN’s Boo Seungkwan, DK and HOSHI) CBZ (Prime Time). It is the title track from the unit’s second single album, Teleparty, which dropped in early January. CBZ (Prime Time) is BSS’ first comeback since their massive hit Fighting (ft. Lee Young Ji) from 2023 and their unit debut, Just Do It, in 2018.

All of BSS’ title tracks have been fun and always contain a positive message. CBZ (Prime Time) continues that tone and messaging. This time, the fun side of CBZ (Prime Time) comes from the instrumental’s jazzy elements. It made for quite a dynamic and funky piece. As for the positive message, CBZ (Prime Time) speaks to the idea that youth is not an age, but rather a mindset. The Korean title of the song is also a ‘Cheers’ acronym in Korean. The Korean title also means ‘jeans’, which is an element that the music video features (more on that in the next section). As for the other elements that make up CBZ (Prime Time), there is much to like in the song. I really enjoyed the expressive nature of the members’ vocals. A fun instrumental doesn’t necessarily guarantee a fun song. The vocals are a definite factor in helping bring life to the song, and CBZ (Prime Time) features an engaging delivery from the trio. The hooks were fantastic and got the song stuck in my mind after several listens. My only concern for the song is its longevity. Based on what I have seen, CBZ (Prime Time) doesn’t have the same pull on the Korean charts and social media as Fighting did. Regardless, it is another fantastic song by BSS.

As mentioned earlier, the music video visually conveys a few of the messages. With the youth mindset, this is done via the choruses, where the members have fun. They take the office workers to the pub while also partying it up at the end. The members also hand out jeans to bring that alternative meaning to the Korean title into the choreography. They make it the uniform of having fun, which makes sense, given jeans are more casual than office wear or school uniforms. The music video also features cameos from some Korean actors like Uhm Jung Hwa, Gal So Won, Jung Young Joo and Moon Sang Hoon.

Hands down, the best part of the choreography is when they launch into the final chorus. The dance challenge for this comeback may have played a part in this, but it was the most memorable section. Elsewhere in the performance, a fair bit is going on. I like how jumpy the dancing was – it probably feels like a workout. I also enjoyed how they integrated the idea of youth being a mindset and showed off their jeans in the routine.

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