Although JYP Leisure has been energetic in Japan for a few years, lady group NiziU was an early experiment in “J-pop group produced by Korean company.” With corporations like HYBE, SM and Lapone following swimsuit, this technique has turn out to be extra widespread as time has gone on. It’s altering the J-pop idol panorama and blurring the strains between markets.

NiziU have completed fairly properly since their 2020 debut and so they’re at some extent the place they will start to experiment with their sound. Rise Up isn’t an entire sonic shift, however the track is certainly edgier than most of their work up to now. The women sing in a decrease register and the thumping beat presents a mixture of propulsion and temper that works properly. Symphonic accents add drama, particularly because the observe launches into its refrain. Although its melody is considerably monotone, I like the primary half of this hook. It’s very debut-era LE SSERAFIM — breathy coolness wrapped in a classy package deal.

The track by no means loses focus, whilst a rap-heavy second verse switches its strategy. The instrumental is stable as a rock, and acts as Rise Up‘s particular MVP. The manufacturing is probably not distinctive, but it surely’s polished to a sheen and unveils a sturdy tone that performs completely alongside NiziU’s vocals. I’d love to listen to them discover this sound additional.

Grade: B