A Ok-pop act’s title monitor isn’t all the time the very best tune on their album, even when it’s the one most individuals will hear. Generally, b-sides deserve recognition too. Within the singles-oriented world of Ok-pop, I wish to highlight a few of these buried treasures and provides them the props they deserve.

Each boy group price their salt wants a monitor referred to as Firework, and simply as that title implies these songs normally supply a celebratory rush of pleasure. ZEROBASEONE’s Firework arrives on their latest Japanese EP. Their J-pop work tends to lean closely into the sound of that market, however Firework is produced by a cadre of Korean skills and feels rather more like traditional Ok-pop.

The tune’s opening chants don’t precisely encourage confidence, however the thrilling guitar riffs and anthemic melodies that comply with get us heading in the right direction. From right here, Firework bounds with indefatigable power. It’s nudged alongside by a sturdy instrumental that provides strings and rugged digital bass to the combo that give the monitor a way of fullness. We’ve heard numerous productions like this in Ok-pop, however few throw as many alternative components on the wall as Firework does. This bombast buoys a stable — however unremarkable — sequence of melodies. And at over three and a half minutes, the tune is allowed to construct towards a real climax. I’d love to listen to a sound like this for the group’s upcoming Korean comeback.

Grade: B+