Although I had waited years for KickFlip’s debut, the ensuing music left me largely chilly. It’s clear that JYP Leisure needs to provide them a youthful, rebellious idea, however the songs felt like they might have been delivered by another boy group of this technology and the hooks usually grated once I needed them to soar.

New single Freeze isn’t miles away from that debut materials, however by including a dose of rock bombast the monitor is ready to anchor its extra tiresome components with a triumphant refrain. Actually, each a part of the track that doesn’t characteristic electrical guitar may use a rewrite. The verses are plonky and underwhelming and the tempo-shifting “freeze” breakdowns ought to have been jettisoned fully. However when the blokes lock in to the monitor’s pop/rock refrain, Freeze turns into an lively burst of summer time singalong bliss. I do know Okay-pop prides itself on mixing genres and upending expectations, however generally an easy banger is the way in which to go and KickFlip match this sound very effectively.

This distinction leaves me in an odd place with Freeze. I discover myself sitting by means of a bunch of musical nonsense with the information that there’s an excellent rush of adrenaline ready round each nook. Many songs this yr are extra nonsense than “nice rush,” so I assume I ought to be grateful for child steps in the appropriate course. If KickFlip can construct upon the strongest moments of Freeze for future comebacks, their third time would possibly simply be the appeal.

Grade: B