There have been a variety of nice boy group debuts this yr, 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 Might’s Freeze simply their finest title monitor but. Their third mini album is scheduled for later this month and promotions kick off as we speak with pre-release Band-Help (반창고).
Regardless of a couple of misgivings (does that incessant entice percussion recall the irritating twisting of a wind-up toy to anybody else?), Band-Help is anchored by a standout refrain that provides a really promising roadmap for KickFlip’s future. As TWS’s sensible hey! hey! confirmed us final yr, there are plenty of nice sounds (and melodies!) to be mined from idol-pop-meets-teen-rock. Band-Help 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 monitor bursts into its thrilling refrain.
Whereas the percussion stays a difficulty, 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 a lot better with out the tinniness. From right here, Band-Help truncates its segments, choosing briskness somewhat than improvement. This looks like a missed alternative, however I’m keen to miss the failings with a refrain this enjoyable.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Grade: B
