The yr in Ok-pop formally kicks off with an previous promise lastly fulfilled. For these of us who loved JYP and PSY’s 2021 survival collection Loud, it’s been an extended await the debut of KickFlip. 4 of the 5 guys stay within the group, with three further members added for the reason that collection ended. Their debut is ready for January twentieth however pre-release Umm Nice (응 그래) provides the primary style of their sound.

One of many causes I used to be so enthusiastic about this group was that, judging by their work on the collection, it felt as if they’d be growing a distinct sound than previous JYP boy teams. Vivid, melodic dance music gave the impression to be on the desk, as evidenced by the fellows’ nice finale monitor Get Loud. Nevertheless, a lot can change in three-and-a-half years and Umm Nice appears to veer nearer to anticipated sounds for the company. Personally, I’m extra liable to title it “Umm… okay?“.

The monitor builds itself upon a unusual hip-hop beat, melding cavernous bass with bubble-popping synth and abrasive percussion touches. In Ok-pop parlance, the manufacturing takes a bit from NCT and a bit from Stray Children, however jogs my memory most strongly of GD & TOP’s 2010 hit Knock Out. There’s not a lot singing to be discovered, because the monitor’s hook hinges upon a repetitive catchphrase delivered in a decrease register that compliments the instrumental. The one exception occurs in the course of the pre-chorus, which develops a pleasant sense of freefall as each the vocal and manufacturing quickly descend. Umm Nice is equal components addictive and annoying, and I’m actually undecided which can win out ultimately. So far as a pre-debut monitor goes, it definitely doesn’t bowl me over however the door remains to be open for sturdy music sooner or later.

Grade: C+