Necessary navy enlistment can usually be a giant hurdle in a male idol’s profession, however WOODZ has seen his reputation skyrocket through the time he was serving. I can’t bear in mind such an enormous enlistment-era glow-up taking place earlier than, and WOODZ appears wanting to capitalize on the surge. Forward of a brand new album, he’s launched new music Smashing Concrete solely days after being discharged.
That is additionally fairly unparalleled, and a testomony to WOODZ’s focus. He’s clearly keen about his profession as a musician and we’re all fortunate for that. And moderately than re-emerge with a sentimental “for the followers” ballad, he’s come out rocking exhausting. In actual fact, Smashing Concrete goes tougher than absolutely anything in his discography up to now. It is a daring selection, particularly as his present breakthrough monitor Drowning is much extra plaintive as compared.
Smashing Concrete borrows closely from the rock music of the 90’s — a style and sound that was extremely fashionable in Korea earlier than the idol business took maintain. This music is uncooked and highly effective, although lacks a bit in terms of melodic hooks. The instrumental shreds with hulking energy, pushed by a pummeling riff and aggressive percussion. WOODZ’s vocals are filtered all through, virtually as if he’s singing in a special house than the band. A lot of the music is comprised of what I’d name “melodic shouting,” which may be enjoyable but additionally exhausting. I’d have beloved to listen to a contrasting second of readability that cuts by way of the distorted texture, however I don’t assume Smashing Concrete needs to be that form of music. I like what it’s doing, however I doubt I’ll return to it.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
Grade: C+