There have been quite a lot of nice boy group debuts this 12 months, and KickFlip have been the primary out of the gate. However regardless of their (over)lengthy gestation since 2021’s Loud survival sequence, their music didn’t instantly join with me the best way different teams’ has. It’s been a slower burn, with Could’s Freeze simply their finest title observe but. Their third mini album is scheduled for later this month and promotions kick off as we speak with pre-release Band-Assist (반창고).
Regardless of just a few misgivings (does that incessant entice percussion recall the irritating twisting of a wind-up toy to anybody else?), Band-Assist is anchored by a standout refrain that gives a really promising roadmap for KickFlip’s future. As TWS’s sensible hey! hey! confirmed us final 12 months, there are a whole lot of nice sounds (and melodies!) to be mined from idol-pop-meets-teen-rock. Band-Assist is at its finest when it leans into these components. Its opening verse is a complete buzzkill, pulling again with that annoyingly tinny percussion. However after this, we’re off to the races because the observe bursts into its thrilling refrain.
Whereas the percussion stays a problem, I like the blazing guitar that takes priority throughout this section. There’s an actual sense of launch throughout this refrain, echoed by effusive melodies that completely channel the vitality. The slowed-down verse two is a little bit of a disappointment, however works significantly better with out the tinniness. From right here, Band-Assist truncates its segments, choosing briskness moderately than growth. This looks like a missed alternative, however I’m keen to miss the issues with a refrain this enjoyable.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Grade: B